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!
(image generated through bighugelabs.com)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Flickr fun toy
OK, another fun image above. This time one of those "inspirational" messages created through Motivator.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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...
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Online tools
Ok, I looked at various online tools. I had WAY too much fun with RedKid (see photo in my blog if you don’t see it in the RSS feed). I also set up accounts and played with both LibraryThing and Shelfari. I want to spend some more time comparing these tools for social sharing of book interests, and see if somehow they could work at the high school level to generate interest in reading books and writing about them.
There are several other tools I looked at but did not set up accounts. I can see where Google Docs & Basecamp would be useful when you need to collaborate with others on a project or list of things, especially if the other people are in remote locations. Zotero seems to have a lot of promise, but it looks like it’s in the early stages. Don’t forget also that OCC has purchased NoodleBib as a tool for students to build bibliographies; I have been demonstrating that in classes. Twitter just seems like way to much information on people (similar to “What are you doing now?” in Facebook) – could be useful, but I sure don’t want to be on the computer 24/7!
There are several other tools I looked at but did not set up accounts. I can see where Google Docs & Basecamp would be useful when you need to collaborate with others on a project or list of things, especially if the other people are in remote locations. Zotero seems to have a lot of promise, but it looks like it’s in the early stages. Don’t forget also that OCC has purchased NoodleBib as a tool for students to build bibliographies; I have been demonstrating that in classes. Twitter just seems like way to much information on people (similar to “What are you doing now?” in Facebook) – could be useful, but I sure don’t want to be on the computer 24/7!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
IM - AFAIC
Instant messaging is the 2.0 tool I am most familiar with. I used to use AIM (AOL's product) in the corporate world around 2000 or so. It was useful since we were all in scattered cubicles and it could be a way to get a quick response on something.
I am also familiar with the use of Meebo and Trillian for virtual reference. I think it's great that you can now post a question from a web site without having to download and use any specific software. The casual user can just go to a library's web site and post a question. I think it would be useful for OCC to start using this (IMHO). My experience at the Arlington Heights and Evanston libraries was that there was typically not heavy traffic - up to 5% or so of the time you are on the desk. It would never be as sophisticated as a face to face encounter (FTF), but it is a way to connect and get a conversation started with some people. If you want to pose a question at Evanston's site, here's the link for Meebo - just find the 'Ask a question' box, type a question where it says 'Type here', and press enter: EPL research page.
HAND. TTFN & KIT
OMG - I like totally redid this post in IM speak ;-) Translations at: Acronym Dictionary
I am also familiar with the use of Meebo and Trillian for virtual reference. I think it's great that you can now post a question from a web site without having to download and use any specific software. The casual user can just go to a library's web site and post a question. I think it would be useful for OCC to start using this (IMHO). My experience at the Arlington Heights and Evanston libraries was that there was typically not heavy traffic - up to 5% or so of the time you are on the desk. It would never be as sophisticated as a face to face encounter (FTF), but it is a way to connect and get a conversation started with some people. If you want to pose a question at Evanston's site, here's the link for Meebo - just find the 'Ask a question' box, type a question where it says 'Type here', and press enter: EPL research page.
HAND. TTFN & KIT
OMG - I like totally redid this post in IM speak ;-) Translations at: Acronym Dictionary
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
more on social networking
I had forgotten until recently that I have had a LinkedIn account for some time, but I rarely use it! LinkedIn seems to be very focused on careers/employment/networking, whereas Facebook has a lot of fun stuff. I enjoyed setting up Facebook and seeing who is out there. I like the fact that you can stay logged in for a long time - some days there is very little activity among my 'friends', but I may leave open and check periodically.
Facebook was discussed on ABC news this morning: Facebook Stole My Identity. (The link may have a brief commercial before you get to the video.) Very interesting story.
Facebook was discussed on ABC news this morning: Facebook Stole My Identity. (The link may have a brief commercial before you get to the video.) Very interesting story.
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