Thing # 7 - Web 2.0 Communication Tools

Email: Picked up some good hints on processing email from the Merlin Mann video, "Inbox Zero", such as trying to be more concise in writing emails and also working to keep the Inbox empty. Do not spend a lot of time on Emails. Usually check emails when I first come in to work and at different times during the day.

IM (Instant Messaging): Have experience using AIM (AOL IM) at home. Pro: A nice feature that AIM provides is letting you know when the other person is typing. Con: Lack of privacy.

Text Messaging: Interesting to find out that Text Messaging can be generated by computers and received by them as well. Text Messaging would be beneficial to Libraries especially in Circulation areas, such as letting patrons know when items are available, providing shorter turn-around-time.

Web Conferencing: Viewed a Minitex Webinar - Archive version of "Podcasting 1: What is all the buzz about". I like the fact that these presentations can be done on your time. This could be used by libraries for continuing education and training for library staff and also for patrons.

Thing #6 - Online Image Generators

Thing #6 - Online Image Generators
Originally uploaded by welcaw

Trading card from vacation. Trading card created with fd's Flickr Toys from Big Huge Lab site. Now that I've finally figured out how to get pictures from Flickr to my blog, it's time to move on.

Thing # 5 - My creation

My creation
Originally uploaded by welcaw

Just thought I would try something different . How can these tools be used in a Library or Media Center? They could be used to announce upcoming events or something new going on at the Library. What do I think of sharing photos online? I enjoy being able to see photos that others have posted online. As for sharing my personal photos online, I am very uncomfortable with that. For now, I will probably continue to send my personal photos via email rather than posting them on the internet.

Thing # 4 - Flickr to Blog

Mountain Highway
Originally uploaded by welcaw

MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY

One of my favorite drives. The Highway that takes us up into the Mountains. Pictures from this trip (check out Vacation link) may have been a little sharper, but when it wasn't snowing the sky was very overcast. We still enjoyed our day spent at a Ski Resort. The other pictures taken that day bring back a lot of happy memories. The last picture, "Sunset" was taken as we were leaving the Ski Resort.

One of the things that I was excited about before I started "23 Things On a Stick" was the fact that I had a chance to learn more about Flickr. There have been times during the last week, while working with Flickr, that I thought perhaps I should have moved on to one of the other "Things". Determined to stick with it though, I finally figured out how to post my picture from Flickr into my Blog. Yeahhhh!

One of the things that I learned about Flickr is that when you up load pictures, if you want them in any order, you need to upload them in reverse order.

Will I use Flickr in the future? Possibly, but if I do it will be probably be for personal use, but then one never knows.

Thing # 4 - Flickr

I have created a Flickr account. And I have uploaded some pictures from my winter vacation onto Flickr. The next time I post, I hope to have some of those pictures in my blog.

Thing #3 -- RSS

Once I figured out that I needed to set up a new account outside of my blog, it went pretty smooth. I used Google Reader and set up feeds for other SELCO blogs as well as a couple of News feeds. Just in time for the Super Tuesday!

When I first set this up, I just clicked on the link under List View, but could only see the test. When I clicked on the >>, it actually took me out to either the blog or the news feed that I was selecting. I liked that option.

Playing around a little more, I discovered "Show Updated", which shows only those feeds that have recently been updated. That definitely shortened my list of feeds, that are being shown.

#2 - THOUGHTS ON LIBRARY 2.0

I believe it's important for our libraries to keep on top of the new and ever changing things that are going on in our world, if we wish to continue to exist. I like the idea of not only being able to offer what we (as libraries) have, but also to inter-act with our patrons on what they need and want.

For those in our communities that are not up on the latest Technology or the changes that occur because of that Technology, I do feel that it is important that our Libraries continue to meet their needs as well.