OMG, The finale: 23rd Thing ...Is this the end?!

Well, it's finally the end of a interesting journey of discovery. There have been some very useful tools that I will not only use myself but pass on to others such as patrons, friends and family. It was fun, creative, and let's face it, challenging. It was a great ride.....hidy ho!

Some things to ponder:
What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I enjoyed Zoho Writer, Youtube, Library Thing and Blogger.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It's shown me to get out there & try new things, explore, and get more savvy.

Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
No, it was actually more than I expected. It was rather fun!

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I really can't think of anything I'd change as of yet.

And last but not least…

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?
I would most def. try it! I like trying new things even if I would not use them again. The whole thing is to try! Learning is fun! Thanks for the memories.....

Digital Media:

I logged on & looked up one of my favs, Patterson. Below is what I found...pretty cool. It gives you all the info about the book/cd & is easy to download. I will try to download this at home, later on...


Double Cross
Alex Cross Series, Book 13
Edition: Unabridged
Series: Alex Cross
by James Patterson
Publisher: Books on Tape

Subject(s): Fiction/Mystery

Excerpt(s): Prologue (WMA format)

Format Information
OverDrive Audio Book add to Digital Cart
Available copies: 1
Library copies: 2
Lending period: 14 days
File size: 116700 KB
Number of parts: 7
Duration: 8 hours, 7 minutes
Software version: OverDrive Media Console 1.0 or later
ISBN: 9781415942086

Description:
Alex Cross rejoins the police force to face the most diabolical villain he's ever encountered.

Just when detective Alex Cross thought his life was calming down, a spate of elaborate murders in Washington, DC has the whole East Coast on edge. It is like nothing Alex has ever seen. With each murder, the case becomes increasingly complex. There's only one thing Alex knows: this killer adores an audience. As victims are made into gruesome spectacles citywide, inducing a media hysteria, it becomes clear to Alex that the man he's after is a genius of terror. The killer has the whole city on a string, and he'll stop at nothing to become the most terrifying star that Washington, DC has ever seen.

Alex Cross rejoins the police force to face the most diabolical villain he's ever encountered—a serial killer with a hunger for celebrity.

Podcasts: Podcast Alley

I found this by looking for book reviews in Podcast Alley. I added the RSS feed to my bloglines acct. This book review is pretty neat. I like that I could just add the feed to my acct & now get updates on all the new authors, books & reviews quickly!

Podcasts, Video & Download. Audio: Wk9

Youtube: This one was really fun! I went into Youtube & searched for library videos. This one was one of the best! I love George Lopez so I decided to post this one. Hope you all enjoy! It's titled, "George Lopez for America's Libraries".

YouTube can be a good tool for promoting events, what's new, just about anything that's going on at the library or in the community. Kids seem to love it! There are also videos you can look at from around the world. Just think of the possibilities....the ability to look at libraries all over the world in just a few clicks! Happy viewing....

Web 2.0 Awards: And the winner is.....

Seomoz.org: This site was neat. It's nice how they have it categorized by subs & in alpha. order. It also lists them by top 3 & honor. mention. I clicked on 'imcooked' & this site deals w/cooking. The really cool thing is that it has videos for cooking. I typed 'cheesecake' & 4 videos came up & quite a few related tags to choose from. This would be really good for the beginner cook or visual person. Happy cooking....Bam!

Zoho Time:

Well howdy Zoho! I like this site alot! This gives a user the ability to create any type of document (resume', research paper, notes, etc.) without having to worry about saving it to a floppy or flash drive. It's great for those who need to type but don't have a computer. They can now save everything here and access it from any computer....pretty cool if I must say. I will be recommending this one to students that come in for sure! Zoho away.... by the way, this was done using 'Zoho' and publishing....

Online apps & tools: Wk8

ZohoWriter is a pretty cool tool! Anyone can access this website from any computer & be able to create documents, letters, resume's, etc. I will be recommending this one to patrons that need to write a letter but not have Word or the ability to save it to a flash drive or floppy. Nice writer....cool tool!

Wiki Sandbox:

I rather enjoyed this one. It was nice to be able to see what other library associates like all in one spot. Good tool. It's romper room time.... :)

Wikis: Wk7

I clicked on the 'SJCPL Sub.Guide' & that took me to the St. Joseph County Pub. Lib. wiki pg. I looked around & saw they included links to spots like 'Food network' and had a section also on food. The links take you directly to webpages and the subjects take you to the library's website. Pretty cool....I also checked out the other lib. wiki examples & it gave just that, other wiki pages.

Using Wiki is another way libraries can come together & share info. Posts can show what's new, tips, and research info. Also, if a library is posted & someone is going on vacation, I can see people looking up local libraries to visit them while there.

'Specs on Web 2.0

In reading the five perspectives, you can see how much libraries and patrons have changed over the years. No more searching through the card cats....now everything has gone techie! You can now put books on hold, look up your accts, everything. We are now in the age of technology, wanting it or not. It's like the 'Jetsons' but in real time....

You have to become computer savvy....everything can be accessed through the web, internet, your computer. No more waiting for information the old fashion way...info is just a click away! Even your cellphone has internet options. Research using books....what's that?! Our patrons expect us to be able to give them the info they need now, with no waiting.

Libraries will always be around as long as books continue to be published in paper form and we can offer what our patrons want. Our patrons continue to be loyal, wanting that personal touch and exchanges we give thim. We have to keep up with the times or we too, will become extinct like the dinosaurs! Scary huh?!

Technorati

Ok, I did an 'advance search' of the library website & found a pic of our homepage. It was ranked 319,173 & there were 73 blog reactions to the site.

In doing a 'tag search' for Web 2.0, I found 34,421 tag searches & recent blog posts. Some of these consisted of:
-Difference between Web 1.0 & Web 2.0
-Reference material
-Other useful websites
-Educational info
And so on....There was also a post about our 'mousing around' tutorial. Nothing really surprising was posted; no hate mail!

Tagging, Folksonomies & Tech. Wk6:

Del.icio.us: Now this is a very cool tool. This site can be used for combining your bookmarks from home & work. This way, if you need to access something quick but can't remember the site, all you have to do is look for it here!

I can also see potential for this when it comes to helping someone with a research project. You can bookmark sites and also access other ones that are in the same category. Not a bad site....delicious indeed! :)

WebFeat

This one was a little tricky. You really need to know what you are looking for. I searched for 'brooklyn bridge and brooklyn bridge new york' and got a few hits but like any search engine, I also got things that had nothing to do with the subject.

I did play w/Novelist...that's a good tool to use for those patrons that ask, "I love James Patterson...what other author writes like him"? There's a tab to click on for just that. Now this one's a keeper! Keep waddling on....

LibraryThing

'LibraryThing' is very similar to a site I already use & recommended to staff & patrons. It's called 'Goodreads' and is another very useful tool for keeping up with all your reads & want to reads. I added 20 books to this new site & have added a random book widget for your viewing pleasure...happy listing!



http://www.librarything.com/catalog/gomezs23things

Play Week/Wk5

Image Generator: This week is 'play week' so I clicked on 'image generator' & started going thru the many generators available. Some are for names, photos, cards, you name it! This one I find pretty cool...I clicked on 'photo spread effect' and uploaded a photo & it took my pic & made a really cool collage. Pretty neat...so I guess I'm a generating queen now!

http://www79.lunapic.com/editor/?action=photo-spread

RSS & Newsfeeds/Wk4

Alrighty now....I'm not sure if I like this one yet. I guess it's good if you want a quick glance at something and then went out for the details. One of my feeds, of course, is for the dreaded hurricanes (go figure) & I don't mean any of our sports teams either! :) I can see using this as a tool for upcoming releases and getting quick reviews. This one might be a keeper! 'Newsflash'....or shall I say, 'Newsfeeding away.....

Technology/Wk3

In using Flickr, it was nice to see the many things you can do with pics. It's amazing the vast info that is just a click away now. There's so much technology that's available now for downloading music and the creative things you can do with it. You can add music to your favorite pics, make a slide show or download to your IPod or cell phone. I have been dabbling in other sites and programs & now can add Flickr to the list! Happy Flickr'ng.... ; )

Underworld (C)

Underworld (C)
Originally uploaded by rnair

Flickr: In using Flickr I was able to find a pic from one of my favorite movies. Pretty cool huh?! Now I can Flickr away.....

Blogging

Blogging can help us all at the library. We can post:

• Problem patrons
• Hurricane updates
• Tips & ticks
• Upcoming events
• What's new
• Changes
• Reviews of books & movies
• Just about anything!

This is a great tool that can keep us all informed! Happy blogging...

7 1/2 Habits of HSLL

Howdy! The hardest part will be to stick to the plan. There are always 'things' that pop up & you always have to be able to adapt quickly....other than that, I'm ready! Bring it!!