Thing 23: Final thoughts

Although I was excited to begin the 23 things, the first half-dozen things were slow-going for me, for various reasons: I'm not very "techie", am an older learner, and have added job responsibilities at this time. However, I'm pretty motivated, love to learn new things, and have a need to see things through to completion. What was unexpected was that I experienced a breakthrough and the tasks became easier. I would like to share a couple "things" each month at our staff meetings. That would motivate me to keep working with the tools and it would provide an opportunity for other staff to share their ideas about using the "things" in the library setting. The structure of this learning opportunity was very helpful to me. The explanations given and the resources provided were all thoughtfully done. It was a very practical experience and also an empowering one. We are fortunate indeed to have people who have the knowledge, the skills and the interest to provide this kind of learning experience.

Signing off and Moving Forward... to the next 23 things.

Thing 22: What did I learn today?

Keeping up and keeping informed about Library 2.0 and Web 2.0 does call for a commitment. My resolution is to take 15 minutes each afternoon to first of all review the tools that we learned about and then to check my bloglines to see what else is new or to read up on how others are using these tools. It was helpful to be provided with the Web sites and blogs on this Thing. I added "Librarian in Black" to my feeds. I already have several feeds. If there are too many, it would be counter-productive.
I get emails from WebJunction MN fairly often, so that is anoother way of keeping informed.

Thing 21: Other Social Networks

The second article that we were asked to read: "Building a Social Networking Environment at the Library" was very helpful with practical suggestions of how social networking might be used by the library. I am now a member of the 23 Things on a Stick Ning. It was easy to add the Ning badge to my blog. Kinda fun! I found a friend on this Ning and left a comment. The other social networks listed look interesting. I will probably stay with LibraryThing and the 23 Things Ning and not try to join any more at this time. It is certainly good to be aware of all the possibilities that our library customers are already using or may be interested in.

Thing 20: Facebook and My Space

This is a new adventure. I joined Facebook and followed the suggestions of inviting friends, writing on a wall, and also joining groups. I joined Libraries Using Facebook Pages and also Librarians and Facebook. These groups will probably provide ideas, inspiration and support in considering the use of Facebook or another social network to interact with library customers.

Thing 19: Podcasts

I checked a couple of the podcast directories and found them easy to use.
I chose to listen to a podcast from Minnesota Public Library from the MidMorning Program by Kerri Miller. I selected a conversation on books with Nancy Pearl. It was very worthwhile. If I had the time, I would listen to lots of podcasts from NPR and MPR. This thing inspired me to subscribe to MidMorning. I may subscribe to Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett, also on MPR.

Thing 18: You Tube and other online videos

I tried a few different searches on YouTube. The video that I pasted here called: Teen Summer Reading@Birmingham Public Library was very well done. It was brief but humorous and I would think that for both reasons it would grab the attention of teens. We might use videos on our library web site to get the word out about programs as well as about resources.

Thing 17: Elm Productivity Tools

The Elm resources are very worthwhile tools for use in my reference work. I have been familiar with the searches and refining the searches. Students benefit when we take the time to show them how to refine the search so that they don't waste time or get frustrated with too many results that may not always be helpful. I have not taken time until now to explore all the options of these tools. Aside from trying to set up the RSS feed for Gale (I did not succeed), this was time well spent. I appreciated learning about the options of searching the contents of ebooks and creating notes. This would be beneficial in doing either professional or personal research. It was good, too, to learn about the "My Research" tab in ProQuest. As staff, we can assist one another with the easy tools for sharing our research.

Thing 16: Student 2.0 Tools

I can see where teachers would really appreciate the Assignment Calculator and the Research Project Calculator. Students would have a little incentive as they enter the dates and see how the calculator gives them a timeline for completing each step. It also helps students visualize the process and all that is involved, especially for students who tend to procrastinate. These tools would be worth sharing with teachers and students. I looked over the Teacher's Guide and would find that some of the tip sheets might be worth having available for students doing research at the public library, such as the one on Improving your Google Search , Evaluating Web Sites, and Copyright and Fair Use. I'm not sure that I would use this for a personal project.

Thing 15: Online Games

I looked at Puzzle Pirates and watched the video of Second Life. I don't have time for gaming and so I did not sign up for them, but I can see where it would be a way for libraries to reach out to teens. We would need to find adults and teens who have this interest and ask for their assistance in setting up gaming events.

Thing 14: Library Thing

As promised, it was very easy to create an account on Library Thing. I will find this a useful tool to keep track of books that I've read. Pretty amazing to see how many people have read the same books, especially one of them: Sacred Stacks: the higher purpose of libraries and librarianship.
I can see where the widget is such an easy way for libraries to add pizzazz to our websites as we let our readers know about new books. We could also let book discussion groups know about Library Thing.

Thing 13: Online Productivity Tools

I learned about iGoogle at a workshop and have used it as my homepage. It's a great tool which allows a quick check of the news headlines, weather, and easy access to other things that I added such as a dictionary, email, and best sellers. I looked at the other start page options and they are similar. I have gmail so it made sense to stay with iGoogle. For the same reason, I plan to use the Google calendar. It could be useful to share with other staff. I tried the countdown widget but I have not been able to get it to start the countdown. Will be checking with a friend. It would be just a fun tool. I signed up for "Remember the Milk" list tool. I'm not sure how much I will use it. I also looked at the other tools that were suggested. Right now it feels a little overwhelming. Each one has potential.

Thing 12: Digg & other Social Media Sites

I looked at the four social media sites listed and then signed up with Mixx. I clicked on the share tools and sent one of the articles to another staff person via email. I also went to the New York Times news sites and looked at the Book section. I used the share tools for a book review.
These tools could be used as aids in keeping us with the latest in issues, news, trends, books, etc. as we select materials for the library system, prepare displays and provide programming. Used in those ways, the social media sites could enhance productivity. In another sense, they could detract as a person gets caught up in checking them out.

Thing 11: tagging and del.icio.us

I wish I had the use of tagging when I was in school and writing papers - many years ago.
It will be useful now as I read for professional updating and assisting with staff training.
This is also a nice tool for personal use, such as bookmarking favorite sites.

Thing 10: Wikis

I have used Wikipedia but I've never worked on a wiki. It is an interesting concept of anyone being able to make additions or to edit a webpage. It has been said that we each have a piece of the wisdom. I see a wiki as being an open invitation for each person who is interested to share his or her piece of wisdom with the wiki participants. I edited the 23 Things Wiki. (I can't say that I shared any wisdom but it was an opportunity to try out this tool.) One library application would be for staff who are responsible for developing guide sheets for training other staff.

Thing 9: Collaboration Tools

I have used Google Docs briefly for a work document and I looked at Zoho Writer. Both seem to be easy to use and both have lots of features such as inserting an image, sending to a blog, and use of spell check and tags. It is helpful to be able to look at the list of revisions. These tools are time-savers when there are several staff, for example, working on a document and working in different locations. Even if they are located in the same building, it would be helpful as each works from a different computer.

Thing 8: Share your creations

I used the Picture Trail to create a photo cube with some pictures of my grandparents, parents' wedding, etc., including a couple of my Irish relatives in the 2007 St. Patrick's Day parade.
This was an easy tool to use and a lot of fun. The various tools listed would find use in attractive, catchy publicity about library events and services. Another use might be offering a class at the library for people interested in doing creative things with their photos or learning how to do a slideshow for a presentation.

Thing 7: Communication Tools

Our library system has been using email for several years. I think that it is one of the best things that has happened and that we now take for granted. I like being able to ask staff at another location or at the regional office about something but not feel like I am interrupting them in the way that I might be with a phone call. Also, it is really helpful to have a record of the transactions and it's also helpful when we use "reply all" so that everyone concerned can share about an issue or topic.

Yesterday I wanted to try out instant messaging as part of this "thing". I was not able to download Windows Live Messenger either at work or at home. I then signed up for Google Talk. It was pretty exciting today to do my first IM with another staff person participating in 23 things. While I don't see myself IMing for personal use (that could change), I do see where the day is coming, sooner rather than later, when we will use IM for reference transactions. We would need to plan coverage for this service at the regional level.

I took part in an OPAL web conference called "Meet Me in St. Louis: the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Expo" presented by James Gilbert. I enjoyed it and learned a lot on a historical topic. When I signed in, I received a "Welcome" message but I did not know how to respond. I noticed that the next person who signed in was able to respond. The conference was a lecture and not intended as an interactive class. I have taken part in a Minitex webinar in the past. It's a very helpful tool for education without the expense of travel. When I see all the topics that are offered on both sites, I think, if only a person had more time. It's great to know that the opportunities are there.

Moving Forward