Thing #23: Final Thoughts

Thank you to the "MN multitypes" for creating this great continuing ed program!

I've changed as a result of my participation in 23 Things, and because I've changed, my work will change, and many aspects of our library will change. This won't happen overnight, but in many small ways, there will be change.

My favorite Things involved set-up of my blog and avatar, creations using pictures, discovery of access to tools like the calculator and ELM databases, and intro to del.icio.us and Wikis.

I connected with others doing the Things via their blogs, email, a meeting of partipants at HGA 4/9/08 (a March meeting was snowed out), and, at the very end, through the social networks.

Unexpected outcomes/take-aways: My increased enthusiasm as the program went along; Huge support from my manager (engineer); Attitude change (mine); A volume of Things yet to try; Increased awareness of MN library organizations.

Suggestions: Continue the good use of tiered learning and practice so people at all levels of expertise have a chance for success in each Thing and throughout the program.

I would most definitely participate in another 23 Things program. My learning experience in a word - liberating; in a phrase - liberated to collaborate.

bweldon

Thing #22: What Did I Learn Today?

I resolve to squirrel away at least 45 minutes a day for exploration and training in Web/Library 2.0 topics. I resolve to keep blogging about new tools and achievements. And each day I want to be pleased with my answer to "What did I learn today?"

In one of the podcasts I listened to for Thing 19, Tom Shaughnessy, former Metronet Executive Director, said it in another way. "How do you go beyond your job description every day? What are you doing to push the boundaries?" You only step out of your job description by taking on special projects such as the 23 Things. Did any of us have the spare time it took to do the Things? No, but we stole it out of our ordinary days to achieve all 23 Things. That's the time management lesson I've learned.

Here are some of my plans to keep up with Web/Library 2.0 tools: Review 10 new RSS feed posts each morning as I'm planning my day (7:30-8:00); Stop regular library work at 3:00 each day to focus on "new learning" (this can also involve insertion of tools into library work); Register for every SLA e-seminar presented by Gary Price; Make a list of 10 More Things I Really Need to Learn and blog about my progress (start with my new cell phone with camera feature...learn how to get those pictures directly to my blog or social networks).

bweldon

Thing #21: Beyond MySpace: Other Social Networks

View my page on 23 Things on a Stick


I'm feeling very socially networked! I read the suggested articles - particularly good one by Steve Campion with solid tips on building a social network in the library. Another good one by Jim Louderback, "My Guide to Social Networks," which I shared with my daughter. She completely agrees with him on LinkedIn - you must be there to further your career.

I joined the 23 Things on a Stick Ning and left comments for another member, uploaded photos, and added the Ning badge to my blog (above). Just to get out of the library world, I joined Fuzzster and added my grandcat.

I'm a member of these online communities: Facebook (& 3 subgroups), 23 Things on a Stick Ning, LibraryThing, SLA.com, and Fuzzster. I checked my membership in WebJunction and found it not to be active. I was not successful in my tries to re-establish it. For now, all of these communities are interesting, but I don't have enough time in my life to make an honest contribution to them all. And there will be new networks that look more appealing.

bweldon

Thing #20: Libraries and Social Networks

I chose Facebook because it's the fastest growing social network and I wanted to see what it's all about. In truth, though, participating in an online social network is completely contrary to my nature. I read the background resources before proceeding and tried to heed warnings of privacy before set-up.

I completed my initial profile, added three friends, and joined groups that were closest to the reason for my Facebook presence...23 Things on a Stick, Library 2.0, and Libraries & Librarians interest groups. When one of my chosen friends accepted my friendship, I wrote on her wall.

Reflecting on Facebook's amazing growth, I think it's due to the power of compounding friends. Multiplying through institutions and the world of students who want to be where their friends are, Facebook deserves its reputation. Now that I'm invested as a user, I deeply hope that Facebook will respect the information with which it's been entrusted as a collaborative tool.

Will I continue using Facebook after the 23 Things project is over? Well, an old high school friend has already found me, so I'm probably hooked!

bweldon

Thing #19: Podcasts

I listened to these podcasts: "Minitex on the Road, Interview with Tom Shaughnessy" and "AmateurTraveler #130-Finland." I added AmateurTraveler and Nancy Pearl's BookLust to my Bloglines feeds.

Podcast.com was the easiest directory to use. Podcast.net had a handy alpha list finder, but all of the podcasts I looked at seemed to be under some kind of embargo...none that I found were dated 2008. Podcastalley.com showed R- and X-rated content on the home page so I didn't go beyond that point. Yahoo Podcasts contained lots of music sites. Educational Podcast Directory offered the fewest choices.

Thing #19 has inspired me to listen to the AmateurTraveler and BookLust podcasts regularly. I haven't been inspired to do any podcasting myself...I'm happy to enjoy the podcasts of others for now. But if I change my mind, I'll be going back to the podcast-generating references in News-#19.

b weldon

Thing #18: YouTube & Other Online Video

I picked this video because on 4/4/08 Penny Sympson sent an email to the Engineering Division of SLA with this YouTube link in it. It was her library's response to a lack of PSAs for special libraries, and she invited us to use it as allowed and appropriate within our organizations. I wanted to share it with anyone who reads this blog.

I explored YouTube, GoogleVideo and Yahoo Videos. The useful searchability varies from site to site. The video I posted couldn't be found in YouTube's advanced search using "special libraries" but could using "special librarian" and "need information." The tags used (psas...libraries library whatsnewinlibraries) are OK but special...libraries should be added.

I found it very interesting that related videos auto-loaded to be viewed just beneath the viewing screen. You could just click and watch all day...and I think some people do...not a good thing! Loved "Web 2.0...the Machine is Us/ing Us," written by a cultural anthropologist, and "IT Librarian." My LOL favorite was from GoogleVideo - "An Engineer's Guide to Cats" featuring my two favorite creature-types.

Video is a good tool to use on an library's intranet site for a short orientation or tour or a product demo. SLA should make better use of YouTube. Rebecca Vargha is out there, but more special library videos should be available.

bweldon

Thing #17: ELM Productivity Tools

The ELM resources are a treasure. I wasn't aware of my access to these databases - maybe too entrenched in my sci-tech/engineering info work world. Whatever, I'm glad to have them bookmarked now.

These tools will be very useful in my own research and doc delivery for requesters. InfoTrac with RSS feeds by subject, etc., EBSCO, ProQuest, and NetLibrary are all tools that I can use for research requests, but I will also demo them as self-search tools. If I wasn't aware of my access to these tools, I'm guessing that most of my library users aren't aware either.

The titles of NetLibrary extend my library's catalog much like our access to and bookmarking capabilities in eBrary. ProQuest promotes collaboration with colleages sharing search results of interest. EBSCO Page Composer allows the development and delivery of search results in a web page.

I discovered the Minitex archived and active webinars in a prior Thing...very useful! Thank you to all the organizations that make ELM possible. (Thing 17 took a long time...I just didn't want to stop!)

bweldon

Thing #16: Student 2.0 Tools

I'm SO impressed with these tools for students...where were these...oh yeah...I was a pre-Web student! Thank goodness education is a life-long process - and these tools are freely available for all to use.

The Calculator and RPC tools help students visualize the scope and timelines of a project. They help students get started - the hardest part - by breaking work down into manageable tasks. Smart research is encouraged, resources are grouped by topic, email reminders keep them on task, the email address of a live librarian is even offered for additional help. Plagiarism and copyright are covered.

I showed the Calculator and RPC to my manager, an engineer, who immediately thought of their usefulness for a grad student son and for breaking down design projects here at work. I have e-slide and video projects coming up and found those media covered by the RPC teachers' guides, as well.

And how about these tools for making life decisions? Very useful time and task adaptations!

bweldon

Thing #15: Online Games and Libraries

I explored the pirate game wiki and all of the videos and other resources for Second Life (SL). SL gets my vote for this Thing.

Doug Johnson's "The One-Afternoon SecondLife Tour" has highlighted the sites I'll visit with a guide. SL's 3D virtual world is a learning hothouse. Because there are no limits on what can be included in an experience, learning comes with breathing the SL space. How can you not love that possibility? Discovery is no longer held prisoner in bricks and mortar - or budget cuts!

There is certainly a role for libraries in SL...InfoIsland is already showing the way. Education (school and public libraries) are on the forefront, but the rest of us are on the way to collaborate, conference, and network in SL. Collections, databases, classes on how to use them...all there.

How soon will SLA offer an SL conference?

bweldon

Thing #14: LibraryThing

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/barbwel

Not sure how my little catalog of ten items will show up when I publish this post, but I tried! The titles reveal my current eclectic reading and are the ten that were within arm's reach of my computer as I was exploring LibraryThing.

LibraryThingforLibraries offers some possibilities for add-ons to my work library catalog which is hosted by EOS. Or I could create a new LibraryThing account for work use where I add and delete books to advertise what's new. The "shelf look" and the Amazon look would have certain age-appeal. It would be fun to attach a changing "shelf look" to my home page.

I currently create book lists (bibliographies) from my EOS catalog for employees looking for resources according to their needs. A book list with a great new look would get attention.

But, I think the real treat of LibraryThing is the sharing of personal libraries, recs and unrecs, reviews, links to people who love books and read what you read, and links to events appealing to us.

bweldon

Thing #13: Online Productivity Tools

Thing 13 drove me to (finally) deal with MyYahoo which I've used for (junk) email for years. I'd never taken the time to configure and customize MyYahoo home page since 99% of my computer work is done on the job with MSOutlook and our corporate intranet.

This activity got me thinking that MyYahoo could be a very useful home page, especially if I populated it with the Yahoo calendar, the list maker, bookmarks, my favorite headline sources, and started adding RSS feeds. What if I left this job tomorrow? MyYahoo now enhanced with calendar, newsfeeds, etc., would look pretty good then!

TinyURL is unique - I'd recommend it to conquer impossibly long URLs as well as to disguise them when necessary. Lifehacker is great - I added it to Bloglines and MyYahoo and had a hard time ripping myself away from it. I can't wait to find a particular kind of fruit suggested to freeze in ice cubes to flavor glasses of water - great tip for a non-soda drinker. I've also bookmarked pdfonfly.com as a conversion tool for PDFs at home.

Of all the other tools suggested, the one I want to pursue in depth is Backpack as a business organizer and team-sharing tool. It's very task- and calendar-driven. As I followed the Backpack tutorial, I kept thinking about the Common Craft video about the wiki from Thing 10. Then I found the Backpack testimonial confirming it's "all the fun of a Wiki without any of the learning curve."

I think online to-do lists are useful if they're attached to a tool you're already using, not just another separate service. I'm really a hand-written-to-do-list-in-the-purse kind of person. If I have a list on the computer, I'll print it out and it'll just be a bigger piece of paper in my purse. I still maintain a Franklin (Covey) Planner so you know where I'm coming from!

bweldon

Thing #12: Do You Digg?

Not sure I dig them all, but an interesting concept! Voting for the news, categorizing it, commenting on it...who knew I'd ever want to do any of it?

I shared a story in Mixx and was surprised not to have to join to do it. Digg and Reddit wanted a registration first. I registered at Newsvine, and shared a story there because it's the one of four I'm most likely to return to. I am a news hound - aren't we all? I like the idea of the whole AP wire without intervention. I like the page layout, the vote-up feature, and the user instructions on Newsvine.

I'll use these tools as another web source for news. When I read an item that really stirs me, I'll either vote it up if I've found it in Newsvine or seed it there. Honestly, at work where the nature of my job is rarely news-driven, these tools might be a productivity detractor, but at home they will be an enhancer if I'm on the hunt for a news item.

Yes, as of today, I've read MANY stories as a result of seeing them on on these sites!

bweldon

Thing #11 - Tagging and Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us has potential for research assistance AND is a great way to access your bookmarks from any computer. And it has potential as a builder of communities around shared interests. It's also a fascinating social study to peek into the additional bookmarks saved by Del.icio.us subscribers.

All of the listed libraries in Thing #11 appear to be using Del.icio.us as a tool for users to find links to library-recommended websites by topic. San Mateo has interesting bundles by Dewey class and Manasha has bundles by subject. I could also create a useful list of bookmarks for my library website. I plan to demonstrate the unique searchability of Del.icio.us in my tours and brown bag seminars.

Tag clouds are very intriguing. In one I was drawn around in a circle of eye movement from engineering to SantaBarbara. The serendipity nature of this type of search reminds me of someone who eschews the online catalog and just wants to browse the shelves of the library.

That's the delicious nature of Del.icio.us...very targeted, yet very random.

bweldon

Thing #10 - Wikis

Wikis are websites that are collaborative. My library website could be a Wiki if I could limit the editing privilege to one, and it might be a whole lot easier to edit than the FrontPage site I have! But there's a language to learn to set up a Wiki, so I need to invest time to learn it. I'm going back to my corporate IT dept when I've finished the 23 Things to see if there is an approved Wiki for internal use. I need to know how the Wiki fits in with our corporate security and firewalls.

Good applications within schools and libraries: lists, procedures, time-sensitive info such as assignments or handbooks, technical updates, links, etc. Really, everything on a library website can be put on a wiki with some limits of security, authorship.

The use of Wikipedia for student research is a foregone conclusion. There is no sense in banning it. Just make it one of, say, ten resources to use and maybe only four of the ten can be web resources. Students should be expected to use AND evaluate Wikipedia. Limiting information by format? Ok, to some extent...see previous sentence. Forbidding information by format? Impossible.

I edited the 23 Things on a Stick wiki which I signed (4/1/08 bjw). I had a problem trying to add an image which appeared far too big for the wiki edit page. For further exploration: Is a wiki registered as a website is? Or is the host the registrar? Initial set-up/structure of the wiki (pbwiki advertised as 30 seconds to your own wiki)...they haven't met me!

bweldon

Thing #9: Online Collaboration Tools

It's quite unfair to judge Zoho Writer and GoogleDocs on my first go at them. After reading "How to Become a GoogleDocs Power User," I know there are those for whom collaboration tools like this are nirvana. And I think the more you use and adopt the features of one, the more dependent you become on that one.

In my cursory usage of them, I thought Zoho Writer was easier to use. It showed me a clean beginning document, was easy to alter, had more features - or they were easier to see on the template, really felt more like a word processor to me than GoogleDocs.

The document on GoogleDocs was a mess when I got it. I had no clue what the original document looked like, and I would find it very difficult to collaborate without a side-by-side comparison with the original. The advertising for both referred to easy reverting to earlier editions, but I didn't find that feature with the sample document. And it seems that if you were using GoogleDocs with a number of collaborators, you'd have to set some ground rules for revision notation.

The Founding Fathers - my vision of them is from "1776" - would love the concept. Think of the travel it would've saved, and some were in very poor health and/or elderly. But the vivid oratory would've been lost! Much of what they created in person exists in the document because of great passionate speeches and debate. Some of that you just can't do with a word processor.

bweldon