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.
Thing #17 Podcasts
I chose to review a podcast done by another library for a special program they hosted. I am amazed at their turn around on the ability to product a podcast from an audio clip from a program they hosted only 10 days ago. Not only did this library have a podcast for the entire audio of the event, but they also posted photos from the event on Flickr, a link to the author's homepage, as well as a separate video clip generated from a previous visit from this author. I was overwhelmingly impressed by the entire package this library had put together to promote this program using Library 2.0 resources.
So who is this library? Kankakee Library in Illinois! Visit their webpage.
I would love to be at this level as some point in the near future. We have high hopes for podcasting and the new ACLD website features.
So who is this library? Kankakee Library in Illinois! Visit their webpage.
I would love to be at this level as some point in the near future. We have high hopes for podcasting and the new ACLD website features.
Thing #16 Youtube
I chose to pull a video I previously posted on Youtube. This was for a PSA commercial we filmed to get youth interested in library careers.
The keyword I used was "Alachua County Library District". There are videos posted by ACLD, as well as by others for a previous contest entitled "Why I Love My Library". I also really liked this video we created last year. It shows the depth on how videos can be used to promote programs and collections within the library.
I haven't had any problems using Youtube in this application or in the past.
In addition to posting our videos on Youtube we can pull the embedded code over to our social networking sites like myspace and facebook to gain even further exposure for the videos and the library product.
Now that ACLD has upgraded our website(www.aclib.us), there are plans to include these videos on our website as well.
The keyword I used was "Alachua County Library District". There are videos posted by ACLD, as well as by others for a previous contest entitled "Why I Love My Library". I also really liked this video we created last year. It shows the depth on how videos can be used to promote programs and collections within the library.
I haven't had any problems using Youtube in this application or in the past.
In addition to posting our videos on Youtube we can pull the embedded code over to our social networking sites like myspace and facebook to gain even further exposure for the videos and the library product.
Now that ACLD has upgraded our website(www.aclib.us), there are plans to include these videos on our website as well.
Thing #14 productivity sites
I do not find customized homepages useful. I've explored using Google's homepage as well as hotmail's version in the past. However, there is just so much information overload. I have found the site delicious.com is one of my favorites as an efficiency tool. Primarily because I have so many online access pages with different long logins, that I cannot remember all of the long web addresses to access them.
I especially like the features for bookmarking favorite pages of interest. I've traveled back and forth to my fiance's house to my parent's home, to my work computer, and I always seem to want the bookmark I saved on a different computer. As far as productivity sites for storing documents, I'm still a bit leery. I have a portable hard drive with approx 10MB of memory I carry around in my purse to download my photography and transfer documents from one computer to another.
As far as the online calendar and list makers are concerned, it would be nice to have access to these at any time, however I live by Outlook at work... And I enjoy leaving Outlook at work when I go home. I don't own a fancy Blackberry or Iphone, and its not because I don't believe in the technology, but more that I need a break from it. My fiance has a Blackberry for work, and he gets everything sent there... His work email, home email, outlook calendar, address book, text messages, GPS, the list goes on and on.... I like to maintain some feeling of separation between work and play. I fear using one of these types of products would only result in my dependence upon them.
I did post a countdown clock to my blog.. I used one of these previously on my photography website to advertise an upcoming art show I was attending.
I especially like the features for bookmarking favorite pages of interest. I've traveled back and forth to my fiance's house to my parent's home, to my work computer, and I always seem to want the bookmark I saved on a different computer. As far as productivity sites for storing documents, I'm still a bit leery. I have a portable hard drive with approx 10MB of memory I carry around in my purse to download my photography and transfer documents from one computer to another.
As far as the online calendar and list makers are concerned, it would be nice to have access to these at any time, however I live by Outlook at work... And I enjoy leaving Outlook at work when I go home. I don't own a fancy Blackberry or Iphone, and its not because I don't believe in the technology, but more that I need a break from it. My fiance has a Blackberry for work, and he gets everything sent there... His work email, home email, outlook calendar, address book, text messages, GPS, the list goes on and on.... I like to maintain some feeling of separation between work and play. I fear using one of these types of products would only result in my dependence upon them.
I did post a countdown clock to my blog.. I used one of these previously on my photography website to advertise an upcoming art show I was attending.
Thing #15 Rollyo
I don't really see a use for Rollyo! I suppose if I was doing a lot of research on a limited topic I might be able to put one of these search bars on my toolbar for frequent use. However, most of my searches are all over the place, and on a variety of topics. I guess the concept is that someone else has already done a portion of the work for you. Because they have already selected certain sites they find credible for that specific keyword, it may prevent you from going to arbitrary sites generated by a generic search engine. I guess my skepticism come in because every individual has their own thoughts on what is relevant or a credible page to use as a site resource. Below is a copy of the Rollyo I created with the keyword Physiology. I chose several academic and national organizations to search.
Thing #13 Library Thing
My Library at LibraryThing
Some of my books had a lot of members, however some were uncommon topics. The Rhodesian Ridgeback book and the Ocoee River Map did not have many comments at all. Although my books and items are not among the mainstream I've found them very resourceful and great research tools.
I tried finding local events in LibraryThing Local however there were none listed within the 25 mile radius from Gainesville, FL. I can see that this would be a useful way to advertise our Featured Programs, as well as the Friends of the Library book sale.
I'm certain Librarians can use Library Thing to get ideas on highly recommended titles among the masses. Currently printed booklists are used in our library, in addition ACLD uses an application called bookletters to provide content and widgets to our website.
Some of my books had a lot of members, however some were uncommon topics. The Rhodesian Ridgeback book and the Ocoee River Map did not have many comments at all. Although my books and items are not among the mainstream I've found them very resourceful and great research tools.
I tried finding local events in LibraryThing Local however there were none listed within the 25 mile radius from Gainesville, FL. I can see that this would be a useful way to advertise our Featured Programs, as well as the Friends of the Library book sale.
I'm certain Librarians can use Library Thing to get ideas on highly recommended titles among the masses. Currently printed booklists are used in our library, in addition ACLD uses an application called bookletters to provide content and widgets to our website.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thing 22 Staying Current
Ok, I'm going to be honest here. I don't think I'll keep up my 2.0 blog. I have learned a lot of neat tricks and seen some great gadgets along the way, but I already use a lot of the Library 2.0 tools in my everyday tasks. I already find it difficult to make time for myself to eat properly, go to the gym, spend time with family and friends, etc.... outside of work. Long hours and stress have left me feeling drained. The last thing I want when I come home from work using all of the Library 2.0 tools is to jump on a computer and talk about work related activities.
Did I mention that while trying to complete 23 things, I've had to hire a new employee, had a family member pass away, welcomed a family member home from Iraq for a few weeks, started planning for my wedding, attended 2 art shows to try and grow my photography business, work over 40 hours a week to work on publicizing the events at ACLD, and maintain a sane mental state?
Regardless of all of this, I will make one commitment! I will go back and post my findings on all of the challenges I was unable to accomplish due to time. I hope to delve deeper into some aspects of podcasting and video usage in libraries and how this technology helps with the promotion of library services.
In addition, I do vow to remain current by keeping up with a variety of Library Journals which interest me.
What I've learned is useful and my greatest hope is that some of these tools will make me more efficient in my quest for knowledge.
Did I mention that while trying to complete 23 things, I've had to hire a new employee, had a family member pass away, welcomed a family member home from Iraq for a few weeks, started planning for my wedding, attended 2 art shows to try and grow my photography business, work over 40 hours a week to work on publicizing the events at ACLD, and maintain a sane mental state?
Regardless of all of this, I will make one commitment! I will go back and post my findings on all of the challenges I was unable to accomplish due to time. I hope to delve deeper into some aspects of podcasting and video usage in libraries and how this technology helps with the promotion of library services.
In addition, I do vow to remain current by keeping up with a variety of Library Journals which interest me.
What I've learned is useful and my greatest hope is that some of these tools will make me more efficient in my quest for knowledge.
Thing #23 23 Things Survey
Yes, I feel so proud to be done with 23 Things. While I use a majority of these features everyday, I've felt ashamed for not keeping up with the ACLD group in this quest. I made a commitment to finish, and while it came down to the wire, I'm still proud to say I'm done with the required work. Now I feel I can go back and play/explore some of my favorites in a little more depth.
23 Things Survey - ACLD Staff
Congratulations! You have completed Thing 23! We hope you have enjoyed the process and will continue to learn about and use technology in your personal and professional life.
23 Things Survey - ACLD Staff
Congratulations! You have completed Thing 23! We hope you have enjoyed the process and will continue to learn about and use technology in your personal and professional life.
Thing #12 Wikis
I love Wikipedia, more over I love their companion photo site. While most people use Flickr Commons as a way to post photos and make them public there is also this feature.
I've taken a look at the Saint Johns Library Wiki and while I understand this is a great way to advertise their collections, I don't really understand the benefit of a Wiki over providing this content via the library website.
I tried adding an entry to the NEFLIN blog, however I'm at home and I used my work email to generate the login for the account. I don't have access to my work email from the house.
The wiki concept is fascinating! That anyone can provide their own knowledge or opinion on a subject for all to see. I think we all have our own experiences and perspectives. Each one of us is an expert in some faction of the world around us, and why shouldn't we all have the opportunity to have our point heard?
This being said, I can also understand a Teacher restricting the use of Wikipedia as a reliable resource for a research paper. Just because I believe I have an opinion about a specific topic, and can provide a small nugget of information on a topic, does not mean that the information I provide is "research" worthy. What we perceive is not always the factual truth as to what may have occurred.
I'll try again tomorrow to post a note on the NEFLIN wiki.
What did you find interesting about the wiki concept?
What types of applications within libraries and schools might work well with a wiki?
Many teachers/faculty "ban" Wikipedia as a source for student research.
What do you think of the practice of limiting information by format?
Which wiki did you edit?
I've taken a look at the Saint Johns Library Wiki and while I understand this is a great way to advertise their collections, I don't really understand the benefit of a Wiki over providing this content via the library website.
I tried adding an entry to the NEFLIN blog, however I'm at home and I used my work email to generate the login for the account. I don't have access to my work email from the house.
The wiki concept is fascinating! That anyone can provide their own knowledge or opinion on a subject for all to see. I think we all have our own experiences and perspectives. Each one of us is an expert in some faction of the world around us, and why shouldn't we all have the opportunity to have our point heard?
This being said, I can also understand a Teacher restricting the use of Wikipedia as a reliable resource for a research paper. Just because I believe I have an opinion about a specific topic, and can provide a small nugget of information on a topic, does not mean that the information I provide is "research" worthy. What we perceive is not always the factual truth as to what may have occurred.
I'll try again tomorrow to post a note on the NEFLIN wiki.
What did you find interesting about the wiki concept?
What types of applications within libraries and schools might work well with a wiki?
Many teachers/faculty "ban" Wikipedia as a source for student research.
What do you think of the practice of limiting information by format?
Which wiki did you edit?
Thing #11 Social Media
Social Media sites are now everywhere. ACLD even offers patrons the ability to add our website to a multitude of these sites.
There are almost too many to list, the page just scrolls on and on. I noticed a trend amongst most of the sites I visited. Similar stories made the top of the list on each site. Most likely the "popular" votes were similar and rang true across the board. So, it made me wonder what the demographic of individuals using these tools regularly would be. Are those who use these sites of a similar demographic?
While I consider RSS feeds to be a way to refine the information you receive, these Social media sites seem to be a way to expand the scope of information you never knew you needed. I can see how this type of site can be addictive and well, downright a waste of time.
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