Thing 23

I think I can talk the talk even though I still stumble at the walk the walk part. Creating a slide show on Google Docs was my favorite activity. An unexpected take-a-way is that I just recently purchased a home computer and am enjoying exploring. What could you do to improve the format? Perhaps more concrete directions since some our jobs require detailed knowledge of specific software and not as much interpretation of each site used in this lesson series. Trial and error learning can be useful but requires more time.
I actually tested my knowledge by writing an article about the experience in our local newspaper. See below.

ATTN: THUMPHREYS in the Newsroom

Hastings Public Library
Cecilia Slingsby, Cataloger, 461-2346
FOR RELEASE: January 23, 2009


“Library Notes”


As the World Wide Web produces new ways for people to communicate and search for information using Web 2.0 tools, so too must librarians experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies. During the past four months, the Hastings Public Library staff has been taking an online learning program offered by the Nebraska Library Commission. The course, Nebraska Learns 2.0, offers librarians a way to learn together, interact and contribute to the new technologies.
Using Web 2.0 resources, librarians have created their own blog sites, used instant messaging and tapped into RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. They have enhanced their blog sites using Flickr (photos shared online), SlideShare, Image Generator (allows graphic and picture manipulation), and video and image hosting sites. Yes, librarians are twittering (think of broadcasters such as CNN inviting viewers to voice an opinion) and posting tweets too.
For years, libraries have collaborated with each other by borrowing books and sharing ideas. Blogging about how libraries can use wikis, podcasts, YouTube, etc. comes naturally. How can libraries use wikis? Other than the fact that many sites are free to use, libraries already organize subject terms, provide book reviews, etc. and the web is simply another resource.
A favorite website for librarians is “Library Thing.” This site allows creation of an online catalog of your own favorite books, tagging them, and attaching them to a saved list. Libraries have organized and provided shortcuts to patrons for many years. Oh yes, wasn’t there a man named “Dewey” that organized knowledge into ten categories?
Many Web 2.0 sites require learners to discover how to use the site by trial and error. The Hastings Public Library has resources available that may provide answers for many questions such as “What is the difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0?” Read the book “Unleashing Web 2.0: From Concepts to Creativity” by Gottfried Vossen and Stephan Hagemann to find contrasts and potential new products and services in the future. “How to Do Everything with Your Web 2.0 Blog” by Todd Stauffer, “Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That’s Changing Your World” by Hugh Hewitt and “Who Let the Blogs Out?” by Biz Stone will give you a start about understanding blogging tools and using blogging etiquette. Be sure to ask for help from the library guides that know how to explore and may be able to lead you to the information you are seeking.
As you explore, be aware of sites that charge money and sites that may follow you back to your home base. Stay safe as you gain tips from the books “MySpace Unraveled: A Parent’s Guide to Teen Social Networking” by Larry Magid and Anne Collier and “MySpace Safety: 51 Tips for Teens and Parents” by Kevin Farnham and Dale Farnham.
Libraries may not be on the “bleeding” edge of technology, but they have joined the creative edge by using web resources to improve library resources and to help those who use libraries. Take advantage of the human, online, and material resources available at the Hastings Public Library. The Library is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 6 pm Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 1 pm to 5 pm Sunday.

Thing 22

I attempted to find out if there were any china painting podcasts. After trying several directories, I found "The Official Chinapainting Podcast." I expected real live action but got music instead. Perhaps the site expected painters to paint to the music or have it in the background as they were making a podcast.
I then went to the library related podcasts and added "Uncontrolled Vocabulary" to my blogline.
My e-mail gets so many messages that I can't see myself signing up for RSS feeds at this time.
I did go back to Thing 19 and add a slideshow from Google Docs. Too me, the Applications have more value for libraries and personal projects. The only thing I had to ask for major help with was understanding that I had to Share my slideshow with the rest of the world before I could copy and embed a html code.

Thing 21

Thing 20

Took awhile to find a free site. I tried http://colorblender.com/ because it shows thousands of color blends prepared for your palette (I like to paint) but it was trying to sell candles. Then I tried several others before I came to the ifood tv show. This site allows cooks to connect, browse recipes, join blogs and enter competitions. Hungry? Watch this.
http://ifoods.tv/everything-else/Philly-Cheese-Steak-Sandwich/77/

Thing 19

Could definitely see how Web-based apps could put Microsoft out of business. Would have to play more because I do not understand how to make things private very well.
I did make a slide show of my favorite hobby - My China Painting Portfolio. Just click on the arrows in the bottom lefthand corner.

Thing 18

After stumbling around awhile I got into the swing of the wiki. After I added my blog, I added Elfyourself as my favorite website and commented that CNN was my favorite TV Show (especially when the market is so volitable).

Thing 17

I would like to have a wiki for Staff at HPL. Policies and procedures get lost and communications can break down when not all staff are present at the time a decision is made. If we had a wiki we could search by topic easily.
I liked SJCPL Subject Guides and the Bull Run Library example for the public. We have a similiar page for our library staff but a public page would be great!