Number 23

Well, I am finally here at number 23. I have really enjoyed completing and comprehending the Library 2.0 23 things. Items I think I will continue to use include LibraryThing and of course YouTube. The LibraryThing website has become my new obsession. I have already made a long list of books to read using recommendations from my previous read material.

Going through this process, I now recognize several features of the websites I visit daily that I did not know were there a couple of months prior. In fact, I was looking at a Scrapbooking page the other day and saw the logo for del.icio.us. I go on this site weekly and never recognized it before I encountered Library 2.0. There is so much more to the Internet then I realized before this program. I will continue to investigate certain items like podcast and Flickr to become better aware of their benefits.

I agree with my fellow employees who completed the 23 things, that it is impossible to complete at work, especially if you are part time and work in circulation. Since we have less off the desk time, work at home was a must. However, I enjoyed the weekly encouragement emails and seeing who complete before me, so I could ask them for advice.

If offered again, I would definitely sign up! At first, I was unsure if I could complete all the task but after completing, I can't wait to learn more.

My final observation:

• Library 2.0 made you think about the future of the library and how important technology is in today's world, if you didn't realize that already.
• Lifetime learning is all around us, you need to only stop and take the time to embrace and learn!

NetLibrary

After investigating NetLibrary and Overdrive, I don't see me using this in the future. If I was still in college, it would be great to have ebooks of the many textbooks you are required to buy. In the academic world, ebooks are great resource since it seems like the publisher always has a new version for every upcoming school year. I prefer to have a book in hand then to read it sitting at a computer. However, I can see the usefulness for rare book collections and university or institutional private collections. Or for individuals who have the need to have access to any book available 24/7.

Podcast

There are so many podcast out there, at first it is a little overwhelming. I searched for book talks and reviews and found a few relevant podcast, however you must weed out the ones without any real information. After narrowing down to the more specific topic of reviews for Water for Elephants, I was able to find several episodes with the author Sara Gruen. I think this will be something I will look into for future books I have read or am thinking about reading. I really never have listen to many podcast in the past, but I believe the convenient of being about to save certain episodes is wonderful. I now will pay more attention when something I am listening to on the radio has a podcast.
When checking out the MERLIN links for podcast, I particularly liked the Westerville Library podcast, especially the Spanish storytime. What a great option and way for Spanish speaking families to be introduced to the library in a community or for practicing Spanish listening skills. On an administrative level, podcast are a great way to have more people trained within a system by posting the podcast for employees to review on their own time or at their own pace.

No Cookies in the Library

This is one of the clips I found when doing a simple search of library on YouTube. I think the librarian needs a lesson in customer service, but sometimes are patrons act like Cookie Monster! Who knows maybe the library of the future will have full service restaurants, like Barnes and Noble, and we all can have COOKIES!!

I believe that YouTube is a great asset for marketing for how the library of the future can help the public. Having a video of past programs or book talks would enable others to experience the program, and heighten interest for future events. YouTube has changed the way people view the Internet and isn't that the background of Learning 2.0. Having videos, if even just a welcome statement on a website would be such a great feature.

Web 2.0 Award Exploration

I decided to explore Etsy, which is a place you can sell and buy handmade items. I love this site because it gives a marketplace for so many creative artist and people who love crafts. It breaks it down by categories, sellers, color and even where the seller is located geographically. I could see this site helping lots of artist connect with buyers outside of their local area. Even their blog provides info on the best way to photograph items. I have added it to my Bloglines account. A library could use this site when helping people promote their craft or if someone is looking for a particular item or artist. The forum also provides research on business promotion, ideas, and provides a community for fellow crafters. In addition, it could be used to gain information on upcoming events and programs.
http://www.etsy.com/

Google Docs

I decided to add one of my favorite songs to my blog using Google Docs.

One More Day

LAST NIGHT I HAD A CRAZY DREAM
A WISH WAS GRANTED JUST FOR ME,
IT COULD BE FOR ANYTHING
I DIDN'T ASK FOR MONEY
OR A MANSION IN MALIBU
I SIMPLY WISHED, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

ONE MORE DAY
ONE MORE TIME
ONE MORE SUNSET, MAYBE I'D BE SATISFIED
BUT THEN AGAIN
I KNOW WHAT IT WOULD DO
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

FIRST THING I'D DO, IS PRAY FOR TIME TO CRAWL
THEN I'D UNPLUG THE TELEPHONE
AND KEEP THE TV OFF
I'D HOLD YOU EVERY SECOND
SAY A MILLION I LOVE YOU'S
THAT'S WHAT I'D DO. WITH ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

LEAVE ME WISHING STILL FOR ONE MORE DAY

Sandbox Wiki

I successful added by blog to the favorite page and even created a new page with little to no trouble. Please visit and see my favorite things of summer.
http://marylandlibrariessandbox.pbwiki.com/favorite+things+of+summer

Wikis

I explored the different wikis listed in the 23 things and found the Library Success:Best Practices very informative. It is worth going back and reviewing the policies list and ways we help the public. I also found the jobs section a great resource. The Princeton Library wiki had great suggestions for books and included a review on the current book I am read, Water for Elephants. I had the same impression of the book as the reviewer (a must reader for everyone!). The SJCPL had great resources under their subject headings. I like how they listed the new books in crafts, provided the best websites and even listed the current events of the library. What a great marketing tool for the library and a way to allow people to see what a library can offer, even if they are by their computer at home. I think this could be the best asset for a library system to use wikis.

The Future of Libraries

I think it is great libraries are evolving to include new technologies within the Web 2.0, however we should not forget human interaction and the people standing in front of our desk. Variation in the way we provide information can only make the library stronger. The library of the future will allow more people than in the local area of the library to access and gain knowledge, and allowing the user to access their own way. Some groups may like instant research, while another group still like to check out books. I hope in the future, the library will allow all groups to continue to enjoy the luxury of the public library.

Technorati

I again see how this could be useful for people who are on the computer all day researching and reading blogs, however I don't see me using this everyday or even every month. When searching Learning 2.0, I found over 22, 000 blogs, which crazy to even imagine. I did click on a few and found other library employees all across the country doing the same 23 things, which was great to see. I even found a link to my own blog when typing in library + learning 2.0. I looked over some of the favorites, videos and top searches. All are great to look at, but lack substance.

del.icio.us

I checked out the del.icio.us website and thought it would be worth while to register if you were researching several items, since it connects you to other sources. However, I don't think I would use this service at the present time. I don't research that many items on the web and I still like having my favorites on my toolbar. It seems like too much unsubstantial material to look though to get a meaningful website or blog with information you can use. I did enjoy the popular searches of the day and added a few to my favorites.

Rollyo

I created my own search engine on Rollyo today and it seems pretty useful, but added all the websites is sort of time consuming. I add a search containing all the cooking websites I use most often for recipes. When I search using PEACHES, Rollyo provided all the recipes from the websites I listed with recipes for peaches. This could be useful if you had a project on a certain subject and wanted to search within only that group like; World War II websites or genealogy or United States. Another tool I did not realize was out there but glad to know a little about it.

LibraryThing and the Virtual Library

I thing this is the most interesting tool which I have explored to this point in Learning 2.0. I love that you can add books to your virtual library and get suggestions based on what you have already read. I can't wait to add all the books from my list of reading materials I have kept since 2001! I even was successful in adding the LibraryThings blog to my Bloglines account. http://www.librarything.com/

My Avatar

I added my likeness to my blog and provided a seasonal background. I know it's still technically summer, but I love autumn. I will be raking leaves in no time and enjoying the fall colors! http://uk.avatars.yahoo.com/

MERLIN and Assorted Searches

I explored the MERLIN website and successfully subscribed to the news feed. It was great to see Maurice, another Harford County employee, on the front page! After some search and exploring using the searches provided, I was able to find several blogs on a variety of topics. I even subscribed to several on felting and craft projects. I added to my Blog lines account a variety of library and book resources, which will be interesting to review.

Bloglines and RSS

I can't see myself checking this everyday and relying on it for information. Maybe weekly, however I will still go to the newspaper websites I read daily until I understand RSS feeds. It kind of limits the information you receive. For instance, I go to the Washington Post website, I don't just read the book reviews. I breeze over the articles and decide what seems interesting that day. It might be in the Style section, Sports or Metro, etc. You might read something that you didn't think you were interest you but on that day it looked like a great article to read. That is a way to continue learning not by having the same topics sort out for you. I guess as a further investigate the RSS feeds, I might like it more. However, I do love the Comedy Central Daily Show videos!

Fun trying to use the Trading Card Maker

This is my attempt at using the Trading Card Maker. I used an old photo from my 2nd Christmas and the beginning of my passion for cooking and entertaining. The trading cards could be fun for a birthday party, graduations, etc.

Technology Interest of the Week

The technology I am excited about this week is Google Earth. As I am planning for my trip to Maine, I can check the best routes and the small towns along the way. I love to zoom onto Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to see the web cams and photos. You can also connect directly to Wikipedia and read about the region and find out about current events. Or find out about lodging, restaurants and different attractions. I can preview all the restaurants and find out where the best lobster can be found. It's such a great planning tool for travelling!

My Next Adventure

Can't wait to visit Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine in August

A Splash in the Morning, Maine, 2007
Originally uploaded by RiversideWisker

Favorite Places

Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Many Glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana

Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This week I have signed up for Flickr. Since I already have a Yahoo account and they are connected, it was really easy! I haven't uploaded any of my photos, but I can't wait. I decided to search for some of my favorite places to visit and explore. This includes many National Parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier in Montana. All of the pictures bring back great memories from past trips. I just love to experience new location, cultures and environments. This site could be addicting when trying to complete my travel scrapbooks. Now you could search for the perfect picture if you do not like yours or did not take that particular shot. You can never stop the lifetime learning while travelling!

THE PARROT - FINAL EPISODE

This is a must see!

I can't get enough of this video. For those of you who are not obsessed with mascots, the Parrot is from the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. Other mascots included in the video are the Captain Jolly Roger, Oliver Onion Pierogi, and Hanna Jalapeno Pierogi driving the van.

Week 1: 7 1/2 Habits

I think the hardest habit for me is Habit #2, Accept responsibility for my own learning. In the past, I have stayed in the background of things and let others take charge. However, I need to challenge myself to complete activities and realize I am in control of my future. In some ways, this is why I signed up for Learning 2.0. Being new to the library system, I am trying to embrace any activity which will further my knowledge. Through these exercises, I know I will easily complete Habit #7 1/2, Play!

My First Post!

That was not as hard as I thought it would be after all. The hardest part is coming up with a title!!