They always look so compact when they assume the meatloaf position!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Curiosity and Project Play
I've read some of my colleagues' entries on this topic and agree that I was more curious when I was younger. I was always a reader and loved to learn. But the first 12 years of school seemed like an exercise in conformity. College followed, and it wasn't until my Senior year as an undergrad that I finally "got it" - then I began asking more questions and conversing with my professors - I was no longer just a "sponge". When I entered graduate school several years later, I really had the time of my life. I felt alive, curious, ready to take on the world! I enjoyed my 9 years of professional work before becoming a stay at home parent. I spent 10 years "at home" and have come to some cynical conclusions.
I think most schools can stifle curiosity and creativity. I became certain of this after having my son 12 years ago. My husband and I knew early on that he was gifted, and once he entered school and was identified as such, we had to become active advocates for his education within a system set up for status quo mediocrity. I'm glad to say some things have improved and he's doing well. My point is that mediocrity and the status quo are safe comfort zones for most of us. It's easy to become intellectually lazy. I am finding that while I spent much time fostering my son's curiosity and intellectual growth, my own interests were put on the back burner. Plus, I've found that I'm not as passionate about the things I used to be. Library issues and personal interests that sparked me in my 20s have changed over time. Marriage, parenting, and aging have all influenced the way I look at things now. My priorities have sharpened and my interests/passions have veered in new directions. At first I mourned these changes, probably because I grieved the loss of youthful idealism. But lately I've recognized that change is a good thing, and I'm curious to find out what I will truly be when I grow up! Read: I'm CURIOUS! As I approach 50, my path is changing, and I'm ready to "wake up" intellectually again.
I think Seth Godin made some very good points - I've long believed that TV is a great wasteland. Although I would miss the things we watch on Discovery, History, and Science (and yes, TVLand!), I've been trying to get my hubby to junk the TV. Sigh. Anyway, I agree with Seth that curiosity has nothing to do with income or education. Some of the most interesting and creative people my husband and I have met over the years lacked so-called formal education. They pushed the envelope, tried new approaches to problems, created incredible music, stories, solutions to problems - they were truly curious and reached beyond themselves with little fear. Perhaps a healthy dose of self-confidence needs to go hand-in-hand with curiosity. Otherwise, how can a curious person fight off the surrounding voices of conformity and mediocrity?
I feel like Project Play has become my new classroom for my Adult Education. I've looked at technologies I've never seen or heard of before, and some I like, and some I don't, and that's OKAY. What's important is that I'm LOOKING, and LEARNING, and yes, even PLAYING now!
I feel the strong urge to see what else is out there - and not just on the Web. While the new technologies may be the future - and I accept that the computer is here to stay - there is still something to be said for nurturing connections with PEOPLE, not just COMPUTERS. I want to nurture my curiosity by finding things on the Internet pertinent to my interests and passions, and then DO these things, not just READ about them.
I, too, will miss the Project Play assignments and look forward to whatever the coordinators come up with. Thank so much for what you have shared with us and for all your hard work! On my part, I plan to keep my blog active (if anyone's interested), and will subscribe to some of the library rss feeds mentioned in the closing assignment sheet. I'll also check out Go2Wb20 and eHub to see what's there. I've copied off the weekly assignment sheets and plan to revisit some of the sites - I'm still a little dense about widgets, for instance - and I want to look at more of the example sites provided. I've even gotten into the daily habit of checking my bloglines for the new feeds - see, I've come a long way, baby!
I think most schools can stifle curiosity and creativity. I became certain of this after having my son 12 years ago. My husband and I knew early on that he was gifted, and once he entered school and was identified as such, we had to become active advocates for his education within a system set up for status quo mediocrity. I'm glad to say some things have improved and he's doing well. My point is that mediocrity and the status quo are safe comfort zones for most of us. It's easy to become intellectually lazy. I am finding that while I spent much time fostering my son's curiosity and intellectual growth, my own interests were put on the back burner. Plus, I've found that I'm not as passionate about the things I used to be. Library issues and personal interests that sparked me in my 20s have changed over time. Marriage, parenting, and aging have all influenced the way I look at things now. My priorities have sharpened and my interests/passions have veered in new directions. At first I mourned these changes, probably because I grieved the loss of youthful idealism. But lately I've recognized that change is a good thing, and I'm curious to find out what I will truly be when I grow up! Read: I'm CURIOUS! As I approach 50, my path is changing, and I'm ready to "wake up" intellectually again.
I think Seth Godin made some very good points - I've long believed that TV is a great wasteland. Although I would miss the things we watch on Discovery, History, and Science (and yes, TVLand!), I've been trying to get my hubby to junk the TV. Sigh. Anyway, I agree with Seth that curiosity has nothing to do with income or education. Some of the most interesting and creative people my husband and I have met over the years lacked so-called formal education. They pushed the envelope, tried new approaches to problems, created incredible music, stories, solutions to problems - they were truly curious and reached beyond themselves with little fear. Perhaps a healthy dose of self-confidence needs to go hand-in-hand with curiosity. Otherwise, how can a curious person fight off the surrounding voices of conformity and mediocrity?
I feel like Project Play has become my new classroom for my Adult Education. I've looked at technologies I've never seen or heard of before, and some I like, and some I don't, and that's OKAY. What's important is that I'm LOOKING, and LEARNING, and yes, even PLAYING now!
I feel the strong urge to see what else is out there - and not just on the Web. While the new technologies may be the future - and I accept that the computer is here to stay - there is still something to be said for nurturing connections with PEOPLE, not just COMPUTERS. I want to nurture my curiosity by finding things on the Internet pertinent to my interests and passions, and then DO these things, not just READ about them.
I, too, will miss the Project Play assignments and look forward to whatever the coordinators come up with. Thank so much for what you have shared with us and for all your hard work! On my part, I plan to keep my blog active (if anyone's interested), and will subscribe to some of the library rss feeds mentioned in the closing assignment sheet. I'll also check out Go2Wb20 and eHub to see what's there. I've copied off the weekly assignment sheets and plan to revisit some of the sites - I'm still a little dense about widgets, for instance - and I want to look at more of the example sites provided. I've even gotten into the daily habit of checking my bloglines for the new feeds - see, I've come a long way, baby!
Week 10 - Mashups
Marshups are an interesting tool. I hadn't realized that I had seen so many of them already and just didn't know that they had a formal name. Beth's introduction on the podcast held the caveat that I've long felt needs to be posted at every computer workstation: be sure of the veracity of the site you are accessing! Don't just rely on Uncle Bob's favorites, as she said.
That said, there are some very interesting ways mashups are being used to provide information. I find government sites combining zip codes, maps, and pie chart graphics interesting and easy to digest. I looked at a number of the listed sites - Daily Mashups, Netvibes, Meebo Map, PlaceOpedia, Zip Code Census Dashboard, Libraries 411, Barns of Winnebago Co., MeL Deliveries, Hot Titles Carousel, Learning 2.0 Throughout the World (and yes, I found OWLS PP!), and Go-go Google gadget (which I didn't really follow).
I watched the screencast for Mapbuilder and added Thimbleberry Books (a fabulous used bookstore in Marshfield, also home to 2 bibliocats). I mistakenly added it to the first automated map and then went back and added it to the Project PLay map. This was pretty easy to use.
My favorite mashup, though, was the Library Thing for Libraries(LTFL) and how it's being used in the Danbury CT public library. I went through the LTFL tour and FAQs and think it sounds like a fabulous idea to add to a library card catalog. Basically, it's a subject catalog with recommendations for similar items. The only problem I see is having to export your catalog info to LibraryThing. That would take staff time and the results might be 50-65 % overlap of titles, meaning that some of your titles might not be listed in LTFL. But, with millions of titles already listed, and many being added daily, I would imagine the coverage would be worthwhile, especially with newer titles. Because you've provided the data from your own collections, you aren't sending the user outside the library, so you're utilizing your own collection even more - what a great way to get more bang from your book acquisitions buck! I especially liked the format of the Danbury Library's catalog page with the similar title recommendations listed right on the same page - I used Gone With the Wind and found a nice listing of similar titles. What an easy way to provide reader's advisory service without having to access additional databases/reference books. Of course, some folks may question using recommendations from "regular" vs "library" folk, but so often people just want suggestions, no matter who gives them. You could still use other tools to find titles through ILL if you wanted to. I'd love to see this kind of feature added to our library's card catalog!
That said, there are some very interesting ways mashups are being used to provide information. I find government sites combining zip codes, maps, and pie chart graphics interesting and easy to digest. I looked at a number of the listed sites - Daily Mashups, Netvibes, Meebo Map, PlaceOpedia, Zip Code Census Dashboard, Libraries 411, Barns of Winnebago Co., MeL Deliveries, Hot Titles Carousel, Learning 2.0 Throughout the World (and yes, I found OWLS PP!), and Go-go Google gadget (which I didn't really follow).
I watched the screencast for Mapbuilder and added Thimbleberry Books (a fabulous used bookstore in Marshfield, also home to 2 bibliocats). I mistakenly added it to the first automated map and then went back and added it to the Project PLay map. This was pretty easy to use.
My favorite mashup, though, was the Library Thing for Libraries(LTFL) and how it's being used in the Danbury CT public library. I went through the LTFL tour and FAQs and think it sounds like a fabulous idea to add to a library card catalog. Basically, it's a subject catalog with recommendations for similar items. The only problem I see is having to export your catalog info to LibraryThing. That would take staff time and the results might be 50-65 % overlap of titles, meaning that some of your titles might not be listed in LTFL. But, with millions of titles already listed, and many being added daily, I would imagine the coverage would be worthwhile, especially with newer titles. Because you've provided the data from your own collections, you aren't sending the user outside the library, so you're utilizing your own collection even more - what a great way to get more bang from your book acquisitions buck! I especially liked the format of the Danbury Library's catalog page with the similar title recommendations listed right on the same page - I used Gone With the Wind and found a nice listing of similar titles. What an easy way to provide reader's advisory service without having to access additional databases/reference books. Of course, some folks may question using recommendations from "regular" vs "library" folk, but so often people just want suggestions, no matter who gives them. You could still use other tools to find titles through ILL if you wanted to. I'd love to see this kind of feature added to our library's card catalog!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Week 9 - YouTube
Wow, what an incredible site to play with! As you can tell from my previous post containing the Winston Churchill video, I am really enjoying this assignment!
I enjoyed watching Michael Stephens discuss why he believes books will never be obsolete, and that the human connection is the most important thing in the library, not all the new technical gadgets coming down the pike. The Calgary Public Library's Story Time was very cute, and the Harper College Library Tour was pretty funny. But the video "Now Your Library is Open Late Nights, Too" just made me cringe. This one was the personfication of my greatest worry - that we are trying to cater to the McDonald's Generation by spoonfeeding them (and in some cases digesting for them!) everything, right here, right NOW! Ugh! Okay, climbing off my soapbox...
I haven't found anything I really dislike about YouTube, probably because I'm still wowed by what I've found. The quality of content and production varies, but that's to be expected. I'm sure there's going to be objectionable content, too, depending on one's personal political correctness levels. (Watching Jackie Gleason plug Richard Nixon was a hoot, I will say!). And I'm sure I'll be finding tons of humorous and non-historical videos to watch, too. I plan to do a search for videos on cats next...
As far as libraries using YouTube - well, as I said, the ones listed in the assignment were pretty well done. I can see where they'd be useful in academic and specialized libraries for introducing collections and resources to new users. I suppose you could use them for the same purpose in the public library setting, but I think that's what WE are for (We as in Reference and Circulation Librarians). We're the first ones to interact with patrons, and I think they'd be more likely to talk with us than watch a YouTube video. I can see us updating our web page with other useful things before I can see spending staff time/library money producing a video, just my humble opinion. However, I do like the idea of in-house education using YouTube. We've watched them in the ProjectPlay format (and some of them have been quite simple and easy for me to follow, kinda like the Dummies books). I think Library System-produced in-house educational videos on various library-oriented topics (such as using the system-wide Learning Express program or the Gale Reference Products Software) would be a good use for this technology.
I enjoyed watching Michael Stephens discuss why he believes books will never be obsolete, and that the human connection is the most important thing in the library, not all the new technical gadgets coming down the pike. The Calgary Public Library's Story Time was very cute, and the Harper College Library Tour was pretty funny. But the video "Now Your Library is Open Late Nights, Too" just made me cringe. This one was the personfication of my greatest worry - that we are trying to cater to the McDonald's Generation by spoonfeeding them (and in some cases digesting for them!) everything, right here, right NOW! Ugh! Okay, climbing off my soapbox...
I haven't found anything I really dislike about YouTube, probably because I'm still wowed by what I've found. The quality of content and production varies, but that's to be expected. I'm sure there's going to be objectionable content, too, depending on one's personal political correctness levels. (Watching Jackie Gleason plug Richard Nixon was a hoot, I will say!). And I'm sure I'll be finding tons of humorous and non-historical videos to watch, too. I plan to do a search for videos on cats next...
As far as libraries using YouTube - well, as I said, the ones listed in the assignment were pretty well done. I can see where they'd be useful in academic and specialized libraries for introducing collections and resources to new users. I suppose you could use them for the same purpose in the public library setting, but I think that's what WE are for (We as in Reference and Circulation Librarians). We're the first ones to interact with patrons, and I think they'd be more likely to talk with us than watch a YouTube video. I can see us updating our web page with other useful things before I can see spending staff time/library money producing a video, just my humble opinion. However, I do like the idea of in-house education using YouTube. We've watched them in the ProjectPlay format (and some of them have been quite simple and easy for me to follow, kinda like the Dummies books). I think Library System-produced in-house educational videos on various library-oriented topics (such as using the system-wide Learning Express program or the Gale Reference Products Software) would be a good use for this technology.
Winston Churchill's famous Battle of Britain Speech
It was a hard choice for me to make,to narrow down the historical YouTube I wanted to share. I listened to Frandlin D. Roosevelt give his "Day of Infamy" speech the day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. As with this Winston Churchill video, a montage of appropriate photos accompanied the actual recording. I also enjoyed watching live footage of Harry S. Truman relieve Douglas MacArthur of his duties as Supreme Commander, as well as live coverage of MacArthur speaking to Congress, giving his "old soldiers never die, they just fade away" speech. Lastly, I watched various YouTube videos of Will Rogers (the Cowboy Philospher), Red Skelton, and Jackie Gleason.
I felt an incredible thrill to hear Churchill, Truman, and Roosevelt. I have read some of their speeches, but it is never the same as hearing the words from the real person. I also listened to videos of Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy. These men were all incredible speakers, and to hear their voices just gives me a thrill. I haven't heard some of them since I watched 16 mm newsreels or special movies in some of my high school and college history classes. I thought YouTube concentrated on the current, the here and now, the popular. I never realized what a treasure trove of historical materials might be made available through it! I can tell I will be spending time looking up lots more people and events on YouTube!!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Week 8 - Screencasts
Screencasts are an interesting tutorial tool for libraries. They can be as simple as you want (the Treasure Hunt and smiley face examples), or as detailed as you need (U. of Calgary full text database search or the Central MI U. example). I also looked at a couple of the examples under the Online Tutorials page at the Library Success Wiki. I especially liked the Tips for Developing Online Tutorials, such as having a novice go through the steps of your screencast to make sure it is clear and understandable.
I also viewed the Screncast-O-Matic screencast on how to do a screencast (huh?) It sounds easy to do, but I don't understand how to get to the actual screens you might want to describe for your screencast. Say I wanted to show users how to use our library's online catalog. How would I embed that screencast over the process of using the catalog? Or is that something the IT staff would do? Step 1 of the instructions talks about opening applications - is that how one gets to the screens? I just can't visualize how the screencast is connected to the process you want to demonstrate. Yes, I listened to the 10 minute Screencast-O-Matic screencast, but I still don't follow how to insert what you want to show - perhaps if I could sit at the elbow of someone creating the screencast....My computer illiteracy is showing again. Sigh.
I can see lots of potential for library screencasts - demos of how to use the online catalog, how to search for media vs. books, how to use Clio III or Learning Express, how to find magazine articles, etc. I've developed bookmarks that we provide to patrons on various subjects, such as how to access your library account, how to place reserves, etc., and I'm currently distilling the room resercvation process down into this format. I can see it being done as either a podcast or screencast. Following the reservation process with a script and the actual form online would be a strong visual, and as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. I like the idea of screencasts, I just need to see how one is created to be totally sold.
I also viewed the Screncast-O-Matic screencast on how to do a screencast (huh?) It sounds easy to do, but I don't understand how to get to the actual screens you might want to describe for your screencast. Say I wanted to show users how to use our library's online catalog. How would I embed that screencast over the process of using the catalog? Or is that something the IT staff would do? Step 1 of the instructions talks about opening applications - is that how one gets to the screens? I just can't visualize how the screencast is connected to the process you want to demonstrate. Yes, I listened to the 10 minute Screencast-O-Matic screencast, but I still don't follow how to insert what you want to show - perhaps if I could sit at the elbow of someone creating the screencast....My computer illiteracy is showing again. Sigh.
I can see lots of potential for library screencasts - demos of how to use the online catalog, how to search for media vs. books, how to use Clio III or Learning Express, how to find magazine articles, etc. I've developed bookmarks that we provide to patrons on various subjects, such as how to access your library account, how to place reserves, etc., and I'm currently distilling the room resercvation process down into this format. I can see it being done as either a podcast or screencast. Following the reservation process with a script and the actual form online would be a strong visual, and as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. I like the idea of screencasts, I just need to see how one is created to be totally sold.
Friday, February 22, 2008
2 times the fun
And this kitty looks like my other polydactyl cat named - what else - Polly!(except that her eyes are more coppery)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Week 6 - Podcasts
Well, first off I must sheepishly admit something to you all. I didn't realize you could listen to podcasts without an IPod or MP3 player. I figured the brilliant Project Play leaders had rigged a way for us to listen to their weekly podcasts via the computer, figuring not everyone had players. Duh! As Dick Van Dyke repeatedly says in "Night at the Museum": "Moving On!"
I really like the idea of libraries using podcasts for programs, tours, book reviews and book talks, storytime, teen news, group discussions, etc. I scanned the Podcasts in Libraries wiki and checked out a number of the libraries using them: BookTalk Quick and Simple with Nancy Keane, Denver P.L., Manchester, CT P.L., Arizona State U., Grand Rapids P.L., and the Lunar & Planetary Institute Library. I listened to a variety of their podcasts and was amazed at how simple the technology is to navigate. There was even a podcast of kids talking with each other about a popular book series. The kids were enjoying the recording session, and I imagine other kids would like to hear them rather than some stodgy adult talk about a series they might be interested in. I think the potential for library instruction/interaction with patrons may be unlimited with this format! Do I sound excited? I am! I think our library could use podcasts for library events (taped programs that patrons might miss), book reviews/talks, and new book lists, for starters. Tours and Bibliographic Instruction for using certain collections, such as genealogy materials, might be a possibility, too.
I decided to subscribe to some podcasts for my blogroll and was surprised that I already had a link with the Garrison Keillor podcast - I had subscribed to it to read before and didn't realize what that little podcast icon was, that I could listen to the day's recording rather than read it! I am SUCH a podcast ninny - quit laughing! Then I subscribed to the Uncontrolled Vocabulary podcast for library issues. Again, easy and interesting. Finally, I went to podcastalley.com and searched for some quilting podcasts - BINGO! I found 2 that made my day: the Quilting Stash, a twice weekly broadcast, and a podcast for one of my favorite quilt artists Bonnie McCaffrey. Too cool!
I also went to the site for the Project Players to record their own podcasts and listened to what had been recorded. Everyone did a nice job, and it seemed like the instructions were pretty clear. I couldn't think of a single thing to record, so I opted to do the assignment section for subscriptions- I'm not completely fearless, yet!
It was good that the legality/copyright issues were mentioned - I hadn't thought about that. If there's a public performance or visiting lecturer, would the library need to have the speaker sign an agreement to have his program taped and broadcast? Would royalties have to be paid? I can understand if a person reads aloud and broadcasts the entire text of a children's book, then permission must be obtained first. How does that work for reviews of book? I haven't been involved in any of these, so I don't know how far one must go. For that matter, how do Children's Librarians do storytime - a public performance - without obtaining permission - or do they have to? Geez, I don't wanna drive myself crazy overthinking this. Moving On!
I really enjoyed this week's assignment and feel it is a technology that will give libraries a lot of bang for their bucks. Speaking of which -
Jill's Jem for the day: My grandma was an incredibly thifty woman. She could take a nickel and squeeze so hard that the Indian was riding the Buffalo! (does anyone else remember Buffalo Nickels???)
I really like the idea of libraries using podcasts for programs, tours, book reviews and book talks, storytime, teen news, group discussions, etc. I scanned the Podcasts in Libraries wiki and checked out a number of the libraries using them: BookTalk Quick and Simple with Nancy Keane, Denver P.L., Manchester, CT P.L., Arizona State U., Grand Rapids P.L., and the Lunar & Planetary Institute Library. I listened to a variety of their podcasts and was amazed at how simple the technology is to navigate. There was even a podcast of kids talking with each other about a popular book series. The kids were enjoying the recording session, and I imagine other kids would like to hear them rather than some stodgy adult talk about a series they might be interested in. I think the potential for library instruction/interaction with patrons may be unlimited with this format! Do I sound excited? I am! I think our library could use podcasts for library events (taped programs that patrons might miss), book reviews/talks, and new book lists, for starters. Tours and Bibliographic Instruction for using certain collections, such as genealogy materials, might be a possibility, too.
I decided to subscribe to some podcasts for my blogroll and was surprised that I already had a link with the Garrison Keillor podcast - I had subscribed to it to read before and didn't realize what that little podcast icon was, that I could listen to the day's recording rather than read it! I am SUCH a podcast ninny - quit laughing! Then I subscribed to the Uncontrolled Vocabulary podcast for library issues. Again, easy and interesting. Finally, I went to podcastalley.com and searched for some quilting podcasts - BINGO! I found 2 that made my day: the Quilting Stash, a twice weekly broadcast, and a podcast for one of my favorite quilt artists Bonnie McCaffrey. Too cool!
I also went to the site for the Project Players to record their own podcasts and listened to what had been recorded. Everyone did a nice job, and it seemed like the instructions were pretty clear. I couldn't think of a single thing to record, so I opted to do the assignment section for subscriptions- I'm not completely fearless, yet!
It was good that the legality/copyright issues were mentioned - I hadn't thought about that. If there's a public performance or visiting lecturer, would the library need to have the speaker sign an agreement to have his program taped and broadcast? Would royalties have to be paid? I can understand if a person reads aloud and broadcasts the entire text of a children's book, then permission must be obtained first. How does that work for reviews of book? I haven't been involved in any of these, so I don't know how far one must go. For that matter, how do Children's Librarians do storytime - a public performance - without obtaining permission - or do they have to? Geez, I don't wanna drive myself crazy overthinking this. Moving On!
I really enjoyed this week's assignment and feel it is a technology that will give libraries a lot of bang for their bucks. Speaking of which -
Jill's Jem for the day: My grandma was an incredibly thifty woman. She could take a nickel and squeeze so hard that the Indian was riding the Buffalo! (does anyone else remember Buffalo Nickels???)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Week 4 - Social Networking
Well, like the bad-guy police captain chasing Harrison Ford in Witness said upon being told the Amish don't have phones , "Thank you, sheriff....it's been a real education."
The closest I've come to social networking has been accounts at Care2 and Classmates.com (the free version;I'm too cheap to pony up for the "gold" club ). Although I've heard tons about FaceBook and MySpace, I haven't looked into them. I realize that many of our patrons (teens and adults) are using these and other social sites daily at our library, and I have to admit, I'm just not comfortable with them. I am constantly amazed at the amount of personal information and exposure available on these public sites. In the previous semester, I commented on another person's blog regarding his link to an article about people who post on blogs and social sites and the amount of personal information they share, information that is cached forever in cyberspace. They don't realize that potential employers are looking at these sites. In their painful quest to be accepted by someone - anyone! - out there, they seem blithely unaware that they are breaching their own privacy and opening themselves up to potential predators, too. Okay, I'm taking a deep, cleansing breath now...
I read Meredith Farkas' article about social networking with great interest. I do understand her reasoning that we should be out there where the people we want to serve are. But I don't agree that we need a presence in the social networking sites to do it. Don't we look like the silly adult who tries to talk and look hip to his teen kid's friends, and failing miserably, looks pretty cheesy (Marilyn's term) in the process? I feel like libraries are acting like McD's trying to be ALL THINGS to ALL PEOPLE, even those we'll club over the head to attract. Or like a big bad Yellow Pages - where else should we put that ad to get the most bang for the buck? Are teens really going to surf FaceBook or MySpace and look for us there, or stumble upon us and smack their foreheads, moaning, "I coulda gone to the LIBRARY today!" Instead of spending the last three hours finishing that research project - oh that's right, if the library has IM, they can ask the ref librarian on duty to get all the materials together for them! Ooops, my cynicism is showing again...
I did look at the Flickr slideshow of FaceBook pages and they semed pretty ordinary looking. Why even bother to have them there is the thought that comes to mind. I'm just curious if they generate a lot of hits - if yes, then that's great, it's working for them, and I'm just full of it. If anyone reading these posts works at a library with a successful FaceBook, MySpace, or similar entry that's drawing in kids and is working out well, I'd really love to hear about it. I'm open to learning how this is working in real life.
That said, I did take a look at several of the sites listed. The first one I looked at was the Charlotte-Mecklenberg's "The Loft@ImaginOn" - at first I wasn't sure where I had landed. I had difficulty reading the purple text on black background - guess that's cool these days. I did see that there are a number of posts from kids, so they must be using it. I moved to the LaCrosse Library's site with the black text on dark green background. Again, I had trouble deciphering and navigating it. Now, Arapahoe Library's site got my attention with its neat music! And it got the attention of my almost 12 yo son who's home sick today. He sauntered in, peered over my shoulder, and asked what I was looking at. I explained, and added that I couldn't read the text on the buttons (dark blue text on black buttons), and he said I could get around it by highlighting the text I wanted to read if, "they were stupid enough to use those colors", what My genius said when I showed him the previous two sites I looked at. Seems like the black background is popular - Goth? I use black in quilts to make other colors pop - just need enough contrast to read, thank you.
I think these sites had some neat looking features for teens - comment "walls", IM capability, upcoming events and books of interest to teens, etc. I think this is all great info on a library website, but I'm just not sold on it being listed at MySpace and FaceBook. I would be really curious to know if these sites generate lots of hits and comments from users, and if the librarians who manage them are in contact with their users. Please understand: I want kids to feel like we take their questions and requests seriously, that we want to offer services and programs they'll like and attend. I'm just afraid it's another "cool techy tool" that will stretch and break the already stretched-too-thin staff time and resources and not be worth it. And we'll look like we're on the "Bleedin' and Cheesin' Edge" of the technology to do it. If I had to vote this moment, I would not want my library to do a FaceBook or MySpace entry.
As for the article outlining 12 ways to use FaceBook professionally, I think people might be better off spending their time DOING THEIR JOBS than trying to figure out angles to make themselves look better online. I don't think these social networks are appropriate places for professional contacts, although heaven knows networking (online and in person)seems to be the way many people get jobs.Just MHO.
Hubby and I monitor our son's computer use at home and have warned him of the various dangers out there on Wild West Frontier of the Internet. We've explained that posting personal stuff online can be dangerous and that once it's posted, you can't take it back. I think there may be a whole carpe diem generation out there who may regret their entries in another 10 years or so, but then again, I may still be full of it.
The closest I've come to social networking has been accounts at Care2 and Classmates.com (the free version;I'm too cheap to pony up for the "gold" club ). Although I've heard tons about FaceBook and MySpace, I haven't looked into them. I realize that many of our patrons (teens and adults) are using these and other social sites daily at our library, and I have to admit, I'm just not comfortable with them. I am constantly amazed at the amount of personal information and exposure available on these public sites. In the previous semester, I commented on another person's blog regarding his link to an article about people who post on blogs and social sites and the amount of personal information they share, information that is cached forever in cyberspace. They don't realize that potential employers are looking at these sites. In their painful quest to be accepted by someone - anyone! - out there, they seem blithely unaware that they are breaching their own privacy and opening themselves up to potential predators, too. Okay, I'm taking a deep, cleansing breath now...
I read Meredith Farkas' article about social networking with great interest. I do understand her reasoning that we should be out there where the people we want to serve are. But I don't agree that we need a presence in the social networking sites to do it. Don't we look like the silly adult who tries to talk and look hip to his teen kid's friends, and failing miserably, looks pretty cheesy (Marilyn's term) in the process? I feel like libraries are acting like McD's trying to be ALL THINGS to ALL PEOPLE, even those we'll club over the head to attract. Or like a big bad Yellow Pages - where else should we put that ad to get the most bang for the buck? Are teens really going to surf FaceBook or MySpace and look for us there, or stumble upon us and smack their foreheads, moaning, "I coulda gone to the LIBRARY today!" Instead of spending the last three hours finishing that research project - oh that's right, if the library has IM, they can ask the ref librarian on duty to get all the materials together for them! Ooops, my cynicism is showing again...
I did look at the Flickr slideshow of FaceBook pages and they semed pretty ordinary looking. Why even bother to have them there is the thought that comes to mind. I'm just curious if they generate a lot of hits - if yes, then that's great, it's working for them, and I'm just full of it. If anyone reading these posts works at a library with a successful FaceBook, MySpace, or similar entry that's drawing in kids and is working out well, I'd really love to hear about it. I'm open to learning how this is working in real life.
That said, I did take a look at several of the sites listed. The first one I looked at was the Charlotte-Mecklenberg's "The Loft@ImaginOn" - at first I wasn't sure where I had landed. I had difficulty reading the purple text on black background - guess that's cool these days. I did see that there are a number of posts from kids, so they must be using it. I moved to the LaCrosse Library's site with the black text on dark green background. Again, I had trouble deciphering and navigating it. Now, Arapahoe Library's site got my attention with its neat music! And it got the attention of my almost 12 yo son who's home sick today. He sauntered in, peered over my shoulder, and asked what I was looking at. I explained, and added that I couldn't read the text on the buttons (dark blue text on black buttons), and he said I could get around it by highlighting the text I wanted to read if, "they were stupid enough to use those colors", what My genius said when I showed him the previous two sites I looked at. Seems like the black background is popular - Goth? I use black in quilts to make other colors pop - just need enough contrast to read, thank you.
I think these sites had some neat looking features for teens - comment "walls", IM capability, upcoming events and books of interest to teens, etc. I think this is all great info on a library website, but I'm just not sold on it being listed at MySpace and FaceBook. I would be really curious to know if these sites generate lots of hits and comments from users, and if the librarians who manage them are in contact with their users. Please understand: I want kids to feel like we take their questions and requests seriously, that we want to offer services and programs they'll like and attend. I'm just afraid it's another "cool techy tool" that will stretch and break the already stretched-too-thin staff time and resources and not be worth it. And we'll look like we're on the "Bleedin' and Cheesin' Edge" of the technology to do it. If I had to vote this moment, I would not want my library to do a FaceBook or MySpace entry.
As for the article outlining 12 ways to use FaceBook professionally, I think people might be better off spending their time DOING THEIR JOBS than trying to figure out angles to make themselves look better online. I don't think these social networks are appropriate places for professional contacts, although heaven knows networking (online and in person)seems to be the way many people get jobs.Just MHO.
Hubby and I monitor our son's computer use at home and have warned him of the various dangers out there on Wild West Frontier of the Internet. We've explained that posting personal stuff online can be dangerous and that once it's posted, you can't take it back. I think there may be a whole carpe diem generation out there who may regret their entries in another 10 years or so, but then again, I may still be full of it.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Week 3 - 43 Things
I really liked this site! It was fun to see others with a few goals similar to mine. I took a few minutes to register and think about some realistic life goals, something I've been meaning to do but haven't made the time for. This might be an inspirational place to come and plan, and even to dream a bit. I get so bogged down in day to day living that I sometimes forget to dream about and plan a bit of my future, as an individual, and as part of a couple that will someday wave goodbye to a fledgling.
Week 3 - JOTT? Not!
I can say that I probably wouldn't use Jott very much. I was able to complete the instructions and leave two messages, but I apparantly don't speak clearly enough. When I checked the Remember the Milk site, "Jill" became "Bill", and "Jim" became "Tim" in the two messages, and the software interpreted "wood in" as "wooden". I'm not impressed.
I've actually called home and left answering machine messages for myself before so I wouldn't forget something important, so it's not that I'm adverse to leaving voice messages. I guess I'm just missing the point when it comes to this particular tool.
I had a laugh when I was scanning the Remember The Milk log for my messages from Jott. The emails I sent to RTM earlier appeared in pieces in the log - partial sentences were spread throughout the list. Is there some format to the email I didn't follow? I feel like I have fumbled my way through this particular assignment.
I don't mean to sound so curmudgeonly. I'm glad we're getting to play with some different tools in Project Play, and I realize that some will be more useful to me than others. So, if it works for you, have at it!
I've actually called home and left answering machine messages for myself before so I wouldn't forget something important, so it's not that I'm adverse to leaving voice messages. I guess I'm just missing the point when it comes to this particular tool.
I had a laugh when I was scanning the Remember The Milk log for my messages from Jott. The emails I sent to RTM earlier appeared in pieces in the log - partial sentences were spread throughout the list. Is there some format to the email I didn't follow? I feel like I have fumbled my way through this particular assignment.
I don't mean to sound so curmudgeonly. I'm glad we're getting to play with some different tools in Project Play, and I realize that some will be more useful to me than others. So, if it works for you, have at it!
Week 3 - My Milk's Gone Sour!
Nah, I'm just kidding. I sent the email to Remember the Milk and it didn't show up at first, so I sent a 2nd email. When I checked again, there were 4 listings for my name, but only 1 with a partial message. So I logged in and deleted 3 of the listings, and assigned a number 1 priority to my remaining message (under Jill E.). The message was moved appropriately.
When I started looking around the site, I saw a number of different lists with messages, and to tell you the truth, I don't see how this would improve my life. With my limited understanding of the site's use, I would say that this would be very useful for a group using it for a project, so that tasks could be listed, prioritzed, assigned, and completed. But I don't see it being useful for me personally. I am a consummate list maker, and I make those lists in various places - sitting in a chair watching tv, preparing for bed at night, or eating breakfast at the kitchen table - not a one of these is near where I use my computer. I get a real sense of accomplishment slashing through tasks I've completed, too. :) I can't see adding them to a computerized list any more than I can see using a computerized calendar, much to my dear husband's chagrin. He would like me to use the Google calendar, while I'm happy with my South Wood County Humane Society page-a-month-filled-with-wonderful-cat/dog/other-animal-pics - printed calendar hanging in the kitchen.
Older Than Dirt, that's me, and I'm content with that. I don't own a PDA, Blackberry, cell phone that can text message (I have a basic Tracfone), or any other kind of "organizer", and I manage to stay basically organized. I'm beginning to suspect that some of this "organizational technology" is developed just to push the envelope of how much technology we can stand without pulling our hair out and running, screaming, into the night.
THUMP! That's me climbing off my soapbox now. The assignment was interesting, and I will post more later when I try the JOTT assignment. Right now I have to help hubby in his remodeling of an entertainment center to accomodate a different tv. I think I'll help by putting that pizza in the oven and tossing a salad - sustenance will keep him vertical, which will make installing the tv much easier, doncha think?
When I started looking around the site, I saw a number of different lists with messages, and to tell you the truth, I don't see how this would improve my life. With my limited understanding of the site's use, I would say that this would be very useful for a group using it for a project, so that tasks could be listed, prioritzed, assigned, and completed. But I don't see it being useful for me personally. I am a consummate list maker, and I make those lists in various places - sitting in a chair watching tv, preparing for bed at night, or eating breakfast at the kitchen table - not a one of these is near where I use my computer. I get a real sense of accomplishment slashing through tasks I've completed, too. :) I can't see adding them to a computerized list any more than I can see using a computerized calendar, much to my dear husband's chagrin. He would like me to use the Google calendar, while I'm happy with my South Wood County Humane Society page-a-month-filled-with-wonderful-cat/dog/other-animal-pics - printed calendar hanging in the kitchen.
Older Than Dirt, that's me, and I'm content with that. I don't own a PDA, Blackberry, cell phone that can text message (I have a basic Tracfone), or any other kind of "organizer", and I manage to stay basically organized. I'm beginning to suspect that some of this "organizational technology" is developed just to push the envelope of how much technology we can stand without pulling our hair out and running, screaming, into the night.
THUMP! That's me climbing off my soapbox now. The assignment was interesting, and I will post more later when I try the JOTT assignment. Right now I have to help hubby in his remodeling of an entertainment center to accomodate a different tv. I think I'll help by putting that pizza in the oven and tossing a salad - sustenance will keep him vertical, which will make installing the tv much easier, doncha think?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Week 2 - What's Up Doc?
I have never used (let alone heard of) Google Docs before now. I have to say it looks like a really nifty "suite of tools" to use! I like it better than a Wiki, probably because it's so similar to Word, and that's what I'm used to. The format is easy to create and edit, and I think it lends itself to group use very easily. I might even be tempted to create a spreadsheet using G-Docs, something I've never even been interested in trying to do! How's that for progress??!!
I went into the ppsemester2 docs and was tickled at how many experimented with colors, fonts, pics, etc. I then went into the Garden spreadsheet and added Nikko Blue Hydrangeas under shrubs - really easy to use! I plan to go back in and create my own doc and spreadsheet, just for kicks. Yes, being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century....HA!
I also want to go back in and look at that slideshow - do you download your own personal pics, or can you load something from Google pics/other sites, like the Flickr assignment? I hope to do that later, after my crazy kid and his friends GET OFF THE COMPUTER - doncha love No School Days??? NOT!!!!!
Yes, I'm learning and playing and fearing a little less today!!
I went into the ppsemester2 docs and was tickled at how many experimented with colors, fonts, pics, etc. I then went into the Garden spreadsheet and added Nikko Blue Hydrangeas under shrubs - really easy to use! I plan to go back in and create my own doc and spreadsheet, just for kicks. Yes, being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century....HA!
I also want to go back in and look at that slideshow - do you download your own personal pics, or can you load something from Google pics/other sites, like the Flickr assignment? I hope to do that later, after my crazy kid and his friends GET OFF THE COMPUTER - doncha love No School Days??? NOT!!!!!
Yes, I'm learning and playing and fearing a little less today!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Semester 2, Week 1 - IM
Well, IM excited! Okay, I couldn't resist...At least I now have a taste of IMing. I was able to get a Meebo box embedded on my blog (finally! I remembered how to do it after several false tries). And thanks to Stef for her IMing and encouragement :).
I checked a couple of library websites and can see that IM is becoming a popular way to interact with patrons. IMing as part of a Reference service would be a useful thing - I just had to remember that it was like using a walkie-talkie (anyone else remember those??) and to use shorter sentences and hit ENTER more frequently :)! Or say "Over" or something like that....LOL! As I continue to explore the IM assignment, I'll post more later.
Later is Now - One of the article listed that I read involved a college using IM as an instant reference access point. It worked well, but problems arose if staff wasn't monitoring the IM and people weren't being responded to instantly. I think IM is a good Ready Reference tool, and might be good for initiating a longer reference question, if someone's willing to put some research time in. I understand that in these harsh economic times people expect us to be McLibraries, and that we have to provide worth for every support dollar we claim. Call me old as dirt (which I am), but I think this age of instant gratification is distressing. I see some of my 11 yo son's friends functioning with the attention spans of gnats. They balk at doing anything that requires effort, except for lifting a video remote. I wonder if we're feeding this Instant Gratification Monster. Yes, I guess I'm sounding a tad curmudgeonly. The thought of a librarian roller skating through the stacks with a Blue Tooth phone gig attached to his head or of a librarian locked in front of her computer screen just bothers me. Okay, Ive admitted it - I'm a Closet Luddite! There's probably a 12 Step program for that, somewhere online - harrumph! As I've admitted previously, I'm Connected-But-Harassed - LOL! But I will try to keep an open mind to all that technology offers to the Library World.
I see have I have some trouble with my blog not allowing comments - I'll try to figure out what I've done, and undo it!LOL!
I checked a couple of library websites and can see that IM is becoming a popular way to interact with patrons. IMing as part of a Reference service would be a useful thing - I just had to remember that it was like using a walkie-talkie (anyone else remember those??) and to use shorter sentences and hit ENTER more frequently :)! Or say "Over" or something like that....LOL! As I continue to explore the IM assignment, I'll post more later.
Later is Now - One of the article listed that I read involved a college using IM as an instant reference access point. It worked well, but problems arose if staff wasn't monitoring the IM and people weren't being responded to instantly. I think IM is a good Ready Reference tool, and might be good for initiating a longer reference question, if someone's willing to put some research time in. I understand that in these harsh economic times people expect us to be McLibraries, and that we have to provide worth for every support dollar we claim. Call me old as dirt (which I am), but I think this age of instant gratification is distressing. I see some of my 11 yo son's friends functioning with the attention spans of gnats. They balk at doing anything that requires effort, except for lifting a video remote. I wonder if we're feeding this Instant Gratification Monster. Yes, I guess I'm sounding a tad curmudgeonly. The thought of a librarian roller skating through the stacks with a Blue Tooth phone gig attached to his head or of a librarian locked in front of her computer screen just bothers me. Okay, Ive admitted it - I'm a Closet Luddite! There's probably a 12 Step program for that, somewhere online - harrumph! As I've admitted previously, I'm Connected-But-Harassed - LOL! But I will try to keep an open mind to all that technology offers to the Library World.
I see have I have some trouble with my blog not allowing comments - I'll try to figure out what I've done, and undo it!LOL!
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