Thing #9 Life-long learning

Where would we be w/o life long learning? Simple:if you fail to keep learning, you stagnat and lose out on all of the things life has to offer. Were we born knowing how to drive, read, or use a computer? No-we had to learn. As we progress through life, we build on acquired skills.
I've taken (2) classes through Web Junction. I found them to be informative and the directions were easy to follow. The fact that they are free removes any hesitancy on people's part to participate. Like any internet class (think college classes offered online in lieu of attending a class on campus) you don't have the interaction w/the instructor or other students however if you are motivated and are comfortable learning at your own pace this is an ideal way to pick up information and skills. I'm always interested in classes on how to deal with people since that is our business here at the library. We see such a broad spectrum people and situations that we really need to be up on the latest people-based skills. We also need to keep in mind our "customers" can be internal as well-how do we relate to our fellow employees?
I think if there was a class that multiple people were intested in, it would be beneficial to see if we could reserve space somewhere & work together-in effect, creating our own classroom!

Thing #8: Online Apps

I really like this one! I think the Google Docs mirror Office-can't see too much difference. I'l like to play with it a bit more to get a better feel however the functions, toolbars, files, etc, seemed the same. I think this really would be beneficial to people who may not have a certain application on their computer (ex: Excel) but who need to access it to open an attachment from a friend or as part of "working at/from home". In my other job, I run into people all the time who don't have programs that I have which is frustrating because we can't communicate. Because you cana control who has access to documents, there is some protection built in however for confidential matters I wonder how people would react if they knew things such as evaluations, disciplanry items, etc, are out on the "web". Has there been any hacking into docs?
As far as useful for the library, like anything else, I think we could utilize it. When compiling the newletter, just like the example shown in the video, Beth would be able to view instead of being bombarded. The monthly reports each department writes also would be a candidate. When we attend workshops, instead of passing around a Word doc, we can have it posted and then all who need to, can add their information.

Thing #6 IM

I enjoy IM. I've used it extensively at my other job. It's great to be able to communicate w/o having to pick up the phone. I think some people would call that "lazy" however when I need a quick, short answer (especially when I'm already on the phone!) it is truly a lifesaver. This way, I can answer a question w/o the dreaded "I'll get back 2 u on that". I know too how easy it is to start a conversation & get sidetracked-multitasking has it's downside too! We've used MSN and Yahoo IM at work so both are familiar.
As a mode of communication, it will never replace face-2-face because it is one dimensional (same w/email)-no way to really know the inflection or tone of the speaker's voice. Having said that, I do feel that it is invaluable when you need an answer now and for quick communication. From a reference standpoint, I think it should be considered another tool in our communication format. Any way for info to reach our patrons is a good thing. It shows they are using the library in the fashion they need to & we are responding to an ever changing world. Thank goodness libraries have not become extinct! We are meeting the challenge every day on how to serve our patrons better. It is great that we are integrating new technology into our range of services. If we stand still (ie, not use the technology at hand) we will not be seen as the public treasure we are nor as the asset to the community which we most certainly are. TTUL

Thing #7 Wikis!

I know...I skipped Thing #6. I'll come back to it.
Anyway on to Wikis. I found these fascinating. To think that you can create & post like the example shown regarding the mythical camping trip-how handy. It does eliminate the back and forth of email. I think this is a useful tool however, as shown w/Wikipedia anyone (if given access/rights/permission) can post anything-which means you have to either trust the content or be very discening. It would work for a group (such as library employees) as a bulletin board-much easier to communicate w/everyone since we all work varied shifts. I found the Wikipedia site on Roselle interesting, particularly the links at the bottom to Lake Park HS & the village hall. No mention of the library however! HMMMM.... I checked out Schaumburg's site for their 2.0 project. It is intesting to see how libraries incorporate new technology-not unlike other business'. Since we are learing all of these tech related items, why don't we pick a couple (the most benefical or useful) for use in the library among our fellow employees? It's a way to retain our new found knowledge plus become familiar and comfortable w/technology. This way too when our patrons ask us, we can explain & educate-after all, that's what we are here for.

Thing #5 Pod/Vodcasts

This was a difficult one for me, not so much content but execution. I was frustrated when looking for something to view-way too much out there to choose from! I did enjoy the featured library casts-the one for Denver Library's summer reading program w/the white kitty was hilareous (sp?)! Loved when he/she was trying to skateboard. I've been to the Denver Library-it is magnificent.
Anyway, I was not able to link a pod/vod feed/video to this blog. I will find out from 1 of our team leaders how to do it. I think the fact there is so much out there-like Lynn says "the good, the bad, the truly ugly" it is very overwhelming to be able to pick things here & there. It's almost intimadating having so many choices. I can see once again how people get addicted to viewing non-stop videos, TV shows, etc. I think I learned way more than I thought-so much so that I need more time w/this "Thing" to feel comfortable using or explaining it to a patron. Having said that, I am not sure what to comment on as far as use in the library. Useful tool, gets the word out in an ever increasing, visually oriented world.

Thing #3 Social Network(s) (ing)

I can see why people love MySpace, Facebook, etc. It's almost addicting. Instead of writing a letter, an email, or calling someone, you can gather everyone together via social networking & share what's going on with you & catch up w/your friends. I think if I had more time in my life, I'd set up a real page & interact w/friends however after working all day between 2 jobs and school work on top of that, I really don't want to sit in front of my computer any more! Too much like work. But that's just me. I learned how to set up a page & not feel imtimidated by the process. I am concerned w/privacy so this is a big step for me! I think the fact that RPL has it's own page in the social network world is great-perhaps we should all be utilizing it more. I think it could be useful in that we all work so many varied shifts-we could keep better track of issues/problems/etc. Anything to improve communications is a bonus.

Thing #4 Flickr

I took the easy way out....
There are some beautiful shots-the one I'm writing about is "Nah-it wasn't me who took the nut" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/savannah7133/3257764297/). My mother loves cardinals. They don't have them in Denver so she is sad that the beautiful red birds aren't around. The interesting thing about this shot is the shadow on the right side-it balances the black around the bird's throat. I'm also sitting here at Deb M's computer where her very own cardinal is perched.
I can see how sites like this are popular-anyone can have instant access to pictures. It is an easy way to share-virtually no waiting, just download from a source & voila! a photo album on line. You can choose which shots you like and download to your computer or burn to a disc or print them out.
As far as the library using Flickr or any other photo sharing site, I think it would be beneficial for the staff to have access to pictures from various events held in the library. It would allow us to keep records that everyone would be able to use. We can control how or if pictures are used for publicity. There is always a concern for privacy so that becomes more of a legal issue. I wonder if we could use the site (or one like it) for our archieve collection of Roselle pictures. I know we have them on our library site...I wonder if there might be a bigger audience for them & more exposure. Just a thought...

I still have to finish Thing #3. Oh well, that's next week's task!