Posts
Tipping my cap to those who took the time to look in and help me out on this group of "things," and to those who were otherwise occupied in worthy pursuits.
I would like to have set aside more time to explore blogs and interact with those doing the exercise, however, I know that everyone is very busy, just as we are here.
It's been my experience that folks who work in libraries are smart, talented, resourceful, and insightful.
They are currently working diligently to accommodate the needs of patrons, many of whom find themselves facing real challenges.
Technology is important.
Knowledge is important.
Cap'n Rob
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thing 22: Staying Current
1. Take a moment and look back at the first Thing you posted to your blog. Reflect on how far you've come since then.
My first blog post was a general comment on what the exercise was about and what we hoped to accomplish. Later, I made some comment about confusion having to do with passwords that made it difficult for me to accomplish the task. As I recall, I expected to need to create new user name and password for the blog that were different from the ones I created for the mail account. Just goes to show you, that often when dealing with new technology, the easiest most direct path is the one you least expect to find.
On the other hand, as I expect we all have experienced, some applications are less intuitive and logically presented. (referring to user interface here)
2. Make a resolution to maintain your blog, use the tools you now know, keep up with new tools, and apply them in your library. Give yourself the gift of time—15 minutes a day, a Webinar now and then, conversations with colleagues about Library 2.0, whatever—but don't quit now! Put your resolution writing in your blog!
I do expect to do some blogging in the future, although these somewhat rustic "pearls of wisdom" may not be collected in their present form. (The Bilge Bucket)
I'm sure there are folks who have the opportunity to set aside 15 minutes a day as suggested above. Truth be told, between work and other obligations I have currently, I am unable to reliably "gift" myself with the time necessary to properly maintain a meaningful library related blog. Luckily, we are fortunate to have folks in the system here who can devote time to that. I will however strive to remain current in communications technologies, both on the net and elsewhere. I have been at that task since 1970.
3. Every day, ask yourself, "What did I learn today?" Record your responses in your blog.So here are some Web sites and blogs to add to your RSS aggregator.
I will peruse the RSS list offered at 23 things and make decisions about whether or not I want to "tend" to those feeds.
My first blog post was a general comment on what the exercise was about and what we hoped to accomplish. Later, I made some comment about confusion having to do with passwords that made it difficult for me to accomplish the task. As I recall, I expected to need to create new user name and password for the blog that were different from the ones I created for the mail account. Just goes to show you, that often when dealing with new technology, the easiest most direct path is the one you least expect to find.
On the other hand, as I expect we all have experienced, some applications are less intuitive and logically presented. (referring to user interface here)
2. Make a resolution to maintain your blog, use the tools you now know, keep up with new tools, and apply them in your library. Give yourself the gift of time—15 minutes a day, a Webinar now and then, conversations with colleagues about Library 2.0, whatever—but don't quit now! Put your resolution writing in your blog!
I do expect to do some blogging in the future, although these somewhat rustic "pearls of wisdom" may not be collected in their present form. (The Bilge Bucket)
I'm sure there are folks who have the opportunity to set aside 15 minutes a day as suggested above. Truth be told, between work and other obligations I have currently, I am unable to reliably "gift" myself with the time necessary to properly maintain a meaningful library related blog. Luckily, we are fortunate to have folks in the system here who can devote time to that. I will however strive to remain current in communications technologies, both on the net and elsewhere. I have been at that task since 1970.
3. Every day, ask yourself, "What did I learn today?" Record your responses in your blog.So here are some Web sites and blogs to add to your RSS aggregator.
I will peruse the RSS list offered at 23 things and make decisions about whether or not I want to "tend" to those feeds.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thing 21: Student 2.0 Tools
This is really interesting.
At first glance, I thought great... another glorified web based calendar, however, after closer inspection of the supporting materials I do think students/patrons can benefit from use of the RPC.
Looked through the Research Planning Calculator site and found a number of useful tools for students and teachers. Basically a time management device and resource center designed to "shepherd" students through the process of a research project.
There is an abundance of useful downloadable material here. For example, style guides for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation methods, tip sheets for boolean basics and advanced google searches, storyboarding materials, and scripting outlines, just to name a few.
The tools are presented chronologically, and sorted under the relevant topics one might use to "plan and manage" a research project.
1. Question
2. Gather
3. Conclude
4. Communicate
5. Evaluate
I think this "thing" would be highly useful for students and working groups. This may have been conceived of by professors who are teaching while simultaneously serving on graduate committees. (Time consuming.) Or, more likely by dedicated, vigilant, observant librarians in Minnesota who took it upon themselves to create a "bread crumb trail" for those who are unfamiliar with the process of doing meaningful research.
It wasn't readily apparent to me whether or not the user can allow others to access and monitor the project as it progresses, but I suspect that could be accomplished via shared passwords.
I will bookmark this site and keep it handy for introduction to library patrons/students who are beginning a research project.
Kudos to University of Minnesota Libraries!
Cheers
At first glance, I thought great... another glorified web based calendar, however, after closer inspection of the supporting materials I do think students/patrons can benefit from use of the RPC.
Looked through the Research Planning Calculator site and found a number of useful tools for students and teachers. Basically a time management device and resource center designed to "shepherd" students through the process of a research project.
There is an abundance of useful downloadable material here. For example, style guides for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation methods, tip sheets for boolean basics and advanced google searches, storyboarding materials, and scripting outlines, just to name a few.
The tools are presented chronologically, and sorted under the relevant topics one might use to "plan and manage" a research project.
1. Question
2. Gather
3. Conclude
4. Communicate
5. Evaluate
I think this "thing" would be highly useful for students and working groups. This may have been conceived of by professors who are teaching while simultaneously serving on graduate committees. (Time consuming.) Or, more likely by dedicated, vigilant, observant librarians in Minnesota who took it upon themselves to create a "bread crumb trail" for those who are unfamiliar with the process of doing meaningful research.
It wasn't readily apparent to me whether or not the user can allow others to access and monitor the project as it progresses, but I suspect that could be accomplished via shared passwords.
I will bookmark this site and keep it handy for introduction to library patrons/students who are beginning a research project.
Kudos to University of Minnesota Libraries!
Cheers
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thing 20: Books 2.0
I'm aware of portable digital reading devices like Kindle, but do not own one as yet. I expect I will eventually make that purchase. For now my desktop does what I need it to do.
Sorry, don't have any desire to read a book on my phone.
What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
Reading traditional books is still popular although more and more patrons opt for video, specifically Hollywood based narrative film, or the use of Internet stations.
Fiction books check out more frequently than non-fiction books.
Readers of traditional books tend to be more advanced in age than those who seek out electronic sources.
Don't think any of this will be surprising to folks who work in libraries.
Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
I don't really have a sense of that either way.
Let me preface this by saying that I do not read a lot of fiction nowadays, and I think these sites may have more to offer to those who do.
In the case of non fiction, I am able to review sources of information for accuracy in a number of ways, to include past and present studies in peer reviewed journals, bibliographic citation review, and keeping current with scholarly periodicals that are specific to a given subject.
Those who read a lot of fiction may be seeking out the more subjective musings and opinions of their peers, so perhaps, reviews found on these sites would be of more interest to them.
If I should find a particular reviewer of fictional literature who consistently comes up with picks I enjoy, I would seek out commentary from that reviewer.
So far, that has not occurred. I am more likely to find a book on my own or hear about it from a friend or acquaintance who has some sense of what my interests are.
Which of the sites/tools did you visit?
Daily Lit, Unbound Reader, and Complete Review.
What are their appealing features?
After an admittedly cursory review of 1 site from each category, I was unable to find features that were appealing to me.
What's Next, and Book Stumper might be useful when trying to find specific reads for patrons, but it appears the latter requires a fee for each use. I suspect that will deter potential users.
Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because?"
Yes.
Sorry, don't have any desire to read a book on my phone.
What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
Reading traditional books is still popular although more and more patrons opt for video, specifically Hollywood based narrative film, or the use of Internet stations.
Fiction books check out more frequently than non-fiction books.
Readers of traditional books tend to be more advanced in age than those who seek out electronic sources.
Don't think any of this will be surprising to folks who work in libraries.
Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
I don't really have a sense of that either way.
Let me preface this by saying that I do not read a lot of fiction nowadays, and I think these sites may have more to offer to those who do.
In the case of non fiction, I am able to review sources of information for accuracy in a number of ways, to include past and present studies in peer reviewed journals, bibliographic citation review, and keeping current with scholarly periodicals that are specific to a given subject.
Those who read a lot of fiction may be seeking out the more subjective musings and opinions of their peers, so perhaps, reviews found on these sites would be of more interest to them.
If I should find a particular reviewer of fictional literature who consistently comes up with picks I enjoy, I would seek out commentary from that reviewer.
So far, that has not occurred. I am more likely to find a book on my own or hear about it from a friend or acquaintance who has some sense of what my interests are.
Which of the sites/tools did you visit?
Daily Lit, Unbound Reader, and Complete Review.
What are their appealing features?
After an admittedly cursory review of 1 site from each category, I was unable to find features that were appealing to me.
What's Next, and Book Stumper might be useful when trying to find specific reads for patrons, but it appears the latter requires a fee for each use. I suspect that will deter potential users.
Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because?"
Yes.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thing 19: Other Social Networks
Are you a member of any online communities?
I do utilize a couple of social networking sites, primarily sites that pertain to "niche" subject matter that is of interest to me. (As referred to earlier in Thing 11" Social Media.")
Spent some time looking at the the various social networking sights suggested at 23 things. Web Junction looks kind of interesting, however I haven't yet looked at it in depth.
When it comes to joining groups, I'm afraid I subscribe to the old Groucho Marx axiom:
(Paraphrasing here)
"I don't want to be part of any club that would have me as a member!"
Of course he was trying to be humorous, or facetious, or both. I do find that membership tends to lead to the inevitable mandated scheduled participation, perhaps even the holding of some sort of office or leadership position. Currently I have neither the time or the inclination to take on either.
Did create a "presence" at Ning and touched down briefly at "Blues Musicians Worldwide."
Hope to be able to peruse that sight without leaving any discernible tracks, as I am an amateur musician, and I do love blues music.
What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?
Please see above
I do utilize a couple of social networking sites, primarily sites that pertain to "niche" subject matter that is of interest to me. (As referred to earlier in Thing 11" Social Media.")
Spent some time looking at the the various social networking sights suggested at 23 things. Web Junction looks kind of interesting, however I haven't yet looked at it in depth.
When it comes to joining groups, I'm afraid I subscribe to the old Groucho Marx axiom:
(Paraphrasing here)
"I don't want to be part of any club that would have me as a member!"
Of course he was trying to be humorous, or facetious, or both. I do find that membership tends to lead to the inevitable mandated scheduled participation, perhaps even the holding of some sort of office or leadership position. Currently I have neither the time or the inclination to take on either.
Did create a "presence" at Ning and touched down briefly at "Blues Musicians Worldwide."
Hope to be able to peruse that sight without leaving any discernible tracks, as I am an amateur musician, and I do love blues music.
What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?
Please see above
Thing 18: Facebook/My Space
I am familiar with these web entities.
I have friends/acquaintances who maintain a presence at one or both of these sites.
They have become a popular way for indie musicians to keep their fans apprised about upcoming performances, cd releases, etc.
Haven't found them terribly useful myself, but it will be interesting to see what 23 Things and NEFLIN have to say about their use as tools for communication in libraries.
Our library's web page has some powerful interactive features already, and I like the idea that one url allows all patrons to interact with multiple branches in one place.
Watched the video and perused Facebook and Myspace.
Looked at the Jacksonville and Alachua county library pages. (Noticed that some authors are using the sites to promote their work.)
Also checked out the Pew Internet & American Life Project site. Lots of interesting statistical information there. (Some concerning use and availability of broadband in rural areas.)
I get the idea that these social networking sites allow users to become more easily connected to one another, and that users can broaden their group of "friends" by "acquiring" those of other users. A breaking down of barriers, so to speak. It's also clear that they are wildly popular at the moment.
I don't consider myself to be anti social, but I don't feel compelled to sign up for these.
So much of the communication that appears there is general, unfocused, smarmy, and truth be told, mindless.
"Digital Schmoozing" if you will.
I just don't have leisure time to spare for that.
Cast off...
I have friends/acquaintances who maintain a presence at one or both of these sites.
They have become a popular way for indie musicians to keep their fans apprised about upcoming performances, cd releases, etc.
Haven't found them terribly useful myself, but it will be interesting to see what 23 Things and NEFLIN have to say about their use as tools for communication in libraries.
Our library's web page has some powerful interactive features already, and I like the idea that one url allows all patrons to interact with multiple branches in one place.
Watched the video and perused Facebook and Myspace.
Looked at the Jacksonville and Alachua county library pages. (Noticed that some authors are using the sites to promote their work.)
Also checked out the Pew Internet & American Life Project site. Lots of interesting statistical information there. (Some concerning use and availability of broadband in rural areas.)
I get the idea that these social networking sites allow users to become more easily connected to one another, and that users can broaden their group of "friends" by "acquiring" those of other users. A breaking down of barriers, so to speak. It's also clear that they are wildly popular at the moment.
I don't consider myself to be anti social, but I don't feel compelled to sign up for these.
So much of the communication that appears there is general, unfocused, smarmy, and truth be told, mindless.
"Digital Schmoozing" if you will.
I just don't have leisure time to spare for that.
Cast off...
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