The End (Thing 11)

Wow, hard to believe our program has come to an end.
The (2) things I learned the most from was #2 RSS & #4 Fliker. I'd heard or seen both but never took the time to investigate them because...I didn't wnat to look stupid. I feel much better now-not only do I have a working knowledge of these processes, I also feel confident enough to explore them more, use them more, & be able to explain them (I think!) to someone else. I love to learn but don't like to ask questions-I like to figure it out on my own.
As far as life long learning....I thrive on learning something new. Everything changes and we must change too. I don't want to get stuck in one place...imagine if we never learned how to build cars-we'd still have horse and buggy! Learning helps you to keep your mind occupied which leads to stimulating your mind which keeps it active and alert & open to new things.
I am constantly surprised at how much technology changes...& how much is truly out there. It doesn't mean it's always good or helpful however to know that someone had to think up these things shows the resourcefulness of the human mind and spirit-a better mousetrap, if you will.
As far as improving...the format is good-it allows everyone to work at their own pace (albeit w/a time lline, ie, 1 week at a time). Perhaps we could set up the program via an online application...or perhaps instead of a blog, add your comments to a onlline Word app-that way all comments for (example) thing 1 would be all together instead of having to look at everyone's individual blog. (Don't get me wrong-I like using the blog, I'm just thinking ; )
If another program like this was offered, I definatly would participate. Anything you can learn to better yourself or your job is most beneficial. I could be a student for life-which if you think about it, isn't it better to learn & grow than to wither & stagnate?

Thing #10 Roselle's Virtual Library

Answer to News Bank question: (I looked at this Tues 3/31) From the Daily Herald "Who's Who 3/27 mentions our very own Patrick Devitt library trustee who is also running for District 12 school board.
Answer to Heritage Quest: In the 1860 censue, (2) Abraham Lincolns are shown-it was easy to tell which the President was by his age, birthplace, and location (where registered-Springfield).
I explored the "Ancestry" database. I was able to find my father's record from the Federal Census record in 1930. It was interesting to see his family listed: mom, dad, brother, and sister. Very cool!
Ik'm not sure how to decide which databases are the most popular because there is something for all. I would imagine the Ancestry & Heritage sites are popular. Morning Star I've had numerous patrons ask about. The homework sites & general reference ones I'd imagine recieve steady traffic especially during the school year. As far as the automotive one, the most interesting thing I found was the list of recalls issued for a model/year. With all the computerized systems in cars these days, I wonder how many people still do their own repairs however if you were looking to purchase a car, this site would be helpful.
Overall, I find the Library's website beneficial-here at work & when I'm at home. There is a lot of info I've found to be helpful. i think we possibly need to publicize our services even more-perhaps a blurb in each newsletter (perhaps walking patrons through how a particular database works & what it offers) or perhaps we need a tutorial online to familiarize people with all we offer & make them comfortable using it.