YES! I was able to get all 23 Things completed all while going to school, working, and dealing with a renovation to the branch! Am I good or what?! :-)
Overall, several aspects of 23 Things were technology usages that I had heard of in the past. Some I already had experience with and others I did not, but overall it was a lot of fun and it opened my eyes to new things. I assumed that this was going to be a breeze, that I would know everything going in and would have no stress. Ok, scratch the "no stress" aspect. I did overthing De-li-ci-ous or whatever it is called, and the OverDrive.
I had a blast with RSS and Podcast and are currently working with those features at home. As a computer major in school, I am expected to keep up with the ever changing trends to technology and this was something that enabled me to do that. It was cool to work with other staff members who were a little more confused about certain things.
I will admit, the prizes helped in my decision to do the program, but knowing that I could possibly walk away with a little something extra (and get away from the monotonous every day work I am required to do) was a bonus. (Ok, I'm lying. I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT THE WII!!!) But I really did have fun!
If BCPL were to offer another program like this, I would sign up to participate...even if prizes were not involved. Many people think that just because they are workng in the circulation department, they don't have to know other technologically based information. WRONG! Well, somewhat. I see it as no different then when I was using a lot of slang as a kid and my mother would give me a quizzical look because she had no idea what I was saying. The same goes for the library. You may NEVER do anything that we did on 23 Things again in life, but at least if you hear about it in conversation, you will know what the hell people are talking about.
Maryland 23 Things gives people who are and are not tech savvy a chance to explore new technological worlds. It is up to the individual to open their ears, eyes, and mind to something new. Granted, you may become frustrated, but think of all you will have to share in the end.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Week 9 Thing 22: The Depths of Overdrive
I will admit to trying to download Overdrive on my home computer and almost giving myself a migraine headache in the process. Let me say this, if you are smart, DO NOT OVER THINK THE SIMPLEST TASKS. It hurts, trust me. I was able to get through the entire process, minus the downloading on staff computers, in less than 25 minutes. I was simple and I can definitely see the bonus on checking out audiobooks and not having to worry about overdue fees. Wait...I'm staff, I wouldn't have overdue fees on audiobooks regardless. Whatever...it was cool. I found a few James Pattersons but, all of them were "checked out." Figures...you can't find Patterson anywhere you search for him...
Week 9 Thing 21: Podcasting
I see podcasting as an Internet Radio so to speak. I added http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/PopCandyPodCast to my rss feed because you know I have to keep up to date on all the celebrity news. I know there are also book reviews and all, but those tend not to be my cup of tea. I prefer to just go from friends about book reviews. Anyway, I don't see myself using much podcasting while I am at work, but I do think I will explore it more when I am at home. You never know what you may find on the Internet. :-)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
YouTube Re-Discovery Week 9 Thing 20
Ok, so it wasn't really a "Re-Discovery". When I am out of school, I tend to visit the YouTube website at least once or twice a week. More often if I hear of something interesting I want to see over and over and over again. I love YouTube. I think it's funny and it is GREAT to find music videos that I have either missed on BET or MTV.
There are several individuals that come into the library that may do better with visual images, such as how to do repairs, arts and crafts, etc. YouTube has just about anything and everything you can find. And let us not forget those bathroom runs you must do in the middle of the game and then you miss the biggest play! If it is worthy, you can probably find it on YouTube instead of hearing your "buddies" tell you on what you missed out on.
And those who know me KNOW that I cannot get away without having my husband, Chris Brown in my blog SOMEWHERE! Ha Ha! Isn't he a cutie?!?
There are several individuals that come into the library that may do better with visual images, such as how to do repairs, arts and crafts, etc. YouTube has just about anything and everything you can find. And let us not forget those bathroom runs you must do in the middle of the game and then you miss the biggest play! If it is worthy, you can probably find it on YouTube instead of hearing your "buddies" tell you on what you missed out on.
And those who know me KNOW that I cannot get away without having my husband, Chris Brown in my blog SOMEWHERE! Ha Ha! Isn't he a cutie?!?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yelp Me Helped Me! Week 8 Thing 19
This week, our challenge was to find a site that won a Web 2.0 award. I was thinking, "Oh Boy, what the heck can I possibly find?" Well, in less than 1 minute I came across a website that took home the first place honors called Yelp. (www.yelp.com) On this site you can navigate through many different cities across the US and find reviews on everything from real estate, to resturants, and shopping, to night life. Needless to say, being the luscious big girl that I am, I had to check out the resturants. Nice to see that some of my favorite locations such as the Red Brick Station, Five Guys, and Original Steakhouse and Sports Theater. All I can say is WOW!
I have learned a lot over several weeks on doing the 23 Things, but this has to be my favorite thus far. My boyfriend and I are always looking for new places to dine and I think that I have found a new love...well, Internet love. Matter of fact, I am on the phone with him now telling him to add this place to our favorites on our computer. Don't worry! Technically I am still working!!!
I have learned a lot over several weeks on doing the 23 Things, but this has to be my favorite thus far. My boyfriend and I are always looking for new places to dine and I think that I have found a new love...well, Internet love. Matter of fact, I am on the phone with him now telling him to add this place to our favorites on our computer. Don't worry! Technically I am still working!!!
Is this the end of Microsoft Office as we know it?? Week 8 Thing 18
All I can say is WOW! Zoho looks almost identical to Microsoft Office. I cannot believe that there are applications like this on the Internet when people are paying $300 and $400 for Microsoft Office when they can do the same functions on the Internet for free. Well, as far as I can see, you are doing basically the same things that you do on Microsoft Word. I guess I am learning a few things here and there, huh? :)
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Week 7 Thing 17 No Fun in the Sandbox
After trying to figure out how to get INTO the Sandbox, I finally made it. Needless to say, I did not have fun. Not at all. I was able to crack a smile when I FINALLY got everything posted like I was supposed to. I created my account and continued with my Blog name as being DoubleDee's Mind. Did I mention all of this was a pain in the butt? Granted, I can see where it may be fun, but I did not see it. I guess I have too much school work stuff on my brain and not enough 23 Things. :(
Week 7 Thing 16 Lovin' the Wiki Wiki Wiki!
Yeah the fun is back for Maryland 23 Things! Took long enough. I was getting bored out of my mind with some of these "Things". Since I love to read, when I am not in school and boggled down with tens of thousands of papers that need to be written, I LOVE to read! Hell, I work in a library for goodness sakes. I had to choose the BookLoversWiki and I love it and can see how a website like this can work for libraries.
When you have those customers who are looking for a good book, but they have NO idea what author or topic to read, they can visit the BookLoversWiki and get ideas on several different pieces of literature that people have posted. WHAT A GRAND IDEA! No more taking guesses at what YOU think a customer might enjoy reading, let them do the work THEMSELVES! A website can even be created, which it probably already does, in which people can post what they think about a book and give it an overall rating.
If I have learned NOTHING else in my eight years with BCPL, I know that customers like to know what just came back. Many think like "Hmm, if someone else checked it out, it MUST me good!" So they will then grab it to check out! ANYTHING TO BUILD UP CIRCS....AM I RIGHT?!?!?
Wikis can also be created to give the patrons opportunities to talk to staff. We are always trying to guess and figure out what the patron wants. Why do that when we can give them the opportunity to speak directly with staff. I read before that the library is the community...which I believe is true. We are here to serve the community. In saying that, we need to be able to LISTEN to the community to find out exactly what they want in their library. Granted, everything they want may not be feasible to obtain, but at least we can get an idea. Be it what types of books they want to read to whether or not they want more computers, Wikis can give the community an opportunity to speak directly to us and one another. We are hear for the customer, right? Why not show them how much we really care by asking THEIR opinions.
When you have those customers who are looking for a good book, but they have NO idea what author or topic to read, they can visit the BookLoversWiki and get ideas on several different pieces of literature that people have posted. WHAT A GRAND IDEA! No more taking guesses at what YOU think a customer might enjoy reading, let them do the work THEMSELVES! A website can even be created, which it probably already does, in which people can post what they think about a book and give it an overall rating.
If I have learned NOTHING else in my eight years with BCPL, I know that customers like to know what just came back. Many think like "Hmm, if someone else checked it out, it MUST me good!" So they will then grab it to check out! ANYTHING TO BUILD UP CIRCS....AM I RIGHT?!?!?
Wikis can also be created to give the patrons opportunities to talk to staff. We are always trying to guess and figure out what the patron wants. Why do that when we can give them the opportunity to speak directly with staff. I read before that the library is the community...which I believe is true. We are here to serve the community. In saying that, we need to be able to LISTEN to the community to find out exactly what they want in their library. Granted, everything they want may not be feasible to obtain, but at least we can get an idea. Be it what types of books they want to read to whether or not they want more computers, Wikis can give the community an opportunity to speak directly to us and one another. We are hear for the customer, right? Why not show them how much we really care by asking THEIR opinions.
Week 6 Thing 15 The Future of Libraries through Library 2.0
As with everything else in this world, technology is always changing and evolving. With Library 2.0 from the Library 2.0 meaning from the lovely, sometimes non-reliable source of Wikipedia.com, libraries, especially PUBLIC libraries are constantly changing and updating there set up to better assist the library user. It seems that there is a constant debating going on in which some librarians feel that this tactic has been taking place for years, while others see that, in gernal, librarians have always tried to keep up with the Jones, but now they are inviting technology as a constant source.
From reading this and the "Away from the Icebergs" articles, I get an impression that we are living in the day and age where books are not as important as other forms of receiving information. Let me reinterate, books are great, don't get me wrong...if people gave up on them, I wouldn't have a job; however, "collections" as in paper and documentation are becoming old news. Granted, I do believe that librarians have evolved with the changes over the years, but I think many too often refer to books for the answer when they need to upgrade to the Internet for more up-to-date information.
Library 2.0 is something that will continue to evolve over the years. What we find new and hip today may be old news by tomorrow or next week. Since technology is constantly changing, it is easy to see how people can become frustrated and get irritated with all the new changes, but with everything else in life, you must be patience and put one foot in front of the other. Over time, you will get better and slowly grow to understand all the changes, updates, and who knows whatever else is going to be thrown all way. You never know...one day, libraries may be nothing more than a shell with no books but thousands of computer pods in which patrons can gather information or read a fiction book in their free time. Who knows...we just have to wait and see what occurs..
From reading this and the "Away from the Icebergs" articles, I get an impression that we are living in the day and age where books are not as important as other forms of receiving information. Let me reinterate, books are great, don't get me wrong...if people gave up on them, I wouldn't have a job; however, "collections" as in paper and documentation are becoming old news. Granted, I do believe that librarians have evolved with the changes over the years, but I think many too often refer to books for the answer when they need to upgrade to the Internet for more up-to-date information.
Library 2.0 is something that will continue to evolve over the years. What we find new and hip today may be old news by tomorrow or next week. Since technology is constantly changing, it is easy to see how people can become frustrated and get irritated with all the new changes, but with everything else in life, you must be patience and put one foot in front of the other. Over time, you will get better and slowly grow to understand all the changes, updates, and who knows whatever else is going to be thrown all way. You never know...one day, libraries may be nothing more than a shell with no books but thousands of computer pods in which patrons can gather information or read a fiction book in their free time. Who knows...we just have to wait and see what occurs..
Week 6 Thing 14 Technorati...whaa???
Just like with Google, I typed in "Learning 2.0" and received many different feedbacks. I think one actually has "Learning" and "2.0" right next to one another, lol. Majority just separated the two words. Um, I guess this is interesting...right?
When it came to the favorite and top blogs, I was not surprised to find numerous blogs about quick ways to make money, and computer terms that most people over the age of 25 are clueless about or, in many instances, could care less about.
The Top Searches reminded me of looking at cnn.com. With top stories like the Minnesota bridge collapsing being near the top. Granted, with all the tragedies taking place in the world, how can we NOT get past one day without Youtube, Facebook, and the grade Resistance (did I spell that right?) PARIS HILTON! What will this world do without ONE DAY of Paris Hilton's name being plastered somewhere?! I guess the plus side is that we should all be happy that Britney "Slut" Spears is not on the list...at least...not at the current moment.
Once again, yet another interesting site, but I do not see myself using it anytime in the near future.
When it came to the favorite and top blogs, I was not surprised to find numerous blogs about quick ways to make money, and computer terms that most people over the age of 25 are clueless about or, in many instances, could care less about.
The Top Searches reminded me of looking at cnn.com. With top stories like the Minnesota bridge collapsing being near the top. Granted, with all the tragedies taking place in the world, how can we NOT get past one day without Youtube, Facebook, and the grade Resistance (did I spell that right?) PARIS HILTON! What will this world do without ONE DAY of Paris Hilton's name being plastered somewhere?! I guess the plus side is that we should all be happy that Britney "Slut" Spears is not on the list...at least...not at the current moment.
Once again, yet another interesting site, but I do not see myself using it anytime in the near future.
Week 6 Thing 13 Tagging and So-Called "Discovering Del.icio.us"
Ok, my regular readers, if there are regular readers, know that I tend to go into long, dragged out details about my experiences within the 23 Things. I get the concept that it allows you to nagvigate your "Favorites" on any computer. Yeah...granted, it is a nice feature, but I assume that most people have their favorite websites memorized. Why go to a website to view all your bookmarkings when you can go directly to the pages. Oh well, maybe that is just me. I guess if you are an indivdual that constantly travels on business this can be quite useful, but since I am but a standard, stay-in-one-place, BCPL employee, I do not find much usage for Del.icio.us.
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