I didn't expect to take to the blog idea as much as I did but it was partly because it got me thinking of doing an Artsy Librarian blog. A real one with ideas, pictures, books and things that help translate the world of crafts and artistic talents into a library environment.
I wouldn't mind being known in library land as the Artsy Librarian...
I found the amount of things I had to register for very undaunting and have many accounts and a sheet of paper with the different usernames/passwords on them to keep them straight.
I would do such an exercise again. I think 23 things is a bit much for our work environment. I was motivated to get this done so I could help my staff through it and because I was worried I wouldn't have the time to do this at all in my new position. But I am glad we had to work for an MP3 player vs just being given one and think the amount of work we had to do was worth it.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Things #22--Podcasts
These were very radio-like in nature. I did a search on podcast.com and did some browsing through their categories for biographies and how to but didn't find much of interest. (I was going on the lifelong learning bent). So, I put in "library" as a search word (I was vague on purpose). I went on the Kewakakee Public Library link and found a slew of podcasts. Some were radio interviews and others were recordings of library programs.
Here's one of Lois Lowry's talk:
http://www.podcast.net/play/58769/6
I was also interested in one that was on the underground railroad in Illinois. I thought it was a great way to do "online outreach" for those people who couldn't make the program for whatever reason.
Here's one of Lois Lowry's talk:
http://www.podcast.net/play/58769/6
I was also interested in one that was on the underground railroad in Illinois. I thought it was a great way to do "online outreach" for those people who couldn't make the program for whatever reason.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Things #21--Online Video
The great thing about YouTube is that it makes it easy to demonstrate crafts online instead of with just plain photos.
Find the video I posted on Making Your Own Snowglobe.
I picked this one because it was crafty. I didn't like that there was so many videos to sift through and some were just commercial based--they didn't actually show you how to do anything just featuring craft products.
Hm.. For libraries... A tour of the library? Computer classes online? No, too long. Library advertisement? I think this has been done...
Find the video I posted on Making Your Own Snowglobe.
I picked this one because it was crafty. I didn't like that there was so many videos to sift through and some were just commercial based--they didn't actually show you how to do anything just featuring craft products.
Hm.. For libraries... A tour of the library? Computer classes online? No, too long. Library advertisement? I think this has been done...
Things #20--Special Treat
I thought the video was great--quick, informative and short. I liked watching the text change meaning so quickly but think this may be hard for some to follow. I am from the Sesame Street/MTV generation.
I found the simple comments on who's authoring information on the web a good point. And in our profession it does bring up copyright issues. Copyright law is not keeping up with web 2.0 and I don't know if it will. I wish I could go back to library school and ask my law professor what he thinks. I would like a lawyers perspective on it.
Web 2.0 is definitely making things more fluid...
I found the simple comments on who's authoring information on the web a good point. And in our profession it does bring up copyright issues. Copyright law is not keeping up with web 2.0 and I don't know if it will. I wish I could go back to library school and ask my law professor what he thinks. I would like a lawyers perspective on it.
Web 2.0 is definitely making things more fluid...
Things #19--Digital Music
Huh! Funny... I've been listening on and off to NPR while I've been working away at my 23 Things. It took me a minute to find the radio station I listen to in my car--momentarily mixed up with the GVSU one. I normally use the Windows Media Player and it has good quality with some buffering issues once in awhile or an error message about Media Player not being able to perform the function. I also tried Real Audio once just to see but the reception was very grainy and I switched right away to Media Player.
I haven't tried to download music but I did have a young friend tell me about Pandora but I haven't messed around with it. I just tried it and it's very easy! What fun! Maybe it's the ego that I get my own customized radio station!!
I like the idea of file sharing and think it would be great for committees to use that were geographically separated...
I haven't tried to download music but I did have a young friend tell me about Pandora but I haven't messed around with it. I just tried it and it's very easy! What fun! Maybe it's the ego that I get my own customized radio station!!
I like the idea of file sharing and think it would be great for committees to use that were geographically separated...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Things #18--Social Networking
I have been reluctant to get a profile on MySpace despite staff's urging me to do so. I understand the benefits of it--even to a professional librarian--contacting prospective authors for future programs and connecting with other professionals. I don't like that people want to limit access to it for teens and believe that most comments about teens using social networking sites is one dimensional and hurts the other uses of the sites.
The sites for Obama, Edwards and Clinton were spiffy and almost looked liked websites! I had heard that both Obama and Clinton announced their presidential candidacy on MySpace and couldn't help thinking that this was an indication that the elections would be different this time around. I was also happy to see that Edwards had his wife as a friend! Anyway, this is just one way of social impact that these sites have!
Another social impact would be the lesson that many young people are learning and that is that their reputation is a commodity to protect at all times even online as many prospective employers are using these online social networks as a way to check into backgrounds.
Anyway, these three sites seemed like advertising even though I think their purpose for being on a social networking site is to be more personal.
The sites for Obama, Edwards and Clinton were spiffy and almost looked liked websites! I had heard that both Obama and Clinton announced their presidential candidacy on MySpace and couldn't help thinking that this was an indication that the elections would be different this time around. I was also happy to see that Edwards had his wife as a friend! Anyway, this is just one way of social impact that these sites have!
Another social impact would be the lesson that many young people are learning and that is that their reputation is a commodity to protect at all times even online as many prospective employers are using these online social networks as a way to check into backgrounds.
Anyway, these three sites seemed like advertising even though I think their purpose for being on a social networking site is to be more personal.
Things #17--Wikis
I looked at three Wikis! None of them were crafty--oh, well. I'll get over it. Two of them were at GRPL because they have many wikis on their website--we really need to get some of those--I'll do one on crafts (they don't have one of those). And I liked them. The GRPLpedia (said purplepedia) ones I looked at were Award Winners and the Grand Rapids Scene. I like these updated pathfinders and that they are interactive, using the web's resources. There were great graphics, good sections and links to both the web and their catalog. And they did include Kent District Library in their Libraries section on the GR Scene.
I then looked more at a wiki my youth librarians sent me to look at on multiple intelligences and kids programming. It's at multipleintelligences.pbwiki.com.
I liked the amount of program ideas for each intelligence (there are 8 of them) and about a dozen of the program ideas included on the main page are fleshed out...
I then looked more at a wiki my youth librarians sent me to look at on multiple intelligences and kids programming. It's at multipleintelligences.pbwiki.com.
I liked the amount of program ideas for each intelligence (there are 8 of them) and about a dozen of the program ideas included on the main page are fleshed out...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Things #16--Technorati and Blog Tagging
I think I am relieved there is a search engine for blogs since they are so prevelant! But I see some of the same problems with web searching as with blog searching--Technorati is no Google, in other words. The relevance was not very good. I did a search for posts based on a post I remember from a crafting site (surpised?) and did not come up with anything. So sad because I would've like to look at it again... Now, I'll never find it!
Anyway, I figured out that its posts search was for entries within a blog (known as posts) and not the focus of the blog itself. The search also gave its results in ascending order of the time it was posted (as opposed to relevance).
The blogs search focused on 2.0 related blogs. In addition, this search showed an authority button with a number but I couldn't tell anywhere on the website what authority meant. It seems to me it was just the number of people who made comments. There was also a fav button. Who knows? Maybe it's like a cheer on the 43 Things website I was on yesterday for another exercise.
I also discovered a PING US link where you could post the webaddress for your blog if there'd been updates. And a fun error message: Doh! The Technorati monster escaped again. We're scouring the blogosphere attempting to find it. Back in a flash.
Well, they weren't back in a flash but it was very amusing nonetheless. And I had never seen Doh! actually spelled out before!!
Anyway, I figured out that its posts search was for entries within a blog (known as posts) and not the focus of the blog itself. The search also gave its results in ascending order of the time it was posted (as opposed to relevance).
The blogs search focused on 2.0 related blogs. In addition, this search showed an authority button with a number but I couldn't tell anywhere on the website what authority meant. It seems to me it was just the number of people who made comments. There was also a fav button. Who knows? Maybe it's like a cheer on the 43 Things website I was on yesterday for another exercise.
I also discovered a PING US link where you could post the webaddress for your blog if there'd been updates. And a fun error message: Doh! The Technorati monster escaped again. We're scouring the blogosphere attempting to find it. Back in a flash.
Well, they weren't back in a flash but it was very amusing nonetheless. And I had never seen Doh! actually spelled out before!!
Things #15--Tagging
I wasn't too keen on this site when I saw all the technology related stuff that was "hot" like uses for old computers and I accidentally happened on the Common Craft Show only to find technology videos on Web 2.0 applications. I eventually figured out how to search tags and click on tags to connect to others. When I searched for crafts, I found this site www.etsy.com where you can sell your crafty stuff. There are over 2,000 people that link to this site.
I think the biggest benefit would be for staff that travel between branches and want access to their favorite bookmarks.
I think the biggest benefit would be for staff that travel between branches and want access to their favorite bookmarks.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Things #14--Best of Web 2.0
I went to the short list and found a website 43 Things. The purpose is for people to put 43 goals (or whatever) for your life. Some simple or silly and others big and serious but all personal. Then you go back and create updates for each of these goals. Other people have the opportunity to view your goals/entries and "cheer" you on to support your goals and efforts.
This goes along with Po Bronson's What Should I do with My Life? and included articles on figuring out what to do with your life.
I liked this concept...
What could it do for libraries? Do you remember how I said earlier that Library 2.0 wasn't very personal? Maybe this is a way to make a third place online at a library website. What ways could we cheer our patrons on? Paying fines online. Finding an article. Asking a question. Taking a class. Signing up for SRC online. Creating an email account.
This goes along with Po Bronson's What Should I do with My Life? and included articles on figuring out what to do with your life.
I liked this concept...
What could it do for libraries? Do you remember how I said earlier that Library 2.0 wasn't very personal? Maybe this is a way to make a third place online at a library website. What ways could we cheer our patrons on? Paying fines online. Finding an article. Asking a question. Taking a class. Signing up for SRC online. Creating an email account.
Things #13--Online Productivity
Once Upon A Time
Once upon a time, there was a little French girl who wanted to grow up to be Wonder Woman. Her world was big as she pretended to be Laura Ingalls Wilder, turning her couch into a wagon going over the prairie, and went down the Mississippi with Huckleberry Finn on a raft she made out of an afghan in her living room. When she grew up, she dreamed of adventures in far off places and wanted to live where people speak French all the time and wear berets. So, she's an adult now and even though she is not Wonder Woman, she became a Librarian!
La Fin
Things #12--Customized Search Engines
I liked some things about this application--I'm still not sure how I would use it. I regularly use Google and Amazon as a starting point for my searches depending on the nature of the question. And don't find myself hopping around to other websites.
I put together a search engine for Book Sites--ones that I like the reviews for. I was curious if it would do depth seaching on websites and it did. I wasn't happy that the search results couldn't be bundled better into the individual sites instead of sifting through pages of sites for one site before getting to the others.
Here's my link: http://rollyo.com/artsylibrarian/book_sites/
I played around with a Craft Search Engine on Google Coop with 249 search engines. My search for party hats and paper plate berets was not fruitful...
I put together a search engine for Book Sites--ones that I like the reviews for. I was curious if it would do depth seaching on websites and it did. I wasn't happy that the search results couldn't be bundled better into the individual sites instead of sifting through pages of sites for one site before getting to the others.
Here's my link: http://rollyo.com/artsylibrarian/book_sites/
I played around with a Craft Search Engine on Google Coop with 249 search engines. My search for party hats and paper plate berets was not fruitful...
Things #11--LibraryThing
I did find two books I put on hold--Simple Sewing with a French Twist and Amy Butler In Stitches. Yes, they're crafty. I used the Suggestions link to find these two but had to reenter my titles for that link in LibrarySuggestion. It makes sense that people with similar interests would help you find new reads--like Amazon.com's feature "What other Customers Also Purchased."
But I'm already on GoodReads and like that I can link to my friends and enjoy the mini reviews versus the tags on LibraryThing.
Here's my link: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ArtsyLibrarian
But I'm already on GoodReads and like that I can link to my friends and enjoy the mini reviews versus the tags on LibraryThing.
Here's my link: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ArtsyLibrarian
Things #10--Web 2.0 and Libraries
I read the icebergs and the temporary place in time commentaries.
For the icebergs points, I think I have heard the points about training librarians as opposed to fixing the interfaces for many years now along with the issue of point of service as in they're not coming to us anymore. I know I feel very comfortable in a library environment but would I choose it if I weren't a librarian?
I liked the point about the "Just in Case" collections. This too has been mentioned before but not in this particular way. I think he validated my collection development policy of purchasing titles that people take out by the armload. And I admit, I purchased a few extra memoirs this year but I cut down on the poetry!!
Then, I was very excited about the "knowledge spa" idea in the 4.0 library as a retreat from technohustle. Hmm... Doesn't this sound like the Library Living Room concept? By golly, I think we're on to something!!! We may even be ahead of the game here if we can get it right...
What does Library 2.0 mean to me? It's very virtual and techno which I'm not comfortable with. I spent a lot of time Saturday talking to a lady who was largely homebound about her husband's falling, a commercial she liked, the sidewalks in winter at the library, book groups, how she knew President Ford--and this was an important library experience for her. And while it looked like I was chatty (I did take care of several holds, a photocopy, some fines and help her check out), I was also doing my job of building community equity. And I wish this were also included in Library 2.0 for me but it isn't.
For the icebergs points, I think I have heard the points about training librarians as opposed to fixing the interfaces for many years now along with the issue of point of service as in they're not coming to us anymore. I know I feel very comfortable in a library environment but would I choose it if I weren't a librarian?
I liked the point about the "Just in Case" collections. This too has been mentioned before but not in this particular way. I think he validated my collection development policy of purchasing titles that people take out by the armload. And I admit, I purchased a few extra memoirs this year but I cut down on the poetry!!
Then, I was very excited about the "knowledge spa" idea in the 4.0 library as a retreat from technohustle. Hmm... Doesn't this sound like the Library Living Room concept? By golly, I think we're on to something!!! We may even be ahead of the game here if we can get it right...
What does Library 2.0 mean to me? It's very virtual and techno which I'm not comfortable with. I spent a lot of time Saturday talking to a lady who was largely homebound about her husband's falling, a commercial she liked, the sidewalks in winter at the library, book groups, how she knew President Ford--and this was an important library experience for her. And while it looked like I was chatty (I did take care of several holds, a photocopy, some fines and help her check out), I was also doing my job of building community equity. And I wish this were also included in Library 2.0 for me but it isn't.
Things #9--Library Blogs
Oops! I already did this in my previous step--I guess that was the point about setting up a Bloglines account.
So, I used two of the popular feeds listed on Bloglines--Salon and NYT book review.
I then searched for Powells (my favorite independent bookstore in Portland and a favorite old haunt) and NPR (a favorite radio station). The NPR one had many feeds available--which is probably good so one doesn't become overwhelmed with too much reading material.
I also did a search for Oprah and Martha Stewart (I was going for the crafty here) but didn't see any for them.
So, I used two of the popular feeds listed on Bloglines--Salon and NYT book review.
I then searched for Powells (my favorite independent bookstore in Portland and a favorite old haunt) and NPR (a favorite radio station). The NPR one had many feeds available--which is probably good so one doesn't become overwhelmed with too much reading material.
I also did a search for Oprah and Martha Stewart (I was going for the crafty here) but didn't see any for them.
Thing #8--RSS Feeds
I have a blogroll of 6 RSS Feeds but none are crafty. Does anyone know of such a feed?? Not that I need anymore projects!!
I like that RSS Feeds are self chosen so you don't get what you don't need or want. On the other hand, I can see how it can get out of hand. I have enough to do these days (note the hint about projects earlier in this blog).
I think the challenge for libraries is how to connect to people and is it only a certain segment (who do we reach)? I would like to see something unique but then again I am tired of copying other libraries' ideas...
Here's my bloglines link: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ArtsyLibrarian
I like that RSS Feeds are self chosen so you don't get what you don't need or want. On the other hand, I can see how it can get out of hand. I have enough to do these days (note the hint about projects earlier in this blog).
I think the challenge for libraries is how to connect to people and is it only a certain segment (who do we reach)? I would like to see something unique but then again I am tired of copying other libraries' ideas...
Here's my bloglines link: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ArtsyLibrarian
Not related to Things
I have been trying to get a photo onto my blog but uploading it from my computer or finding the URL in the source code at Flickr did not work. Now, I am posting this and will copy the URL from this post and paste it into the profile picture spot on Blogger.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Keep your fingers crossed!
Thing #7--Image Generator
Here is my Warholized image of the quilt that hangs in my office! At first, the image wasn't even visible but then I clicked the shuffle link and the shapes appeared better. There's lots to play with in this exercise!!
Go to http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/warholizer.php for your own fun
Go to http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/warholizer.php for your own fun
Thing #6--Mash Ups
Here is my motivational poster. I remember this time well from August 2006. Fun stuff but I wanted to crop the photo a little. Retrievr was very fun--maybe this would be a good exercise for stressful times??
Thing #5--Flickr
Here's the photo I uploaded to Flickr. It is now showing up when I search the "kdl20" tag but the FAQ indicates that I may need to wait 24-48 hours before seeing it. Since I see it on my photos I won't worry. I also linked my blog to Flickr so I could add this picture to my blog. I am also trying to do this with my profile picture...
Thing #4--Register Blog
So far the thing that excites me the most is playing with Flicker--the feedback I have been getting from other staff going through the 23 Things is that this is the thing that has sidetracked them the most!!
And maybe it's the most artsy thing on the list!! We'll see...
And maybe it's the most artsy thing on the list!! We'll see...
Thing #3--7 1/2 Habits
Not much artsy about the 23 Things yet but I'm hopeful!!
Easiest thing about the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners is PLAY. I learn the best by playing and doing--it helps me figure out problems and learn from my mistakes.
The hardest thing for me is to Create a Toolbox. I often don't know what I'll need for a toolbox when I am starting something new--I get too much or not enough. This can be frustrating as I don't like to be ineffecient and it urks me to have to go back and get something. I want to go and play!!!
Easiest thing about the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners is PLAY. I learn the best by playing and doing--it helps me figure out problems and learn from my mistakes.
The hardest thing for me is to Create a Toolbox. I often don't know what I'll need for a toolbox when I am starting something new--I get too much or not enough. This can be frustrating as I don't like to be ineffecient and it urks me to have to go back and get something. I want to go and play!!!
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