RSS feeds cut right down the the nitty gritty! While, I love information and wish I could spend more time reading and consuming it. However, the harsh reality is that there are only so many hours in the day that I can spend reading and learning. I could take the easy way out and just read less, but my goal is to become more efficient at finding the content that I want to read the most.
In my job I am often scouring through media webpages for articles about the Alachua County Library District. I was using the newspaper and television websites to save time browsing through the newspaper and watching the nightly news every evening in hopes of catching a story. The ability to use RSS feeds to find these articles will surely save me even more time. One downfall to using RSS feeds for my search is that most of the more rural papers and stations do not have this level of technology available.
I currently pulled a feed into my blog with the search for articles on Alachua County Library District. I've found that some of the Feeds don't really apply, but others pick up articles I was unable to do so on my own. Including articles that were not picked up by Google News.
One of the News readers I enjoyed the most is NetNewsWire. This site gives me the ability to create folders and move them up or down the list. The things that I need to read every day are at the top, while the blogs that I read only occasionally are near the bottom.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thing #3 Blog Searches
I spent some time this last week exploring Technorati and Google Blog Search, comparing features, ease of use, relevance of search results, etc. I found Google much much easier to use than Technorati. Technorati seems to be raved about as the most used and useful blog search tools, and I'm sure it is, but I found it not as transparent as I would have liked.
When using Google's Blog search I received about 4,446,929 for image transfer compared to only 6,250 results on Technorati. I Narrowed the search even further by placing parenthesis around both words "image transfer" and only received 176 results in Technorati. Most of the blogs I found had this term used in the document, but did not focus specifically on this topic.
However, the videos available in Technorati were very useful as most of them were DIY tutorials on creating image transfers.
I then decided to take a look at Google videos, and found that it came up with 28 videos on "image transfers" some of which were the same, and most of which were on topic.
When using Google's Blog search I received about 4,446,929 for image transfer compared to only 6,250 results on Technorati. I Narrowed the search even further by placing parenthesis around both words "image transfer" and only received 176 results in Technorati. Most of the blogs I found had this term used in the document, but did not focus specifically on this topic.
However, the videos available in Technorati were very useful as most of them were DIY tutorials on creating image transfers.
I then decided to take a look at Google videos, and found that it came up with 28 videos on "image transfers" some of which were the same, and most of which were on topic.
Thing #5 Flickr
I currently use Flickr to post the images seen on the homepage of the ACLD website. When time permits I add the program details in the description and upload the images as a slideshow to the ACLD myspace page as a slideshow set.
In addition, Flickr can be used to post photos at our programs. I particularly like the photos we took at the SM Wells Highwayman program. SM Wells gave a talk and demonstration, the photos show the progression of the painting.
I previously used photobucket on my own several years ago. I was actively involved in Facebook and used photobucket to organize my photos for posting into slides in slide.com. I currently have a slideshow on my myspace page. Although I used to use this site, I've found I don't have as much time for social networking online anymore and have not utilized any of these resources in nearly 2 years.
If I want to upload something to my myspace page I usually just pull the image with the file uploader within the myspace application.
I've gone back and forth about having my photos posted on the web. I am a bit particular about the photos posted and take care not to post unflattering images. Most of my friends are also aware of my wishes and usually ask before posting photos.
In addition, Flickr can be used to post photos at our programs. I particularly like the photos we took at the SM Wells Highwayman program. SM Wells gave a talk and demonstration, the photos show the progression of the painting.
I previously used photobucket on my own several years ago. I was actively involved in Facebook and used photobucket to organize my photos for posting into slides in slide.com. I currently have a slideshow on my myspace page. Although I used to use this site, I've found I don't have as much time for social networking online anymore and have not utilized any of these resources in nearly 2 years.
If I want to upload something to my myspace page I usually just pull the image with the file uploader within the myspace application.
I've gone back and forth about having my photos posted on the web. I am a bit particular about the photos posted and take care not to post unflattering images. Most of my friends are also aware of my wishes and usually ask before posting photos.
Thing #18 Facebook & Myspace
As mentioned previously, I have a myspace page of my own
. I also manage the myspace page for the Alachua County Library District.
I use myspace to keep in touch with friends on my own time. I have a cell phone, but I hate the fact that people expect that you should be available 24/7. I'm on my email account everyday, so when my friends contact me on myspace I have an immediate notification on my email. I've moved over 15 times in the last 8 years, so phone numbers and addresses are in a constant state of change. I've even used myspace as a way to send out notifications when I've lost a cell phone or have other communications problems pop up.
I previously had a Facebook account, but this was when I was in school. At that time Facebook was still limited to those within your school networks. I used Facebook to keep in touch with other people in my classes, exchange information about assignments, and to find out about current events on campus. Once I left college I didn't have much reason to keep both a Facebook and myspace account.
I would like to see our myspace page for Alachua County become more interactive, however it is difficult to maintain such a page as 1 person on work hours. Myspace can suck you in, and some people spend thousands of hours on myspace each year. I don't have that kind of time. So until there is a more collective contribution and interest in myspace by the Library as a whole the myspace page will remain a basic outlet to advertise the library's services.
. I also manage the myspace page for the Alachua County Library District.
I use myspace to keep in touch with friends on my own time. I have a cell phone, but I hate the fact that people expect that you should be available 24/7. I'm on my email account everyday, so when my friends contact me on myspace I have an immediate notification on my email. I've moved over 15 times in the last 8 years, so phone numbers and addresses are in a constant state of change. I've even used myspace as a way to send out notifications when I've lost a cell phone or have other communications problems pop up.
I previously had a Facebook account, but this was when I was in school. At that time Facebook was still limited to those within your school networks. I used Facebook to keep in touch with other people in my classes, exchange information about assignments, and to find out about current events on campus. Once I left college I didn't have much reason to keep both a Facebook and myspace account.
I would like to see our myspace page for Alachua County become more interactive, however it is difficult to maintain such a page as 1 person on work hours. Myspace can suck you in, and some people spend thousands of hours on myspace each year. I don't have that kind of time. So until there is a more collective contribution and interest in myspace by the Library as a whole the myspace page will remain a basic outlet to advertise the library's services.
Thing #21 Student 2.0
I create a lot of slideshows in my job and elected to use this as my base project in the Research project calculator. I was surprised at all of the information about the process and theory behind creating a logical and effective presentation. I had never thought about doing a storyboard prior to using this product. In addition, I often wonder about my delivery of the presentations I give, but have always felt I had a narrow opportunity to receive feedback, primarily through surveys. This tool provided me with some additional thoughts on how to evaluate my performance once the presentation is completed.
Using the Assignment Calculator I found the 12 steps created for my project were logical and the timetable appeared realistic. The support materials were useful and complete. The calculator did a GREAT job of not underestimating the time it takes to create a comprehensive research paper.
I can see that ACLD could use these resources. They could be placed on the Homework Help section of the Kids webpage. I think it would also be beneficial for the library to provide some instruction or plug for these sites when visiting schools for Teacher Orientation, or other training opportunities.
Personally, I can say I wish I had known about tools like this prior to starting 23 things. I may have actually kept pace with everyone else had this been an option with email reminders. But then again, you have to follow through once you receive the reminders.
Using the Assignment Calculator I found the 12 steps created for my project were logical and the timetable appeared realistic. The support materials were useful and complete. The calculator did a GREAT job of not underestimating the time it takes to create a comprehensive research paper.
I can see that ACLD could use these resources. They could be placed on the Homework Help section of the Kids webpage. I think it would also be beneficial for the library to provide some instruction or plug for these sites when visiting schools for Teacher Orientation, or other training opportunities.
Personally, I can say I wish I had known about tools like this prior to starting 23 things. I may have actually kept pace with everyone else had this been an option with email reminders. But then again, you have to follow through once you receive the reminders.
Thing #20 Books 2.0
Library circulation is higher than ever in this poor economic time. However, I don't know that that is a direct reflection of circulation statistics for the "traditional book". Our library's hottest ticket item is DVDs. While the traditional book is the foundation of the library, there are soooooo many other ways to retrieve information through technology. This is seen in all the ways we've learned to receive information in 23 things.
I previously worked as a manager in a college bookstore, and about 2 years ago when I was leaving this career path, we were dealing with the same kinds of questions. Publishers were making their textbooks available in downloadable formats for students. These items were difficult to market at the time because with the cost of text books, the students wanted to know they had a physical product to rely upon when in need. What happens when your internet connection goes down? Or you drop your laptop? What if the professor asks you to read Chapters 10 and 22, but the application will only allow you to download X number of pages or Chapters in any given time period?
In addition, I always had a difficult time promoting these products because my reading comprehension when using a computer is much less than if I were holding a physical book. Perhaps it is the strain on my eyes? Maybe it is because I am a visual learner? I like to write notes in the margins of pages and highlight areas in the book I want to return to. Do I think everyone is this way? NO!
But I do believe that as long as there are those of us who learn a different way, and take in information better using traditional forms of media, there will continue to be a need for a variety of formats. Online resources will not completely fade out the use of the traditional book, at least I don't foresee it in my lifetime.
What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
Which of the sites/tools did you visit? What are they appealing features? Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because"?
Do you know of other tools around books and reading we should know about? You can add them in the Comments below and blog about them.
I previously worked as a manager in a college bookstore, and about 2 years ago when I was leaving this career path, we were dealing with the same kinds of questions. Publishers were making their textbooks available in downloadable formats for students. These items were difficult to market at the time because with the cost of text books, the students wanted to know they had a physical product to rely upon when in need. What happens when your internet connection goes down? Or you drop your laptop? What if the professor asks you to read Chapters 10 and 22, but the application will only allow you to download X number of pages or Chapters in any given time period?
In addition, I always had a difficult time promoting these products because my reading comprehension when using a computer is much less than if I were holding a physical book. Perhaps it is the strain on my eyes? Maybe it is because I am a visual learner? I like to write notes in the margins of pages and highlight areas in the book I want to return to. Do I think everyone is this way? NO!
But I do believe that as long as there are those of us who learn a different way, and take in information better using traditional forms of media, there will continue to be a need for a variety of formats. Online resources will not completely fade out the use of the traditional book, at least I don't foresee it in my lifetime.
What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
Which of the sites/tools did you visit? What are they appealing features? Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because"?
Do you know of other tools around books and reading we should know about? You can add them in the Comments below and blog about them.
Thing #19 Other Social Networks
I'm a member of a quasi online community. I'm involved in Meetup.com. I've found this is a great tool to find others in the community who share similar interests.
I was invited to participate in Meetup.com initially because of my interest in photography. The site provides online interaction with the ability to post photographs, begin dialog through the discussion boards, and goes further by sending notices about when local meetings are going to be held, scheduling excursions as a group, and obtaining feedback from the group after events to rate the outings. In addition, the site also provides avenues to poll participants about other interests they might be interested in.
Since my initial invitation I have expanded my communication by also joining an outdoors adventure group. Events are scheduled by 2 or 3 people within the group and occur several time a month.
I enjoy this form of social networking much better than just interacting with others online. It is difficult still to believe what you see online. People often have a much different persona without the fear of personal interaction. There is a certain feeling of safety to some people when they are online. Perhaps it has something to do with not being judged by personal appearances, economic status, or occupation.
Although I like the thought of receiving information in email and online, I try to keep the amount of information I receive to a minimum. This way the emails I do receive still remain of interest. I have several email accounts and when signing up for certain programs I use one account which I don't care if I get spammed on. Again, I need a bit more than just the online interaction for now.
I was invited to participate in Meetup.com initially because of my interest in photography. The site provides online interaction with the ability to post photographs, begin dialog through the discussion boards, and goes further by sending notices about when local meetings are going to be held, scheduling excursions as a group, and obtaining feedback from the group after events to rate the outings. In addition, the site also provides avenues to poll participants about other interests they might be interested in.
Since my initial invitation I have expanded my communication by also joining an outdoors adventure group. Events are scheduled by 2 or 3 people within the group and occur several time a month.
I enjoy this form of social networking much better than just interacting with others online. It is difficult still to believe what you see online. People often have a much different persona without the fear of personal interaction. There is a certain feeling of safety to some people when they are online. Perhaps it has something to do with not being judged by personal appearances, economic status, or occupation.
Although I like the thought of receiving information in email and online, I try to keep the amount of information I receive to a minimum. This way the emails I do receive still remain of interest. I have several email accounts and when signing up for certain programs I use one account which I don't care if I get spammed on. Again, I need a bit more than just the online interaction for now.
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