Thursday, December 13, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Halloween candy
Soon it will be Halloween. Time to buy candy. I like chocolate best. I think a lot of the trick-or-treaters like chocolate, too. This is the first year Halloween will be during Daylight Savings Time.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
October Colors
October is here! The leaves are changing colors and everything is so beautiful! The weather is nice. Mornings are crisp, but the aftenoons are warm. And it's still sunny! This week I'll be married 20 years. I can't believe it.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
September is Back to School
Today is September 1st! Summer is ending, but I love the "Back to School" season. Life is all about learning. There is still so much to learn!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Comments are Improvements!
Hi, Everyone!
I just wanted to let you know Carrottop placed a comment on my previous post, and it is an easier way to fill out the tracking form.
That's what's great about blogs. Thanks for the comment, Carrottop!
I just wanted to let you know Carrottop placed a comment on my previous post, and it is an easier way to fill out the tracking form.
That's what's great about blogs. Thanks for the comment, Carrottop!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Finishing 23 Things
Here are some helpful hints for finishing the 23 Things:
It's a good idea to copy the word document Tracking Form to your computer. Then you can update the blank form and save it.
Complete the tracking form. To find your PERMALINK URL, place the mouse pointer over the clock time of the posting (for example,12:19 PM) shown at the bottom of each post. Your bottom task bar will display the link. Write the whole thing down.
As you complete the tracking form, be sure to hit the enter key after you type in your Permalink URL. That will turn it into a live link.
Be sure to hit "Control" and click on the links you make in the Tracking Form to be sure the link works. A typo will cause an error message to pop up. If typed correctly, it will link directly to that particular posting for the activity.
Save your completed tracking form. Then attach the form to an e-mail and send it to Maurice Coleman.
It's a good idea to copy the word document Tracking Form to your computer. Then you can update the blank form and save it.
Complete the tracking form. To find your PERMALINK URL, place the mouse pointer over the clock time of the posting (for example,12:19 PM) shown at the bottom of each post. Your bottom task bar will display the link. Write the whole thing down.
As you complete the tracking form, be sure to hit the enter key after you type in your Permalink URL. That will turn it into a live link.
Be sure to hit "Control" and click on the links you make in the Tracking Form to be sure the link works. A typo will cause an error message to pop up. If typed correctly, it will link directly to that particular posting for the activity.
Save your completed tracking form. Then attach the form to an e-mail and send it to Maurice Coleman.
Summary 23 Things
23 Things - Item #23
This posting completes my 23 Things for Libraries 2.0! I'm so glad I worked on this project! I really did learn a lot of new tools and skills I will use in the future. And since I hurried to finish, I was able to help co-workers with items when they had questions.
One of my favorite discovery exercises was putting the video into the blog. It was a little tricky, but worth the effort. I also enjoyed LibraryThing.
I agreed with Deb's comment on the participants' main page. She said she felt this experience helped create a community atmosphere. I agree 100%! We are all helping and encouraging each other with tasks. That was an unexpected outcome, I think. This experience is helping library staff work more closely with each other and strenghthening our bonds as a community.
If another experience like this were to be offered in the future, yes, I'd like to participate.
In closing, I really liked the way blogs were used as notebooks where we placed our assignments or discovery exercises. And it was almost like an open book exam. By checking out each others blogs we could learn from their experiences.
This posting completes my 23 Things for Libraries 2.0! I'm so glad I worked on this project! I really did learn a lot of new tools and skills I will use in the future. And since I hurried to finish, I was able to help co-workers with items when they had questions.
One of my favorite discovery exercises was putting the video into the blog. It was a little tricky, but worth the effort. I also enjoyed LibraryThing.
I agreed with Deb's comment on the participants' main page. She said she felt this experience helped create a community atmosphere. I agree 100%! We are all helping and encouraging each other with tasks. That was an unexpected outcome, I think. This experience is helping library staff work more closely with each other and strenghthening our bonds as a community.
If another experience like this were to be offered in the future, yes, I'd like to participate.
In closing, I really liked the way blogs were used as notebooks where we placed our assignments or discovery exercises. And it was almost like an open book exam. By checking out each others blogs we could learn from their experiences.
Downloadable Audiobooks
23 Things Item #22 - Audiobooks
Today I explored Project Gutenberg. I first heard about it in library school. It contains many older classic literary works. Most of them are no longer copyrighted in the US so they can be downloaded for free at this site. Some titles I noted are:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Ulysses by James Joyce
The Raven by Poe
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The download formats differ from book to book. Pride & Prejudice is available in Plain Text or Adobe PDF; Dracula is available as an Apple iTunes audiobook.
Project Gutenberg is a great source for some Reading List books. This can be a great free source of required reading (or listening) for YA patrons!
Today I explored Project Gutenberg. I first heard about it in library school. It contains many older classic literary works. Most of them are no longer copyrighted in the US so they can be downloaded for free at this site. Some titles I noted are:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Ulysses by James Joyce
The Raven by Poe
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The download formats differ from book to book. Pride & Prejudice is available in Plain Text or Adobe PDF; Dracula is available as an Apple iTunes audiobook.
Project Gutenberg is a great source for some Reading List books. This can be a great free source of required reading (or listening) for YA patrons!
Podcast Feed
23 Things Item # 21
I added the podcast feed for Science Friday. I found it on Yahoo Podcasts. It is at the top right corner of this blog.
I did it by selecting "new post." Then I could go to the "Dashboard".
From "Dashboard" you can click on "Layout".
From "Layout" you can "Add Elements" to your blog.
I chose "Feed" and clicked "Add to Blog". From there you just put in the URL and save settings.
I'm having difficulty in adding elements in the posts themselves. It's easier to add elements to your blog in the sidebar or at the bottom of your page, depending on the template you selected.
Hope that helps.
<>
I added the podcast feed for Science Friday. I found it on Yahoo Podcasts. It is at the top right corner of this blog.
I did it by selecting "new post." Then I could go to the "Dashboard".
From "Dashboard" you can click on "Layout".
From "Layout" you can "Add Elements" to your blog.
I chose "Feed" and clicked "Add to Blog". From there you just put in the URL and save settings.
I'm having difficulty in adding elements in the posts themselves. It's easier to add elements to your blog in the sidebar or at the bottom of your page, depending on the template you selected.
Hope that helps.
<
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Podcasts
23 Things Item #21 Podcasts
Today I looked at some of the suggested podcast directories. I preferred Podcast.net to Yahoo Podcasts. Podcasts.net had more and better categories, such as The Arts, which led to books and storytelling.
When I tried to listen to podcasts I was prompted to download software. I was hesitant to do that on work computers because I thought downloading was against library policy. I may try later.
I did NOT like the link to Ask A Ninja. That was very disturbing. The man looked, sounded and acted like a terrorist. It did not encourage me to podcast at all.
Today I looked at some of the suggested podcast directories. I preferred Podcast.net to Yahoo Podcasts. Podcasts.net had more and better categories, such as The Arts, which led to books and storytelling.
When I tried to listen to podcasts I was prompted to download software. I was hesitant to do that on work computers because I thought downloading was against library policy. I may try later.
I did NOT like the link to Ask A Ninja. That was very disturbing. The man looked, sounded and acted like a terrorist. It did not encourage me to podcast at all.
Monday, July 2, 2007
YouTube
23 Things Item #20 YOUTUBE
Interesting - I added a page element from YouTube at the bottom of my Blog. But when I viewed my blog a post was created over the top of the video link stating the owner of the video did not allow embedding. Yet the video playable.
I respected the wished of the owner and removed the YouTube video element. If you wish to see it, go to YouTube and search "prince spaghetti commercial."
The following should be a very short Alka Seltzer commercial (8 seconds)
Interesting - I added a page element from YouTube at the bottom of my Blog. But when I viewed my blog a post was created over the top of the video link stating the owner of the video did not allow embedding. Yet the video playable.
I respected the wished of the owner and removed the YouTube video element. If you wish to see it, go to YouTube and search "prince spaghetti commercial."
The following should be a very short Alka Seltzer commercial (8 seconds)
Web Awards
23 Things Item#19 Web 2.0 Awards
I looked at the short list of award winners. That was very efficient because the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners for different categories are listed. The range of categories is vast - from health to games to real estate to video and more.
I chose to explore the books category. Librarything was #3. I was surprised. Lulu was #1. I did not feel that was fair. They have different purposes concerning books. Lulu is for more for the self-publisher, while Librarything is for the book reader. I prefer Librarything because I like the way it lets me sort books and share reviews.
Zillow is the #1 service for real estate. I have used it often, especially for maps. The maps features and comparable values features are very useful, especially if one is looking for a home in an unfamiliar area.
I looked at the short list of award winners. That was very efficient because the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners for different categories are listed. The range of categories is vast - from health to games to real estate to video and more.
I chose to explore the books category. Librarything was #3. I was surprised. Lulu was #1. I did not feel that was fair. They have different purposes concerning books. Lulu is for more for the self-publisher, while Librarything is for the book reader. I prefer Librarything because I like the way it lets me sort books and share reviews.
Zillow is the #1 service for real estate. I have used it often, especially for maps. The maps features and comparable values features are very useful, especially if one is looking for a home in an unfamiliar area.
Online Productivity
23 Things #18 Online Productivity
Today I got an account on Zoho Writer and made a test wordprocessed document. I also read the Frequently Asked Questions page. It's good that it has the features I'm accustomed to in Microsoft Office Word, such as spell check and sorting. I'm glad that documents can be exported in MS Word format.
I did get a safety alert on the PC asking to allow scripts to open.
Zoho Writer must make it easier for users to publish and collaborate.
Today I got an account on Zoho Writer and made a test wordprocessed document. I also read the Frequently Asked Questions page. It's good that it has the features I'm accustomed to in Microsoft Office Word, such as spell check and sorting. I'm glad that documents can be exported in MS Word format.
I did get a safety alert on the PC asking to allow scripts to open.
Zoho Writer must make it easier for users to publish and collaborate.
Sandbox Wiki
23 Things Item #17
On Friday I added this blog to the list of "Favorite Blogs" page on the MD Libraries Sandbox wiki. It was a little difficult to do, but I went back and carefully re-read the instructions and it worked! An actual live link. I was very happy.
On Friday I added this blog to the list of "Favorite Blogs" page on the MD Libraries Sandbox wiki. It was a little difficult to do, but I went back and carefully re-read the instructions and it worked! An actual live link. I was very happy.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wikis
23 Things Item #16 Wikis
We've all used Wikipedia. It is interesting to see wikis used by libraries. The Bull Run Library's wiki actually links to Merlin and Libraries 2.0! And it's a Prince William, Virginia libary!
I think wiki's are great for finding very current informaion. It's is also good for finding very obscure information. Since anyone can contribute the information, it can be hard to judge its authority. Often I try to verify the info in a wiki by trying to find it in another source.
We've all used Wikipedia. It is interesting to see wikis used by libraries. The Bull Run Library's wiki actually links to Merlin and Libraries 2.0! And it's a Prince William, Virginia libary!
I think wiki's are great for finding very current informaion. It's is also good for finding very obscure information. Since anyone can contribute the information, it can be hard to judge its authority. Often I try to verify the info in a wiki by trying to find it in another source.
Web2.0 Libraries2.0
23 Things Item#15
Today I viewed "Machine is Us/ing Us". Quite intriguing. Digital hypertext is connectivity. Links, tags, content.
I read "Away from Icebergs." I think HCPL really lives its commitment to innovation. This whole MD Libraries Learning 2.0 is innovative. In terms of user education, these 23 things are a way for us to give new technology education to our internal customers (staff, information users), so we can better serve external customers (patrons, who are also information users).
And as for the "Come to Us" idea of library service, HCPL is already beyond that.
"Access, Information, Service - Anytime, Anywhere" We are already going out to our patrons through outreach and over the web. We are user centered and user driven: users (patrons) can easily search the catalog, place their own holds or reserves, are notified of upcoming due dates, can renew materials online, search databases, and more. Plus they can give us their comments, thoughts and ideas in person, on paper, or by just clicking "feedback" on HCPL's home page. So information is free-flowing, not just a one-way street.
As for libraries 5,10,or more years from now - I can't wait to be a part of this changing environment! Just look at the changes from 1997 to 2007! With more to come!
Today I viewed "Machine is Us/ing Us". Quite intriguing. Digital hypertext is connectivity. Links, tags, content.
I read "Away from Icebergs." I think HCPL really lives its commitment to innovation. This whole MD Libraries Learning 2.0 is innovative. In terms of user education, these 23 things are a way for us to give new technology education to our internal customers (staff, information users), so we can better serve external customers (patrons, who are also information users).
And as for the "Come to Us" idea of library service, HCPL is already beyond that.
"Access, Information, Service - Anytime, Anywhere" We are already going out to our patrons through outreach and over the web. We are user centered and user driven: users (patrons) can easily search the catalog, place their own holds or reserves, are notified of upcoming due dates, can renew materials online, search databases, and more. Plus they can give us their comments, thoughts and ideas in person, on paper, or by just clicking "feedback" on HCPL's home page. So information is free-flowing, not just a one-way street.
As for libraries 5,10,or more years from now - I can't wait to be a part of this changing environment! Just look at the changes from 1997 to 2007! With more to come!
Technorati
23 Things Item #14 Discover Technorati
This afternoon I read about Technorati. It is amazing that the site was started only 3 years ago, recently upgraded, and more amazing is the astounding growth of blogs! Just look at the over 200 blogs started by HCPL staff just this month!
Of course tags make topics easier to find. I did a keyword search on "Learning 2.0" in Technorati and found serveral blogs by librarians. One even had a "tag cloud." That really reminded me of Aquabrowser!
Many of the "top favorited blogs" and "top blogs" were the same. And it's no surprise that one of the top searches is the new iphone.
This afternoon I read about Technorati. It is amazing that the site was started only 3 years ago, recently upgraded, and more amazing is the astounding growth of blogs! Just look at the over 200 blogs started by HCPL staff just this month!
Of course tags make topics easier to find. I did a keyword search on "Learning 2.0" in Technorati and found serveral blogs by librarians. One even had a "tag cloud." That really reminded me of Aquabrowser!
Many of the "top favorited blogs" and "top blogs" were the same. And it's no surprise that one of the top searches is the new iphone.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tagging & Del.icio.us
23 Things Item #13
Today I listened to the tutorial about Del.icio.us. (I'm already familiar with tagging.) It's neat that tagging has become a peer driven taxonomy, with freely chosen keywords. The difficulty is when people use "fuzzy" terms such as popular or educational. These are somewhat vague terms that mean different things to different people.
The interconnectivity of Del.icio.us is amazing. I can see how it would be very useful for the exchange of information and ideas.
Today I listened to the tutorial about Del.icio.us. (I'm already familiar with tagging.) It's neat that tagging has become a peer driven taxonomy, with freely chosen keywords. The difficulty is when people use "fuzzy" terms such as popular or educational. These are somewhat vague terms that mean different things to different people.
The interconnectivity of Del.icio.us is amazing. I can see how it would be very useful for the exchange of information and ideas.
Rollyo
23 Things Item #12
Today I started a free account on Rollyo and created a search roll for "crochet". I love to crochet. (Eventually I'd like to give each of my friends a warm and cozy afghan.) My Rollyo search should help people find a lot of free patterns.
I found Rollyo to be similar to Bloglines and Blogger. The interface was fairly clear and easy to follow. It is amazing that all this is free!
Some searches I explored were good, and others were not. One person listed the same site five times. Why? Oh, well. On the whole, tho, I think the searches will be better as more people become aware of Rollyo and more people contribute searches and ideas.
Today I started a free account on Rollyo and created a search roll for "crochet". I love to crochet. (Eventually I'd like to give each of my friends a warm and cozy afghan.) My Rollyo search should help people find a lot of free patterns.
I found Rollyo to be similar to Bloglines and Blogger. The interface was fairly clear and easy to follow. It is amazing that all this is free!
Some searches I explored were good, and others were not. One person listed the same site five times. Why? Oh, well. On the whole, tho, I think the searches will be better as more people become aware of Rollyo and more people contribute searches and ideas.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Library Thing
23 Things Item #11 Library Thing
This afternoon I started a Library Thing account. It was very easy. For free you can catalog 20 book. For $25 you can catalog unlimited books for a lifetime.
I think it's great for keeping track of books. I've tried to add the search box to my blog, but I'm having some difficulty in that. I'll try again later.
Next Day - I added the link. It's at the upper right corner of blog!
This afternoon I started a Library Thing account. It was very easy. For free you can catalog 20 book. For $25 you can catalog unlimited books for a lifetime.
I think it's great for keeping track of books. I've tried to add the search box to my blog, but I'm having some difficulty in that. I'll try again later.
Next Day - I added the link. It's at the upper right corner of blog!
Image Generator
23 Things #10 "Play Around with an online image generator."
I am trying to add an image to my blog.
I am trying to add an image to my blog.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
7 1/2 things & Lifelong Learning
23 Things Item #2
The habit I find most useful is creating your own toolbox for lifelong learning. That is a skill set that can be used in many situations. I find the interpersonal forms of learning - in classes with other people, learning from mentors and friends (their insights are often very valuable) - to be most memorable.
Sometimes I find Habit #6, Using Technology to Your Advantage, to be the hardest. There is definitely a learning curve, and it can be slow going at the beginning. But I won't give up. My goal is to become familiar with the newest technology that patrons want to use at the library
The habit I find most useful is creating your own toolbox for lifelong learning. That is a skill set that can be used in many situations. I find the interpersonal forms of learning - in classes with other people, learning from mentors and friends (their insights are often very valuable) - to be most memorable.
Sometimes I find Habit #6, Using Technology to Your Advantage, to be the hardest. There is definitely a learning curve, and it can be slow going at the beginning. But I won't give up. My goal is to become familiar with the newest technology that patrons want to use at the library
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Item 9
I found a neat library blog called "Shifted Librarian" that covers the ALA conference. It also mentioned controversy about Flickr in Germany & Korea on censorship!
NPR's news feed is very good. (It's at www.npr.org/rss and it also has feed for great programs such as Fresh Air and All Things Considered.) NPR's News Feed is at the bottom of my blog page.
NPR's news feed is very good. (It's at www.npr.org/rss and it also has feed for great programs such as Fresh Air and All Things Considered.) NPR's News Feed is at the bottom of my blog page.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
RSS feeds
23 Things Item #8
Today I subscribed to the Bloglines newsreader for RSS feeds. I chose the "Bookworm" bundle and now subscribe to NYT Book Review, Shifted Librarian, USAToday.com Books, and the Washington Post Book Review!
Today I subscribed to the Bloglines newsreader for RSS feeds. I chose the "Bookworm" bundle and now subscribe to NYT Book Review, Shifted Librarian, USAToday.com Books, and the Washington Post Book Review!
23 Things - Week 3
Today I visited Flickr and explored. (23Things Item #5) It looks like a really great photo sharing site. I still have a film camera, and when I ordered the pictures on a CD along with the prints. That should be a good way to put pictures online.
I found a few mashups. They can be really funny. (23Things Item #6).
This posting is my 23Things Item #7. Sharing photos on Flickr is a good way for families to keep in touch, especially when members may live in different parts of the country. My husband's brothers live in New Hampshire, Virginia, New York and Ohio, so it's really hard for them to get together.
[img]http://images.meez.com/user/11/10/10_10015956923.gif[/img]
I found a few mashups. They can be really funny. (23Things Item #6).
This posting is my 23Things Item #7. Sharing photos on Flickr is a good way for families to keep in touch, especially when members may live in different parts of the country. My husband's brothers live in New Hampshire, Virginia, New York and Ohio, so it's really hard for them to get together.
[img]http://images.meez.com/user/11/10/10_10015956923.gif[/img]
Friday, June 15, 2007
Beginning My "23 Things"
Maryland Libraries Learning 2.0 is sponsoring "23 Things", a way for library staff to increase their knowledge of Internet, Web 2.0, and current computer technology.
Today I signed up and found out about the program. (Item #1)
I discovered a few pointers. (Item #2)
I set up this blog and added my first posts. (Item #3)
So I am on my way!
Today I signed up and found out about the program. (Item #1)
I discovered a few pointers. (Item #2)
I set up this blog and added my first posts. (Item #3)
So I am on my way!
First Entry
Today I'm beginning my blog.
It is a beautiful summery day in Maryland.
I'm at work and it is quiet and peaceful now.
I love my job!
It is a beautiful summery day in Maryland.
I'm at work and it is quiet and peaceful now.
I love my job!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
