I'm done and have enjoyed learning about various Things.
It's been a great adventure and although I have worked with many of the tools, I was able to learn about an equal amount unbeknown to me!
Tres Cool!
I have been using iGoogle for some time to keep up with the library community in general and 2.0. I like the ability to organize a wide variety of links, tools, and RSS feeds into one Web spot such that I can access quickly.
There are so many other tools to explore in Web 2.0 that it is easy to lose count. Its nice to have a variety to choose from in that some interfaces and site are easier on the eye and more pleasant to work with. Such is the case with Gather. I like the interface much better than MySpace and it's easier to use.
I hadn't looked at Web Junction in years and their transition over the years has been smooth, always taking in the improvements.
I especially like Ning and have had an account for some time. What's nice is that members can build a site within a site and share on many levels.
I have had accounts with both of these for some time. Because of 23 Things I have been paying a bit more attention to them.
They are useful tools for social interactions accross the Web...but like anything else you need to be cautious...any tool can have its hazards!
I have had a facebook and myspace.com account for sometime, but haven't really utilized them. I prefer facebook over the other because it has a smoother and more organized interface...my opinion.
I have now gone in and added some friends and relatives...we'll see what happens.
It is really amazing to find the variety of podcasts that are available on the Web. From news bites to proper English usage, there is much out there to explore. Podcasts can be used creatively in a number of way as well as provide users with an additional choice when looking for information. I believe they can be quite informative. But anything else you do need to verify the source and other attributes of the recordings.
I liked the directory at Podcast Alley and have used several of the other when looking for podcasts. I would like to utilize a podcast in my portfoilio so I'll have to try out a few new tools. Especially Gcast. I had heard of it some time back, but needed the reminder.
There is no doubt that YouTube has taken the Web by storm...I can't imagine that anyone who uses the Web with any frequency that hasn't seen a YouTube video...
I have used YouTube on a number of occasions to view a wide variety of video...from topics in the news to information Literacy. I have checked out several other sites, but I have to admit, you can just about find it all on YouTube. Even me...see below.
The Elm resources are excellent tools for a wide variety of questions floating around out there. What I like best is that there is something for everyone. Even to the point of setting up searches and other features to keep you informed about topics of interest.
I have actually directed a lot of students (academic undergrads) to this tool with mixed results...some really jump on it, but unfortunately others don't. Then again "they" don't feel they need such a tool.
Interesting enough the grads students I have taught always seem quite interested in both the assignment calculator and the dissertation calculator. I think they realize the advantages that a tool like this can provide.
I have also used it on occasion...the reminders are nice.
I have tried Second Life, but couldn't get past the tutorial. Just takes a lot of time. My kids are really into the games. They are a lot of fun and the kids are always happy to get me going if I have any questions.
LibraryThing does look quite useful and I am aware of a few libraries (public and academic) that are using it to either maintain and organize their collection or as a tool to expand various aspects of their collection. Can't beat the price :).
Now this is where it gets real interesting for me. I really like playing with a variety of toys, oh I mean tools.
I have used a few of these, but especially like the widgets that can be used in iGoogle...they are fun and easy to delete if need be.
BaseCamp...its awesome, but wish you could get a bit more for free...it is an excellent resource for projects....I'm going to check out Zoho and see what it has to offer.
I can Digg and I can Mixx, but I prefer to StumbleUpon and like the nuances of the Newsvine. All do about the same thing...they are just organized differently. That said I like to move everything to iGoogle and keep it all in one neat package.
As a visual person, I am surprised that I just don't see the appeal of this tool. That said I do like certain parts of it (the sidebar), but I find that there is just too much going on for me. Related, but then not related.
On the other hand I have liked Furl...but I don't use it consistently. Lately I am into using Foxmarks because I can sync and pickup both work and personal bookmarks.
Pagekeeper is a bit more to my likes...perhaps I'll give it a try...
Just me thinging out loud!
For whatever reasons I always feel that Wikis look unfinished...like they are always under development and for some reason that really bothers me. That said I have created and used a number of them for different reasons, but don't really have an affinity for them. I would suspect that given time and modifications, I may eventually like them..
I have to say that I have used a number of tools to collaborate. They have primarily been subscription software. More recently I have used Google Docs and been quite please with it. Though the actuals editors lack some of the features you might want, it is very easy to downlaod and uploads documents, hence there is a lot of flexibility.
I have tried several of the items mentioned in Thing #8 with mixed success. It's not that I can't get them to work, but rather that I have definite likes and dislikes, which in turn colors my thoughts on their usefulness.
For instance, I have had a del.icio.us account for some time and I just don't get the attraction for the usefulness...just one of those things! Whereas I find others utterly fascinating and look for ways to incorporate them into my work. I like Stumbleupon and anticipate that it will lead me to a wide variety of resources on my topics of interest!
My conclusion is that its important for librarians to have a handle on the various tools of 2.0, but one should not feel that you have to use all of them! I am currently working on a eFolio...it will be interesting to see what I can do with it over time.
My eFolio: a work in progress
Ok, I am out of control....can't stop playing with all these toys!
1. Productivity is very important its so easy to become swamped...I have used filters for listservs and of course I file much of my mail. In addition I added three folders...Action, Read, Waiting...this way I can self select and place email that needs attention in an organized fashion.
2a. I have several IM accounts that I run through Meebo so that people can contact me through a variety of venues. I have family and friends on my Buddy lists and students from my classes are welcome to contact me through IM.
2c. I IM people all the time...even libraries :). We use IM for reference, although that will be changing in the future. I will have to get an IM partmer on 23 Things
3c. I definitely prefer IM over text messaging. First of all I don't like the additional cost, and then I find some aspects of text messaging annoying...perhaps this will change for me in the future.
Email: We use email at the reference desk, though it is not really utilized all that much. The questions vary and are answered within an hour of being received. It should be noted that email reference is monitored by the reference librarian on the desk. I don't think there has been much of an effect on productivity, although messages can be acted on very quickly.
IM: As I mentioned above we have been using Meebo for IM. It has had a mixed success...utilized more at some times rather than others.
Webinar: I have attended one of the Minitex Webinars and found them somewhat interesting. My only issue is that the participant questions and interests vary widely and it is very challenging to address this through the Web. It is easy to get distracted and I have found that I prefer to watch the recordings so that I can take my time and pause if need be.
Meebo/Twitter: I already use Meebo and like it. Twitter is another story...I have an account, but just don't see its usefulness unless used while working on projects, activities, and the like. Its an interesting way to let others know what your doing, but I can only multi-task so much!
So many tools to play with...I almost can't decide which one to play with first. Even I want to show my kids...they'll think I'm cool!
The more Flickr tools are really fascinating and prove that the sky is the limit. Best of all you can do many of these things for FREE!
Using Flickr is rather fascinating. Not only can you share pics with family and friends, but also use is as a gallery if you are into photography. I wish it had been around when I took a photography class some years ago!
Ok....though I have not posted I have been busy playing with Flickr and few other Web 2.0 toyas...I'll post again soon with some of my results.
I have been using RSS for a number of years. Currently I add then on an iGoogle page that I can use as my home page at work and home. It's a great way to keep everything together.
Finding Time:
I've been playing with Library 2.0 tools for quite some time. Initially I did invest some time, but as you move along with the learning curve I found that I could assess a tool fairly quickly, hence I don't have to spend near the time I used to when this was all new.
Participating in 23 Things:
I am fascinated by everything and although I have definite likes and dislikes, I realize that we need to be in the know...changes come swiftly and even if we don't like a given tool we need to be aware of it. In addition I am a support coach for CMLE folks!
Internet use and time:
I'm at the computer way too much...but then again I do more that just the Web. What's interesting is that I am much more accessible...yeah, there's the phone, but I have 4 IM accounts, 5 email accounts, belong to Facebook, YouTube, Flickr...it's easier to manage then you think...there are some very good tools out there to help you manage it all...I use iGoogle for just this very purpose.
Knowledge of 2.0
I like to think that I am fairly knowledgible along with my peers many of my peers...we talk about new tools, give our opinions and often try them out. It's all trial and error.
23 Things:
I hope to pick up something that I didn't know about before, new tools, and meeting new people.
As a librarian we have that stereotype of being very organized...well I am sort of...but need to improve on my skill set...has anyone used a software (preferably free) that seems to do the trick?
Since I gave my blog this title I thought I should explain. I am a firm believer in the fact that everyday should be an adventure and one should always look forward to serendipities.
Hence there is always something new happening, to learn, to wonder at, etc...I hope that you can travel there (wherever that may be) with me.
Today's serendipity...remembering that there is an alternative site to YouTube, it's Viddler...
Greetings from my spot in the universe of library blogs.
Hope to share info and insights!
Cindy (alias Librfun)
