EPL "23 things" updates

Evanston Public is doing the Web 2.0 "23 things" program, similar to Oakton's 2.Oakton program, but over a longer period and a few more tools. I'm going to blog here a bit about LibraryThing (#11), Web 2.0 within other libraries (#12), and Twitter (#14).

I initially signed up for LibraryThing over the summer, but also became aware of Shelfari through a colleague of mine. I don't know all the differences between these book tools, but I was told that there is a limit of books in LibraryThings (vs. no limit in Shelfari), and I also liked the look and feel of Shelfari with its nice wooden bookshelves. I've placed several books in there: http://www.shelfari.com/tedlibrarian. (am currently reading "My Bloody Life", by the way).

Regarding Web 2.0 in other libraries, I've seen some nice things. I think EPL's presence on Facebook is very cool, although in the 'new' Facebook I have to dig a little harder to find it - go to Profile, and then Info... I think the ability to write book reviews by patrons is very cool also. I should be able to do this in my school library at some point. We use Follett library software. Their new web-based version is called Destiny. Within Destiny kids can write book reviews - I've read listservs that state this is a very popular feature - can't wait to try it! (I used to do have the kids write paper reviews on note cards at my old school, but I think the electronic version would be more popular).

Regarding Twitter - sometimes way too much information. Some people seem to update every little thing. I think occasional updates are good; you get to know someone better. Other people don't do updates at all. I'm sure this is a mirror of our personalities!

Flickr fun toy

OK, another fun image above. This time one of those "inspirational" messages created through Motivator.

a useful RSS news feed

If you live in Evanston, I think the Evanston Review news feed is useful: http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/rss/news/index.xml

For many years I got the print version and saw many issues pile up (too much info). Then I would start checking it online, but would forget to check (too little info). I think the feed I set up in Google Reader is just right - I can easily scan the headlines, and read those stories that I want to read. Yes, Goldilocks, there is a "just right" baby bear porridge...

I'm baaaackkk....

OK, I haven't posted here in a while - not since finishing up the program at Oakton this summer. Maybe I'm just not the blogging type, maybe I'm shy (well not at my age any more..), maybe I lost interest, or probably I just assumed no one else would be interested in reading my ramblings unless they are witty or something.

In any case I have to start blogging again so I can get a new flash drive and maybe an ipod from EPL!... It's interesting, of the tools I learned over the summer at Oakton the one I have kept using is Facebook - mainly to stay in touch with friends and see what they're up to, etc. I do love taking digital photos, but I won't upload to Flickr until I have something new to post - probably will post some photos from my new school library in time...

Oh, and I removed that Meebo widget. Meebo is cool, but I don't really monitor it when I'm logged in.