Thing 7: Web 2.0 Communication

Email is an invaluable tool for our library system. Probably most of our intralibrary communication is done via email, since our 14 branches are spread over a large geographic area of 6 counties. We also do a fair amount of communicating with library patrons using email.

I can see that Instant Messaging would be a handy tool for providing reference services in a larger library, where there is staff that is dedicated to reference work. However, in a small branch situation where 1 staff person often handles all aspects of providing library service, it would be difficult. The use of text messaging as a reference tool would be the same. Our branches are also not equipped with cell phones.

Web conferencing would provide an additional resource to use for meetings--all staff, committee, book discussions, author programs, etc. Perhaps the increase of use of this technology will mirror the increase of fuel costs.

I participated in an archived Minitex Webinar on podcasting. The Webinar format is very convenient. As I have time, I'd like to revisit the Minitex and OPAL sites to view additional Webinars.

Thing 6: Online Image Generator

Today I created an Aitkin Public Library trading card. It was quite easy to do and fun! The hardest part was figuring out how to post the trading card to my blog...but I did it!

This could be a fun activity for teens in the Summer Reading Program.

Thing 5: More Fun with Flickr

I spent some time exploring the suggested websites. I spent the most time on Spell with Flickr, but couldn't find a way to post it to my blog.

I can see that someone who has a lot of playtime could have some fun with this thing, but honestly I don't see a very practical use of the technology for my purposes with the exception of some creative library posters. Maybe I'm missing something.

I think public photo sharing is fine as long as we don't post "people" photos without permission.

Thing 4: Photosharing with Flickr

I am excited to learn how to use Flickr because our library system has a Flickr account to which branches may post pictures of local library events. I spent a fair amount of time learning how to upload and tag my photos. It also took me awhile to figure out how to use Flickr's blogging tool. I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to get into the ECRL Flickr account to upload my photos, so I'll need to keep working on that.

I liked what the Clemens Library at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University did with their Flickr account.

I'll have to get a lot better and speedier at this Flickr thing, though for it to be useful for me. I particularly need to learn how to upload a file of photos rather than 1 photo at a time. Any suggestions?

Re: public vs. private photos...All the library photos I took were marked public since there were no people in the photos. If I'd use Flickr for private photos, I'd mark most of them for private viewing by a select group of family and friends.

Library Christmas Pictures

Library Christmas Pictures
Originally uploaded by Mary Beth's Photos

During November and December, 2007 patrons and staff at the Aitkin Public Library donated new books to contribute to our local Operation Christmas Drive. New book donations were received at the library and placed under the tree. Families that have need for Christmas presents were able to come to a central location and choose presents of their liking for their families. The Aitkin Public Library was happy to assist Operation Christmas with the donation of books.

Thing 3: Set up an RSS account

Today I learned about RSS accounts. The concept seems very useful. I set up an account in Google Reader and set up 3 subscriptions. I think I'll have to refine my choices, though because when I returned to Google Reader this afternoon, I had @40 articles in my account--far more than I have time for or interest in. Now I know what to look for on a website to add it to my RSS account. I need to learn how to add other 23 Things blogs to my RSS, though. I'd like to see how other 23 Things students are doing and learn from their comments and progress. I can see how this tool could be useful both at work and personally once I become more comfortable with it.

Thing 2: What is Library 2.0

It's news to me. Seems there's been a lot going on in library land while I've been busy checking books out and in, learning a new ILS, assisting patrons with reference questions, maintaining and supervising public access computers, proctoring college exams, networking with peers, developing and implementing programs, organizing story times, supervising library staff, etc. The news is that to stay relevant, I must learn "Library 2.0". No doubt, there is some truth to that, but to date, most of my patrons seem not to have noticed the void. No doubt, there are also patrons that will notice and appreciate the "addition" of Library 2.0, which I've learned is not only a technology, but an attitude.

Stephen Abram suggests that if the desire to learn Web 2.0 is strong enough, that I will find the time. So far that has proven true, although the 15 minutes/day he suggests is hardly enough time. My participation in 23 Things is partly due to curiousity piqued during my participation in the Small and Rural Library Conference held in Columbus, Ohio in September, 2007. Web 2.0 was talked about a lot there. Stephen Abram was a conference speaker.

The information I've read and listened to in Thing 2 is thought-provoking, but a bit of a mystery to me. I hope to solve some of that mystery in the weeks ahead.

Thing 1: Create a blog

Well, I'm on my way. My first thing took about an hour to complete. Presumably, things will get easier and more comfortable as I progress. I'm excited about learning this new technology...I'm taking a deep breath as I dive in.