Creating a Del.icio.us account and tagging my entries was not only enjoyable, but very easy to do. I had heard of Del.icio.us before and had actually looked at the site, but had never invested the time to become familiar with it. I thought the site was rather intuitive once I started to play around with it.
I could see the utility of this site as both a means of creating bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere and also as a potential research tool. As with any research tool involving the Internet, one must consider the purpose, authority, objectivity, appropriateness, currency, responsibility, clarity, and accessibility of the site. Just because others tag a site does not guarantee the quality of the site.
I think it would be possible for libraries to utilize Del.icio.us to tag various reputable sites that would be useful to students in their research. Tags would permit students to access sites related to their topic of interest.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thing # 10 - Wikis
Wikis are wonderful tools for collaboration. I have seen it work really well in both the work and school environment. At our academic library, we use PBWiki as a source of collaboration on recurring reference questions. The site is a one-stop compilation of handy reference tools to use based on the topic, course, or professor. As a current student in an MSLIS program being pursued via distance education, the use of PBWiki was an invaluable tool to write a group paper on Collection Development.
In looking at some of the sample wikis that were offered for examination in this "Thing," two really stood out to me. One was the Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. This site was actually stumbled upon in the above mentioned Collection Development paper. It proved to provide several ideas that could be implemented into our overall document. The other site that I really appreciated was the St. Joseph County Public Library System Subject Guides. I really like the idea of offering patrons "subject guides" or "pathfinders" to kind of "jump-start" them in their research. Prior to this demonstration on SJCPL's wiki, I had not considered that as an option for offering subject guides to a patron. It is a neat idea.
In looking at some of the sample wikis that were offered for examination in this "Thing," two really stood out to me. One was the Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. This site was actually stumbled upon in the above mentioned Collection Development paper. It proved to provide several ideas that could be implemented into our overall document. The other site that I really appreciated was the St. Joseph County Public Library System Subject Guides. I really like the idea of offering patrons "subject guides" or "pathfinders" to kind of "jump-start" them in their research. Prior to this demonstration on SJCPL's wiki, I had not considered that as an option for offering subject guides to a patron. It is a neat idea.
Thing # 9 - Online Collaboration Tools
In exploring both Google Docs and Zoho Writer, I found that I really liked the idea of such collaborative tools. These are wonderful utilities for group distance learning projects. With the rise in Distance Education and the need for collaboration in our society, group projects are actually doable with tools such as these when students are not centrally located at the learning institution. The ability for anyone anywhere to access a created document and update it as needed is a real positive factor in the learning environment.
I think both of the tools have potential and it is probably more of a personal preference as to their individual usability. Personally, I preferred the layout design of Zoho Writer. I really liked the toolbar addition which put all main devices visible without having to search within a menu of any type. I also liked the template library that is available on Zoho Writer. There were numerous templates that could be used and tailored to one's individual needs. These templates ranged from employee accident reports, to fact sheets, to fundraising proposal forms. Frankly I am amazed at what is available on the Web for "free" (barring advertising). We live in an exciting time! I am sure the founding fathers would have loved such tools as they put together the Constitution.
I think both of the tools have potential and it is probably more of a personal preference as to their individual usability. Personally, I preferred the layout design of Zoho Writer. I really liked the toolbar addition which put all main devices visible without having to search within a menu of any type. I also liked the template library that is available on Zoho Writer. There were numerous templates that could be used and tailored to one's individual needs. These templates ranged from employee accident reports, to fact sheets, to fundraising proposal forms. Frankly I am amazed at what is available on the Web for "free" (barring advertising). We live in an exciting time! I am sure the founding fathers would have loved such tools as they put together the Constitution.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thing # 8 - Sharing slide decks, photos, or presentation slides
Well, this "thing" took more time than I anticipated. I actually ended up working on it over several different days, at various intervals, as time would permit. I am amazed at the number of creative tools that are out there to share information. I also must admit that I am slightly overwhelmed with trying to expose myself to all of the various tools at once. I really would like more time to "play" with them and become more familiar with their utility. I imagine this will come with time. I am very pleased, however, that we have the opportunity to gain an initial exposure to the various utilities through the exercise of 23 Things.
One of the tools that I really liked during my exploration of THING # 8 was the presentation sharing features that are offered through Thumbstacks and Zoho Show. To be able to create a presentation that can be accessed by multiple individuals at the same time with the only requirement being access to the Internet is a real plus. Both sites seemed fairly accessible and user-friendly, however, Thumbstacks carried a disclaimer, since their site is still undergoing revisions and further development.
One of the tools that I really liked during my exploration of THING # 8 was the presentation sharing features that are offered through Thumbstacks and Zoho Show. To be able to create a presentation that can be accessed by multiple individuals at the same time with the only requirement being access to the Internet is a real plus. Both sites seemed fairly accessible and user-friendly, however, Thumbstacks carried a disclaimer, since their site is still undergoing revisions and further development.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thing # 7 - Communication Tools
Email Usage - our library utilizes email as one of the many means of communication among the staff. Email is used to pass on announcements, post meeting agendas or meeting minutes , give information regarding the status of a work project, offer a means for education on a topic through listservs, or a dozen other uses. It is utilized highly throughout the day. The current layout of our email system allows for customization of one's email. This enables the user to organize and archive emails that are important for future reference. Productivity does seem to be enhanced through the current email system we have in place.
Online Reference - We currently have email reference at our library. Students are able to write in and ask anything ranging from simple questions about their account to detailed reference assistance. Questions are usually responded to within a 24-hour period.
At the current time, we are investigating Instant Messaging - to see if we can start to implement it within our institution. I think offering tools that reach out to all spectrums of our audience is a wonderful idea. Many of the younger generation IM and chat all the time and offering that as one more way in which they can contact us is an excellent idea. I do think, however, that it will take some time and training to become proficient and comfortable with Instant Messaging (particularly for those of us that are not from the younger generation). The whole premise of Instant Messaging is for quick (almost instantaneous) answers. A service that is not quick would soon become unattractive to our patrons.
Throughout the readings and videos in this exercise the idea of text messaging was also brought up. I could possibly see this as another means of reference, however, due to the fact that many phone companies charge an extra fee for every time someone receives or sends a text message, some patrons may not see this as a viable alternative. I also have a picture in my mind of the future reference librarian standing there with all of his / her gadgets attached - cell phone in one hand and the hand-held portable computer in the other.
Web Conferences - I really like the establishment of Web Conferences. They are easy to attend, do not require travel time, and can fit easily into the workday schedule without requiring you to miss a half-day of work to attend one. The one drawback that I see, however, with many Webinars is the lack of personal interaction. Some permit interaction via the phone, but there is something to be said of the personal networking that occurs at a conference you attend in person.
Email Usage - our library utilizes email as one of the many means of communication among the staff. Email is used to pass on announcements, post meeting agendas or meeting minutes , give information regarding the status of a work project, offer a means for education on a topic through listservs, or a dozen other uses. It is utilized highly throughout the day. The current layout of our email system allows for customization of one's email. This enables the user to organize and archive emails that are important for future reference. Productivity does seem to be enhanced through the current email system we have in place.
Online Reference - We currently have email reference at our library. Students are able to write in and ask anything ranging from simple questions about their account to detailed reference assistance. Questions are usually responded to within a 24-hour period.
At the current time, we are investigating Instant Messaging - to see if we can start to implement it within our institution. I think offering tools that reach out to all spectrums of our audience is a wonderful idea. Many of the younger generation IM and chat all the time and offering that as one more way in which they can contact us is an excellent idea. I do think, however, that it will take some time and training to become proficient and comfortable with Instant Messaging (particularly for those of us that are not from the younger generation). The whole premise of Instant Messaging is for quick (almost instantaneous) answers. A service that is not quick would soon become unattractive to our patrons.
Throughout the readings and videos in this exercise the idea of text messaging was also brought up. I could possibly see this as another means of reference, however, due to the fact that many phone companies charge an extra fee for every time someone receives or sends a text message, some patrons may not see this as a viable alternative. I also have a picture in my mind of the future reference librarian standing there with all of his / her gadgets attached - cell phone in one hand and the hand-held portable computer in the other.
Web Conferences - I really like the establishment of Web Conferences. They are easy to attend, do not require travel time, and can fit easily into the workday schedule without requiring you to miss a half-day of work to attend one. The one drawback that I see, however, with many Webinars is the lack of personal interaction. Some permit interaction via the phone, but there is something to be said of the personal networking that occurs at a conference you attend in person.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Thing # 6 - Online Image Generator
What fun! I really enjoyed playing around with creating a trading card.
This would be an excellent tool for classroom teachers to create study cards for their students. Kind of the old "flash card" idea. It functions as a visual review method to learn those key facts.
The trading cards would also make a great bulletin board display. When the new year starts, let everyone meet the staff by posting a trading card about each individual on the bulletin board, instead of just posting a picture. This gives just a splash of life to the traditional picture display.
The image on the trading card was provided through Flickr. The title of the image is "Computer Cat Looks at E-Bay." The photo was provided by parmoolah.
THING # 5 - More Flickr Fun
Well, it took a bit of time to figure it all out (along with the assistance of some very gracious co-workers), but I was finally able to upload a mash-up to the blog. Yeah!!!
As mentioned in the newsletter, I can definitely see how these tools can become addicting as one "plays" with creating all kinds of items.
In reality, these could be utilized to create more attractive advertisments for activities being held within the library. These advertisements could be on the library's homepage, on blogsites, or put into print format. Often visual attractiveness is what invites someone to read an advertisement in the first place.
The puzzle format is a fun item as well. One can also order a copy of the actual puzzle that is made.
Well, it took a bit of time to figure it all out (along with the assistance of some very gracious co-workers), but I was finally able to upload a mash-up to the blog. Yeah!!!
As mentioned in the newsletter, I can definitely see how these tools can become addicting as one "plays" with creating all kinds of items.
In reality, these could be utilized to create more attractive advertisments for activities being held within the library. These advertisements could be on the library's homepage, on blogsites, or put into print format. Often visual attractiveness is what invites someone to read an advertisement in the first place.
The puzzle format is a fun item as well. One can also order a copy of the actual puzzle that is made.
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