Thing #23 - Summary

This program was interesting. I had already experimented with many of the "things" that were mentioned but having a structured Discovery Exercise was helpful.

I enjoyed the delicious and RSS feed discovery exercises. Even though I have used them post in the past - it was a nice refresher and I was able to think about other uses for them.

The program was interesting and I would participate in a similar program if offered. I'm looking forward to my flash drive - a sense of accomplishment.

Thing #22 - MOLDI

MOLDI seems to get a lot of hits from out customers, which is great. I think "e" formats have really started to take off.

It was fun searching around and seeing what was new on the MOLDI site. It is great that they are now compatible with iPods - that was a big downfall when this site was launched.

I liked the assortment of titles and will continue to explore the collection.

Thing #21 - Podcasts

This "thing" is very timely - I was looking for some podcasts to experiment with on my iPod. I was able to use the sites mentioned to find some interesting podcasts that I might consider downloading.

I think CML could use podcasts to promote events but this seems like it would be to a limited audience so I think some research should be done to determine what audience this would be serving prior to putting much time into it. I also think it should target a specific audience, such as business leaders.

Thing #20: YouTube

YouTube is amazing - you can find all kinds of things on video. Check out the Happy Feet dance. He is so cute :)

I can see how this could be useful for libraries and a simple and inexpensive way to post videos - similar to how libraries are using Flickr

Thing #19: CML's Tool Box

I enjoyed StumbleUpon. It was fun to use - I was able to search my interest and get results of different sites that the tool found. I liked the way the results came back one at a time. Then if you just keep clicking on Stumble you get more.

Thing #18: Web 2.0 Tools

I love Google Maps. Not only for driving directions and viewing different areas, but the functionality to search for attractions in the area is great.

I was also able to create a map featuring area sites. You can plot the locations on the map and change the images that are associated with them. You can also make your map private or public. It can be very useful when trying to plot things for friends that are not familiar with the area.

Thing #17: Online Productivity Tools

Google is amazing. They create so many cool and useful tools.

I think Google docs is very useful for people who do not have a dedicated PC that they work off of at all times. And it can act like a backup mechanism for your important files.

I think libraries could benefit from some of these free tools by teaching customers to use them and maybe not have to license so many instances of Office.

Thing #16: Playing around Wikis

Posting to the wiki was pretting easy. I was able to post my blog and practice making some edits.

I'm not sure how easy it would be to do anything fancy but adding to the list was not a problem.

Thing #15: Wikis

I think Wikis are interesting. Sometimes wikipedia is fun to read but I just need to remind myself of how the content is contributed.

I thought the Book Lovers wiki was an interesting way to use a wiki in a library. I imagine customers would enjoy reading this type of wiki. I think this application is a good use of a wiki in a library.

Thing #14: Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

The way that I have seen Library 2.0 going is more educational - educating staff and customers of new technologies. I think it is imporant for both customers and staff to be aware of the technologies. However, I do not always find that all 2.0 tools are valuable for libraries.

Thing # 13: Delicious

Delicious is something that I think can be very useful and help web users organize data. I find it useful especially if you use multiple computers or multiple web browsers - you don't have to remember where you bookmarked your sites. Just login to delicious and everything is there.

I also was entertained looking at what other users have bookmarked - especially when looking at everyone who bookmarked CML.

Thing # 12: Twitter and Tweets

I explored Twitter today. It was interesting. I'm pretty amazed at what people write about online. I kindof enjoy being a spectator rather than creating the information.

My Twitter username is luckyboots - but I doubt I will be twittering much :(

Thing #11: LibraryThing

I have looked at LibraryThing in the past - it is interesting all the social networking and developing community that they are doing.

The number of people that contribute to this site seems to be very high also.

Click on the LibraryThing chiclet below to see my catalog.

Thing #10: Image Generators

Don't you just love alphabet soup?

Thing #9: Finding Feeds

I used the three suggested search sites for finding feeds.

I really liked how Topix allowed users to enter a zip code or search in the box. That is a feature I have never seen.

I have used Technorati in the past and was familar with the search. One thing on Technorati that got on my nerves was a flashing advertisement, very annoying. I did not spend that much time searching due to it.

I found Syndic8 more difficult to use than the other two.

Thing # 8: RSS Feeds

I really like the ability to use a Reader and receive RSS feeds from several different sites. I setup a Bloglines account for this exercise but I already had Google Reader with my feeds. It saves so much time. I can read so many more interesting posts without having to remember what sites to visit.

I also love using Blog Digger or Blog Pulse to look for particular words in Blog postings and push those posts to my reader - this way it is not based on one particular site.

Thing #7 - Technology: Very Intriguing...Very Dependent

The assignment for week # 7 was to talk about something technology related. I am behind in my assignments, as you can tell. But because of this, I can discuss something that may not be looked at as a technology any more, electricity.

With the recent power outages in the Central Ohio area, I have realized how dependent most individuals are on electricity. And when there is no electricity, we also lose the ability to reach out to others via the Internet. No email (unless we have email on our phones), no My Space or Facebook, and no general research - many of us may have felt cutoff from others. I actually had to use the Yellow Pages to find a phone number.

Now I'm off to find something intriguing on other blogs.

Thing #6!

I have seen this functionality on other blogs and thought it was pretty cool. I'm amazed what people come up with.

Where I've Been in the US!

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

As you can see - I need some more vacation time!

Don't You Just Love Tulips?

I investigated Flickr to complete discovery exercise #5. Since this is my first blog experience, it is also my first experience posting pictures on a blog. I have searched Flickr in the past and it ia pretty cool. However, I'm a little paranoid about copyright so I looked for pics that were under a creative commons license.

Check out a few tulip pics from Flickr:

Uploaded by Jim Frazier

Uploaded by mainephotonut

23 Things @ CML

Columbus Metropolitan Library has started a program called 23 Things. It is a program to engage staff in Web 2.0 technologies and lifelong learning.

In the first exercise we learned 7 1/2 lifelong learning habits. I think the habit I will have to work hardest at is to begin with the end in mind. I feel sometimes I get into things and learn from them but I don't know what I wanted out of it in the first place.

The easiest habit will be to use technology to my advantage (and play).