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