Thing 13 Library Thing

Well I added several books to my Library Thing account. I have so many favorite books, it was hard to narrow down what to put in my account. I also added a Library Thing widget to my blog. Library Thing was user friendly and I like how easy it was to add book to an account. Library Thing could be use for my library to keep track of favorite authors at our library or books that are popular with the community. Library Thing can also be used to showcase library staff favorite books.

I share books with patrons through various websites, such as Fantastic Fiction. This website has bibliographies for more than 22,000 authors. They also keep it updated with new releases.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

Thing 12 Wikis

The ability to update information easily and effortlessly on wikis is what I find interesting about the Wiki concept. I enjoyed the Common Craft video which showed how easy it is to organize information on a wiki. In the Neflin 23 things Wiki, I edit the Edit Me-Wiki Test Page. I commented on how easy it is to edit/add information to Wikis and how Teachers "ban" wikipedia as a source. I must admit, when patrons need biography information and they need it fast, I use wikipedia.

I searched the Albany County Public Library Staff wiki. I was impressed with all the training and rule procedures they have on their wiki, especially the Circ Assistant Training Plan. That is a great tool to use for training new staff and for existing staff to keep up with new policies.

http://albystaff.pbwiki.com/CircAsstTrainingPlan
http://albystaff.pbwiki.com/

Thing 11 Social Media

Social Media tools would be useful in a home setting. These tools could be used to save time by viewing news, entertainment, health, etc. on one website. Libraries can use Facebook and MySpace to promote programs and events at the library. Some of the social media tools I explored for Thing 11 seemed like a productivity detractor because of the web layout. Some of the sites had so much information on the home page, it was hard to focus on one story. This was my first time visiting the Digg and Mixx sites and I read several stories from those two sites.

Thing 10 Tagging and Delicious

Well I have heard of tagging and delicious before through work and through school, but I did not set up an account until now. I am enjoying delicious. It is easy to use and navigate. This is great if a person purchases a new computer or need to access their bookmarks at a public computer. Instead of having to go to each site to retrieve bookmark favorites, a person can just use delicious and access all their favorite websites. I didn't get the hang of tagging yet, but I am gonna go back through to fully understand tagging.

Thing 9 Sharing - slides, photos, databases

My photo sharing for Thing 9 is at the top of my blog page. I used Picture Trail to create a slide show of displays and bulletin boars that staff members have created at the library. Picture Trail was easy to navigate and customize how I wanted to display my pictures. Layouts and pictures were easy to choose and upload. Picture Trail and other sharing tools can be used on our library website to promote library services that are offered, such as children's programming and new book displays.

Thing 8 Communication Web 2.0 Style

Email has improved productivity in my work environment. I use Email to communicate with colleagues and send monthly correspondence over to my Administration office. Email also helps the library save money on Telephone usage and billing. Instead of dialing long distance to ask a question to other colleagues, all I have to do is type a simple email and receive a response back.

I participated in Neflin's OPAL service and watched web conference "Gaming in Libraries". The web conference discussed having a library game lab and starting a gaming program. I would like to start a gaming program for our youth and this web conference give me some great ideas. I have also participated in other web conferences offered by Neflin and feel they are very valuable to enhance my job skills.

I am a big fan and active user of text messaging. I enjoy texting. Texting actually help me save money on my cell phone bill. I pay a flat fee to have unlimited texting while having low monthly minutes.