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.