Thing #$ 13 -- Online Productivity Tool

Here we are at the end of another session and I haven't gotten very far. Being out for 6 weeks would have been an ideal time to finish this. However, having a computer with an older Operating System and dial-up connection, didn't really lend itself to completing these exercises. Since this will be up and useable through the end of the year, I will continue to work on my own when I have the opportunity.

In Thing #13,I did find a Countdown widgit called, "How Many Countries Can You Name in 5 Minutes" that I found very interesting. There are 272 Countries listed. Since I figured in today's world this was something I should know, I started studying the countries of the world. Very Interesting. The website can be reached at http://www.oneplusyou.com/bb/view2/countries

Thing # 12 -- Social Media

When I first looked at the recommended Social Media sites, Mixx, Digg, Newsvine and Reddit, my thoughts were, "this is not something that I would use". However, after spending more time with each of the sites, I could see where they could be useful, and time-saving when researching any given subject.

Of the four sites, I liked the layout of Mixx the best. I liked the way it was categorized and the FAQ questions had the answers right under them. On the Digg site, in FAQ, when you clicked on the question, the answer dropped down below the question. I liked that too.

One of the stories listed on Mixx was "Social media - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia" which gave a good description of what it is and also gave examples of other social media sites, such as "Social bookmarking: Del.icio.us and StumbleUpon".

Reading news articles on favorite web sites, I've often wondered what all the buttons stood for at the bottom of the page. The last time I read an article, not only could I name all the buttons, but I also had a better understanding of what they were all about. Cool!

THING # 11 - Tagging and Del.icio.us

Tagging -- Labeling or categorizing items with keywords or phrases

Del.icio.us -- social bookmarking allowing access to your bookmarks from any computer
Tags can be used in Del.icio.us to organize your bookmarks.

As a tool for research assistance, Del.icio.us would be a time saver, being able to see what others have found helpful in areas that you are interested in. This tool could also help broaden your area of interest in the subject being researched.

Being able to access sites, of interest to my fellow employees, in the Technology areas that we are currently using or could be using in the future, would be very helpful.

Of the Libraries that Del.icio.us, I preferred the format used by the Menasha Public Library. Many of the items were listed using only 2 or 3 words, making it easier to browse. I also like the way the keyword section was categorized.

Thing # 10 - Wikis

What is a Wiki? A Wiki is a shared web site where users can add, remove or edit content. The Common Craft Video on Wikis was presented in a very easy to understand format. I think a Wiki could be very useful in a library setting, for staff to communicate with each other and also for gathering information from patrons, who might not otherwise send email to the library. I like the concept of adding to or editing one document versus looking at many different emails.

I checked out some of the Wikis that were offered. - the SJCPL Subject Guide Family History (Genealogy) which I found well-layed out and good information on how to get started on Genealogy. I liked the Princeton Public Library Book Lover's Wiki, a good source for finding new reading material. The Albany County Public Library Staff Wiki on documenting procedures could be useful not only in a Library setting but in any business setting as well.

Limiting information by format - the example given that some teachers/faculty "ban" Wikipedia as a source for student research. In some circumstances, I think this is okay, especially in grade/high school. In a higher education setting, this could be a draw back.

I added an entry to the "23 Things on a Stick" Wiki.

Thing # 9 -- Collaboration

Worked only with Google Docs. Interesting comments made by others who had edited this document. Personally, I have an easier time of editing documents in MS Word, but after working on what I wanted to change for a while, it finally kicked in okay. If I did more document editing, I'm sure I would have found Google Docs quite helpful. I can see the benefit of having someone proof-read a document without having to send the document back and forth as an email attachment.

What would the founding fathers feel about editing the Declaration of Independence? I think they would have approved. To be where they were and doing what they did, they definitely would have had a sense of humor.

Thing # 8 -- Sharing Photos

One evening, I was out at PictureTrail checking the Flicks out. Shortly before I left that evening, I went out to YouTube and searched for a song by one of my favorite singers, Stevie Ray Vaughan. The Stevie Ray video that I found was created by 2 brothers who had created a Tribute in Memory of Stevie. Had I seen the video a couple of weeks ago, I would have thought it was a really cool video. But what was really COOL that evening, was that I recognized that the pictures in this video were created with Flicks! Besides learning some new things doing these exercises, I am also becoming more aware of the different Web 2.0 tools that are being used and how they are being created.

Check out my vacation pictures, below, using Flicks!

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.