Thing 23 Final Thoughts

Well, it is a good feeling to be able to accomplish the 23 things that were set before us. Prior to "23 things on a stick" I had previously either heard or used some of the web tools we learned about. After delving into each of the 23 things, I think the most useful to me professionally would be the RSS feeds and personally, the photo (flickr), graphic editors & the organizers. Thank you all for coordinating such an effort!

Thing 22 Ways to keep up

It is easier to "make" a resolution than to actually "carry out" the resolution. I will definitely be using many of the web tools we learned about. I think if you keep in mind to set aside 15 minutes per day, then one could keep up with all the technological tools available to us!
Then, every day, we could ask ourselves, "What did I learn today?"
Today I learned about a Ning, signed up, customized and utilized my very own ning!
The RSS feeds I signed up for are:
ALA techsource, Library stuff, Shifted Librarian, and Webjunction. Since it's inception, my goal has been to take classes from Webjunction. I always think I will "when I have time". After participating in "23 things" I know I just have to set time aside each day to accomplish this goal!

Thing 21 Other Social Networks

Visit 23thingamajigs

Thing 20 Libraries & Social Networks

I realize that social networking is heavily used by young people but personally I would never use either Facebook or Myspace. Although for the library that may be a different story. It looks like creating a social website has far more advantages compared to creating a blog. Being in a smaller library, there isn't a demand for creating one at this time especially since there is so much to do already with the other applicable web tools! I don't anticipate utilizing such a tool. Although I am impressed by the HCO & Denver's Library MySpace sites. If I did create a social page for our library I would choose Facebook. I think it would be fun to "connect" with teens and young adults on their level!

Thing 19 Podcasts

Podcasts are a great resource that should be utilized and promoted more in libraries. There are many ways a library could implement the use of podcasts. One could offer Seniors to come in and listen to specific area of interest, etc. I doubt I would ever have the time to make my own podcast. I did enjoy learning about this web tool. I had never taken the time to look into it. I listened to Backcountry music for kids & MPR savvytraveler. I really liked the itunes technology software capabilities! We already use the Endnote software for specialized collections we have locally. Since our society is "on the go", podcasts are an alternate source for audio materials readily available through the web!

Thing 18 You tube & other online video

I think both google and youtube are set so similar, it was harder to distinguish which site may be better. Youtube seems to be more popular even though its owned bu Google. Videos online is perfect for people to view or tour places and events never possible before. Determining the best way to utilize this tool without offending or worrying about privacy issues in a library may be a challenge. I chose an avalanche video because capturing such phenomenons are incredible!

Thing 17 ELM Productivity Tools

ELM is a very effective tool in our library. I often teach people about the various databases so they can use it on their own. ELM has so much to offer. Although most of the databases are efficient tools in accessing the information sught, I often am disappointed in Netlibrary. Netlibrary is difficult for library customers to access and whe I do search for materials, I often find nothing to satisfy the customer. I was unable to set up the RSS feed from ELM.

Thing 16 Student 2.0 Tools

The research project calculator and the U of M's assignment calculator are awesome tools for college students! I think that high school students aren't as organized or are assigned as tenuous projects to use the research project calculator. Libraries could possibly utilize the research project tool in strategic planning for library projects. It would help prioritize the steps needed to complete long term projects in a timely fashion.

Thing 15 Online Games and Libraries

Virtual gaming is definitely very popular today. I can see many people using Second Life. The virtual tour is very helpful in getting started. It takes a while to figure out where you should go, etc. There is a lot of potential for utilizing the virtual gaming community in the library. It may be what's needed to reach certain people who may not visit the library. With high speed internet libraries are able to provide the services for online virtual gaming. This is one way for people to experience the services of a library in the virtual world. I think there are so many games already I would not want to single out any by supporting one in particular. Runescape members continue to visit the library to play online.

Thing 14 Library Thing

I looked at Library thing and created an account but I'm not quite sure how to get the titles to show up on the blog(it's late). I like this web tool and think it would be advantageous for a library to implement such a tool for their customers. I really like the idea of visuals for new book displays instead of the "old" word documents! This web tool would be very useful for special collections unique to a library.

Thing 13 Online Productivity Tool

• I chose the Pageflake site because it was very appealing and super easy to use. I have used the PDF converters in the past and they are helpful. I like how easy Zamzar allows the conversion of files. Seems like there is always some technology not compatible at the moment! I think I would utilize both the countdown and the calendars at work. Calendars can be useful online because groups can view/edit the calendar, whether it is for personal or for professional use. Of course most everyone makes "to do" lists but I think that it would be wasting time to actually log in to a site to write your priorities down. It's not as efficient as writing the list by hand and then being productive by taking the time to do those things on the list. I did spend some time exploring some of the other sites: Ta-da, 30 boxes, backpack calendar, stickies and Stikket.
  

Thing 12 Do you Digg?

Personally I don't see that I would utilize the social sites such as newsvine, reddit or digg. I think they are productivity detractors, especially working short handed. More reliable sources would provide the information needed instead of utilizing a social network. I probably wouldn't choose to read these articles except in a class such as this. It was worthwhile looking into these particular web tools though!

Thing 11Tagging and Del.icio.us

Like the other collaboration tools we are learning about, Tagging and Del.icio.us are a fantastic way for individuals to utilize the web without worrying about owning their own computer. For example, students (and professionals) would utilize Tagging and Del.icio.us for organizing their web "online" work (and life)! This could be implemented by a library for educating the public. There are always MANY websites used when teaching a technology class. Tagging and Del.icio.us could be a way to organize all the applicable sites.

Thing 10 Learn about wikis

While researching the wiki concept I found it very interesting that online readers use wikis as reliable sources of information. I can certainly understand the teacher's viewpoint on banning wikis. The information may be unreliable yet students are most likely to peruse the information and should be taught validation of resources.. The types of applications within libraries and schools that might work well with a wiki would be either colloborated efforts with local organizations for historical purposes, book clubs readers, specialized groups within a school or district, etc. I added an entry on the 23 things on a stick wiki.

JON the Hamster

Thing 9 Online Collaboration Tools

I have used Google docs quite a bit in the past. Our family uses google docs because of its versatility for all parties involved. Teachers may view documents, kids may edit their assignments at home and school, parents edit the family calendar. This is a great tool epspecially for the kids. Since the school district filters access to personal email, students may login in to google and work on powerpoint, word docs, etc without the worry if the pc they are using actually has the software they need. I do like the applications in zoho writer. Not sure if I would switch over though since I've used google docs for so long. Both allow anyone who knows the address/login to look at the document(s) and if you are invited to do so, edit as well.
The collaboration web tools help those without a computer or can't afford the office suites from major software companies. Not sure what the Founding Fathers would think about the freeware web tools...

Thing 8 Share Presentation

There are many ways one would use the various applications both for library and personal use. Sharing photos is a common use of the web. Presentations take time to put together but once you do, why not share them? Customers could view a power point presentation or podcast on a new technological services at their library (i.e. downloading audio books) Having steps available online would educate more individuals without having to sit down and show the steps in person. Library staff are constantly educating the public on web technologies. Having a podcast to view on all the electronic databases would save time for employees.

Thing 7 Web 2.0 Communication Tools

Web 2.0 Communication tools

Email: Our library utilizes email daily for communicating with library customers, professional colleagues, Federal and State governmental contacts as well as operational uses such as programming, online orders, blog news and events.

IM & Text messaging : Being a small library it would not be worth our while to IM with the customers. Typically there is only one staff member working with the general public which allows very little “desk” time.

Web conferencing: I feel this technology is vital to all libraries, especially libraries in rural areas. Web conferencing may be utilized for educating library employees as well as replacing ITV for administrators. Minitex has an array of webinars to view. I have viewed ELM, ebooks and Netlibrary webinars in the past.

Thing 6 Online Image Generator

Using all the various flickr mashups would certainly add visuals to the library's publicity advertisements. If only there was more time in a day! :)

Thing 5 More fun with Flickr

Utilizing the various Flickr mashup tools for children's programming in the library would be easy & fun. I am very concerned about privacy issues with children. The photos uploaded should be scrutinized for any privacy issues that may arise.

Author program

Picture 010
Originally uploaded by snowmore21

Hand made hats on display

"A soldier-like way" : the material culture of the British Infantry 1751-1768 / by R. R. Gale

Author signing

Picture 025
Originally uploaded by snowmore21

"A soldier-like way" : the material culture of the British Infantry 1751-1768 / by R. R. Gale

Thing 4 Explore Flickr

This photo was taken & uploaded

on Flickr by: T.SC's photostream

I think I would you use Flickr after author programs or library fund raiser events. I have used photo hosting services personally but have not used any for the library. I definitely would be selective when uploading any photos from children's events. This is a great tool for new books.

Thing 3 Learn RSS

I had heard about RSS and Atom feeds but had never used them before. I never had much time for searching blogs and the RSS feed makes it so much easier to have automatic updates sent to you. I set up accounts in both Google and Bloglines. Both have their advantages in searching capabilities and limiting feed results. I like bloglines best. I personally would use bloglines for feeds of professional interest because it is difficult to be able to sit with uninterrupted time and read journal articles. I see libraries using RSS, etc for keeping current on author programs, new books, activities or closures.

Thing 2 Library 2.0/Web 2.0

Library 2.0 is a fabulous way for libraries to participate in the ongoing technologies over the World Wide Web. Being able to "try" out all the current features on the web will assist libraries in utilizing new technological tools.

Thing 1. Create an Avatar

Thing 1. Set Up Your Blog

I am happy to participate in “23 things on a stick” educational opportunity. I do have to admit that I have blogged before. It is not a high priority on my list because it is time consuming. I generally use the blog to post comments about activities. I like the Blogger software because its very simple to use. I feel uncomfortable using the blog personally, but it is a fabulous resource for a library! It can be used to host events, update on construction projects or getting documents out to the public. Publishing posts using Blogger is fast, convenient and flexible.