THING 23 - FINAL THOUGHTS

My first post was 'Thing 1 - What a good looking group! Hope you enjoy our blog.' I have learned a lot from these exercises, some I will use and many I will not use. While it is good to have knowledge of the things that we explored, considering our library's current staff shortage it is hard to imagine how we can assist patrons with such involved tasks. While it has been fun at times, I am glad we are done with 23 Things. Thank you for your effort.

THING 22 - SURVEY

Survey completed! One more thing and I'm done.

THING 21 - SHOW US WHAT YOU KNOW

This is kind of a tall task in that you don't really know what the 'newbie' is going to want to do. But here goes.

One of the most frequent things people need to do, especially if they are submitting resumes, is to set up an e-mail account. I would suggest g-mail, hotmail or yahoo.com and show them how to get started setting up the account.

If a patron came in with pictures and they wanted to share them on the web, I would start them off scanning the pictures, creating a Photobucket or Flickr account and showing them how to upload the photos.

If a patron came in asking about where they could go to find job opportunities, I would direct them to something like Craiglist, jobs.com, monster.com and perhaps Linked in if someone was searching the job market. I would also assist them in posting their resume on these sites. To create a resume, I would recommend finding a good resume building site such as resumetemplates.org or tell them to book a librarian.

I would direct a patron who wanted to find out information on a particular medical disorder to the Mayo Clinic website or WebMd which has a plethora of information and is easy to navigate.

If a patron wanted to view on-line videos, I would recommend YouTube as a good source of a variety of videos. I would also recommend eHow.com for how to videos.

For most needs, I would suggest the old standby (which I use all the time), Google.com. I google everything and that would be my first suggestion to patrons doing any kind of research.

THING 20 - MORE FUN WITH GOOGLE

I chose to investigate Google Translate, it was beaucoup de plaisir (lots of fun). I also chose Google Images. Both of these would be beneficial to the general public, translate for obvious reasons and I use google images frequently to find images for a variety of applications. I set up my iGoogle page selecting U2 as my theme, and added gadgets Hamster, Hangman and Todays horoscope to customize my page. Since I was already logged in to my blog page, it automatically saved my iGoogle page. It was fun setting it up and selecting the gadgets and theme.

THING 19 - BEST OF THE WEB

Mayo Clinic and Sports Reference were two of the ones I liked from the 2010 list. From the 2004 list, I liked eHow.com, lots of interesting how to information on that site. I also visited wordswithoutborders.com, very strange and interesting. I found it interesting that one of the sites listed in 2004 was craigslist, which is huge now.

THING 18 - MORE SOCIAL NETWORKS

I visited the sites for children's social networks. I do not believe in social networking for children. I visited sites such as Togetherville and What's What and even though these sites say they are secure for children, I do not believe it. Sure parents can direct their children to sites such as this, but they cannot restrict them from getting on other sites when they are in other places, such as friends homes, school, etc. I know this is true with anything when it comes to kids, they will find a way if they want to, but I do not believe they should even be exposed to social networking on the computer. I believe social networking for children should be such be things such as lunchtime, recess, and just hanging out with friends - not on the computer.

Linked In seems like a good resource for business and help finding jobs. I did enjoy Webjunction and found there are a few classes that might be helpful, in particular the ones dealing with handling difficult and angry patrons. I found it very interesting and easy to navigate. I will explore this site further when time permits.

Thing 23

Looking back at my first post, I didn't realize all that the 23 things would be. I remember I was excited and a little apprehensive. As we went along, the apprehension lessened and my appreciation increased. I enjoyed the 23 things and I believe that this exercise has increased my confidence and abilities and has given me more to offer our patrons.

Thing 22

Took survey

Thing 21

The first website where I would help a newbie get started is Yahoo...I would encourage them to get an email address and help them sign up and SAVE in a very secure place (such as their wallet) the email address and password that they established.
Secondly, I would direct them to craigslist.org. ALOT of people come into the library looking for jobs. Also, some people may need to buy or sell items and this website would help them.
The third website I would introduce them to is YouTube. After signing up for an email, and looking for employment listings, some lighthearted fun with some cute videos will help them realize that the internet isn't only for serious business, but is also fun and entertaining.
Fourth, I would show them hulu.com. I don't watch tv, but do like to watch the tv show 'cops' on the internet... yes, I am quite the highbrow!
Also, I would show them facebook. If they're interested, I would help them create an account and upload a profile photo. I would let them know that library staff could help them with any questions and challenges they may encounter.
Last, but not least, I would show them last.fm. I like listening to the radio, but I know alot of people (including my husband) like to listen to music selected specifically suited to their musical preferences.

Thing 20

I looked into Google calendar tour, google scholar, google advanced search, and google earth. For me, Google calendar is not necessary, but I'm sure it is helpful for many people. Google scholar was interesting since I looked up some library science books and had access to the abstract and other info on the book. I liked Google advanced search and am sure I'll use that alot. Google earth was fun. I've looked at it over the years and liked the instructional video on the street 3D viewing. I do believe all of these would be useful to the public and am glad to introduce, or re-introduce, these tools to our patrons.
I really enjoyed making my iGoogle page and did save it, since I'm sure I'll be looking at it often for the interests that I selected (news, music and humor).

THING 17-SOCIAL NETWORKS

I do not do any social networking other than Facebook. I was reluctant to join Facebook, but was encouraged by family members in other areas to join so we can keep in touch. I am not a member of any online communities. I can see how some people, who are passionate about particular subjects may want to share their passion with others, but that is not something I would do. I visited Gather and Ning. I found the Library 2.0 on Ning to be very interesting.

Thing 19

I found tons of informative and entertaining websites. In the category of the 50 best websites of 2004, (under News and Information),I looked at the National Geographic.com/education and really am impressed with the Giant Traveling Maps! In the 50 best websites of 2010, I looked at youtube's 50 best videos, and also got a kick out of the top 10 youtube train wrecks. I viewed the top 10 people caught on facebook...a couple that I looked at were criminals who were caught because of what they put on facebook...good!

Thing 23

Well I have to say I am glad it's over. But I have learned that I am not so apprehensive about looking at something I may know nothing about. I did enjoy finding some interesting cooking and music websites, And really liked some of the fun things like elf yourself. So in all this was a great experience and hope that the Fab Four wins!!!!

Thing 22

Took Survey

Thing 21

1. You Tube - I think You tube is great for so many reasons. To name a few, I have used it for watching people fix things I have no idea about, or watching local bands that are not around this area anymore to see whats up.

2. Mayo Clinic - Well this one goes without saying, I think alot of people use this web site for great medical info.

3. IGoogle - I liked to set up my own page, and be able to add gadgets.

4. Amazon - I have ordered from this website many times, my husband and I love to see if they have the rare movies we like to watch.

5. Facebook - Even though I don't use Facebook, I do think it's a great way to keep in touch with family from out of state.

6. Chegg - I found this website interesting, how you can rent and sell textbooks at a much lower price. Great Idea.

THING 23

Well,what can I say,this was not the most fun or easiest I have done,but I finished.I did learn a lot of new things and even found a few things I might use in the future.I am not the biggest fan of computers,only use them when nothing else will do,but I am willing to learn what I have to, to get by.

THING 22

TOOK SURVEY

THING21

1. I would start with Google.com.It is easy and FREE to set up an account.From there you can add all the RSS and newsreaders that interest you.
2. Photo bucket is a great way to share you pictures with others and it is also free.
3. Google docs can make your group projects for work or school a lot easier.All parties have access to the work and you don't even have to leave your home.
4. Last.fm or Grooveshark for the music lovers,from classical to hip-hop to what ever the mood.Download it to your p.c. or any other device you own.
5. Any of the social networking sites will do, if you want to communicate with people online.Facebook seems to be a favorite.If you want to see the person you are talking to Skype is great for video calls,it is free in the U S ,other countries charge for the calls.
6. i Google pages are fun to create. You can add all kinds of gadgets[G.mail-news-weather-quotes of the day-driving directions]all on the same page.

THING20

More fun with Google. Checked out the mentioned discovery Resources. We have used Google Earth before , to look up old addresses including mom's in Germany.I did create my iGoogle page.I used the animated Nemo for the background.I added a few gadgets to the page: directions by Google Map -funny cat pictures -quotes of the day -weather map -google translate[translate text into any language] -inspirational quotes and pictures -three animated pictures[turtles,hamsters,penguins] just for the fun of it.The page is saved in iGoogle . I did not know how to create a link for people to view it.

THING19

I checked out 50 best websites of 2010.Looked at :family and kids[serious eats]found a few recipes,even one for boiling water[ha ha] some people have way to much time on their hands.I have two sites that I usually go to,when I need a new recipe, that I find easier to use.Also looked at the greatest toys of all times, found a section called 'Top 10 Toy crazes of all times" I remember a lot of crazy stories about people trying to buy the cabbage patch dolls.Then came the furby, my kids loved those little critters. Also the Beanie Babies, they were going to be worth a lot of money some day, ours are just collecting dust now along with the Rubiks cube.I did check out a few sites under the best 50 websites of 2004.I do like National Geographic , their pictures are great and I have checked out Freecycle a few times. You have to go through a lot of sites to find something you can use.The only site that I will continue to use at this time is Sesame Street , for my granddaughter, we are always looking for things to do,and this site has a lot to offer for her.

Thing 20

I do like and have used Google earth and blog search. I did add 3 gadgets to my IGoogle page my horoscope and a reminder of certain dates and Fox news. ( I also saved mine).

Thing 19

I looked around at mostly the health and fitness websites, I have looked at the Mayo clinic in the past and do think it is definitely one of the top 50. I looked at best of 2004 websites, things have certainly changed since then. I guess they can be useful and entertaining, But I do not go by what Time tells me are the 50 best, I think there are way better and more useful websites than those.

Thing 18

I believe that social networks for children need to be closely monitored by parents. My cousins up in Michigan have their kids on facebook and it's a really fun way to stay in touch. However, I know that there can be safety risks. I believe that their parents are very much aware of what goes on. I think linkedin is kinda lame and I wouldn't recommend it. I did like Webjunction. I was easy to navigate and the classes look interesting and valuable. The courses, some of which involve customer service, library services, and technology, all look great and I believe would be useful.

Thing 17

I'm not a member of any social network other than facebook, and I rarely check my facebook account. A patron told me that it's very difficult to close a facebook account. (I don't want to close mine, but found that info interesting). I had 2 people at different times invite me to join linkedin a couple years ago, but I was not in the least interested. I think people want to participate in these online communities hoping to get employment, or a better employment opportunity.

Thing 16

I signed up for last.fm...these streaming music sites are o.k., but I really prefer listening to the radio. I have an ipod that has alot of the music I like on it, and I listen to it every week or so, but the radio is my first choice. I guess the music I like to listen to would be called "easy listening."

THING 18

LinkedIn is a site mostly for professional networking.WebJunction is a site for library staff to find information,to take courses[only $40 to learn how to deal with difficult patrons] or just keep up with what's new and interesting in our profession[160 new library staff members signed up last week ]
Computers are the way of the future and it is good to know there are a few safe sites for children to use.But do young kids really need social networking.I have seen many young kids playing for hours on the computer, they can tell you about a lot of different sites, recite the rules to many computer games, but when it comes to interacting with other children they have no clue.It is sad to see a group of teenagers sitting in the same room, each holding their lap-top in front of them, playing a game together and not one word is spoken , all you hear is the click of the mouse. I would rather see my kids playing outside and learning social skills first hand , than read about it online. Yes computers are the way of the future, but something very precious could get lost in the process "human contact".

THING 17

I watched the video"Social Networking in Plain English", checked out "Gather","Ning" and "Library 2.0 Group".I do have a Facebook account as another way to keep in touch with family, we also use "skype" for video phonecalls with out of town family members.Other than that I feel no need for social networking, to much personal information online for strangers to have access to.Library 2.0 seems to be a good way to find out what other libraries have to offer.

Thing 18

I do not think children should be on social networking sites, To many things can happen that are unsafe. I would prefer my child to read or play outside, anything to interact with other children and adults, face to face. I looked at Linkedin and think it is more for professional people. I also explored Webjunction it had some pretty neat information and was easy enough to navigate. I did like seeing what other library's are doing.

Thing 17

I am not a member of any social networking sites, well I did sign up for facebook with the encouragement of my sister, but I never look at it and do not plan to. I also looked at gather and ning, the music and food in ning we kinda cool but I would never use them. I can see where people would be interested in them especially facebook. Its a great way of keeping in touch with family.

Thing 15

I listened to the ABC World News podcast. I found podcast.com the easiest to use. I may listen to podcasts occasionally as well as reading news online. Our library could use podcasts to keep people aware of everything that is going on here.

another Thing 14

You Tube is always fun. I've often had people refer me to different You Tube videos. On our website, we could make some fun videos to promote the different programs offered here at our library.

Thing 14

Thing 16

I checked out Grooveshark. and Last.fm. I did not set up an account but also made a playlist. I like a wide range of music anything from heavy metal to jazz to blues and lets not forget disco. I do not know of any other streaming music sites out there and I don't download music at all because I have my own muscian right at home.

Thing 15

I viewed some news podcast like BBC news and Fox. I found Podbean to be the easiest. I did not want to subscribe to any because I also get way to many RSS feeds already. I do think a Genealogy podcast would be neat.

Thing 14

So I do like You Tube and have used it many times for many reasons. One big reason is when my husband went on tour over seas I was unable to go, but many years later when band members or fans started posting the videos on You Tube I was able to watch. (by the way my husband is the drummer)

THING 16 STREAMING MUSIC

I like to listen to a variety fo music. When in the car, the person driving usually gets to choose the station we are listening to, but when I am by myself it depends on my mood. I like classical music, Mozart's"kleine Nachtmusic" and Vivaldi's"four Seasons" are at the top of my list.I also like listening to the Oldies.When I am with my granddaughter, we listen to Disney movie soundtracks or we just make up our own songs.I checked out "Grooveshark" and "last.fm".I liked the little bios they give for each artist on last.fm.

Thing 16 - Streaming Music

I visited both Grooveshark and last.fm and thought Grooveshark was easier to use and had tons of music. I did not set up an account, but was able to make a playlist (could not save of course since I didn't have an account). I listened to some Miranda Lambert, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin

and Carrie Underwood. I like a broad spectrum of music, from old time rock and roll, rack pat era, old country and new country music. These sites would be great for someone who listens to a lot of music. I was intrigued by the comment that was made that you could access and update your Pandora collection through your blue ray player, I would like to try that when I have more time. I am not familar with any other streaming music sites. I usually go to I-tunes when I need to find something.

Thing 15 - PodCasts

I viewed a couple of sports related podcasts on Podcast.com and Podbean.com. I thought Podbean.com was easier to use. I did not choose to subscribe to any of the podcasts or have them sent through my RSS feed, because I get so many RSS feeds each day from NFL and MLB which I signed up for previously that I can't even keep up most of the time. As far as using podcasts for the library, I think we could podcast something like 'Booktalking with Iris', childrens storytimes, and perhaps some genealogy classes, for people who would like to keep up with such things.

Thing 14 - Online Video

I am a big fan of YouTube. The video I selected to post is a video of my nephew, Tommy Mahoney, getting pinned as chief. I attended the ceremony in Pensacola in September. I am so proud of him. There are many ways the library can utilize YouTube, for example the How-To videos we are currently posting on our website (have you seen the wonderful video on how to place items on hold to pick up at the drive-through window?).

THING 15

For Thing 15 I checked out all five directories.For me the easiest to use was "pod bean".I listened to a few podcast on education and watched two short cooking instructions,always looking for new recipes.Podcasts could be a helpful tool for people to learn more about the library and all it has to offer.

THING 14

I worked on thing 14 today.I am not going to register for a free account at this time, can't keep track of what I already have.I watched a video from Largo library on "how to put a book on hold".This was very helpful,but I had to weed through a lot of other things to get to this video,so unless you know what you are looking for ,you might spend more time just searching.

KATY CATERPILLAR is a movie my daughters loved to watch years ago, it was released first in spanish , then in english. We have been trying to find a copy but it is no longer in print. I found this on YOU TUBE.

THING 13

I checked out the three sights,and set up a google alert for the library. Lots of potentials for someone looking for information on a specific subject.I did find a few things about our library.I am not sure how much I will use this except for work.

Thing 13: Track our Library

I visited all three of the suggested sites.  Addict-o-matic was interesting, and I did bookmark that site and think it would be good if there was a particular subject you wanted to keep up with - however, it's almost too much information.  I did see that you could delete some of the sources to customize it to your needs.  I did find it funny that someone put a post on Addict-o-matic that said they were at Largo Public Library.  Socialmention was so slow (not sure if it is because of the city's computer system), it was frustrating.  GoogleAlerts is my favorite, I had already set up RSS feeds on MLB and NFL news and I do like that.  However, on all of these sites when I typed in Largo Public Library (and I tried many different variations to try to narrow it), I got all types of information from Largo to Key Largo to other things I wasn't sure about.  Maybe I was doing something wrong.  I think we should do more to promote the fact that we are on Twitter and Facebook, as they are very popular networks.  Possibly a colorful sign around self checkout (in one of the big poster frames) or bookmarks would be helpful to show our presence in these places.  Overall, I discovered that there are many ways to track and get news on just about anything. 

Thing 13

I liked Thing 13...Addictomatic was really simple and straight-forward. It took me right to the LPL website, to several reviews, and also to our facebook page. Social mention took me straight to a PGS entry as well as one by Tammy Winkler. These sites indicate that the LPL has a presence on the web, however, I do think that it could be greater. Encouraging staff (and patrons) to post about the happenings here at our library would be a good place to start. I believe that these tools are valuable.

Thing 13

Addict-o- matic was cool and I set up 2 Google alerts. I tryed looking up Largo Public Library but I didn't find much out there. I think we should be letting patrons know that we have blog, twitter and facebook. I am sure many of them do not relize we have these resources. Overall these tools are pretty neat, but again not something I would use.

thing 12

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/preciousramotswe
Library Thing was pretty fun. My group suggestions were Christian Fiction and Church Libraries, which are perfect for me.

Thing 12

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

Well, with alot of help from Barbara, Geri and Patty. I was able to look up 6 books. I looked at some of the comments about the books I've read.

Thing 12 - Library Thing

I set up a Library Thing account.  I had heard of Library Thing previously but had not visited the site before.  I added a few by my favorite authors and a few of my favorite cookbooks.  A funny thing about the cookbooks, I remembered a cookbook I had gotten years ago when I was a teenager (I have been collecting recipes since I was about 9 years old) and thought I would add it to my catalog.  When I searched for it, I found that a new 50th anniversary edition was just published.  How cool!  I guess if you wanted to keep track of all the books you read and owned, and wanted to share your thoughts with others and see the books popularity, this would be your dream site, not particularly my cup of tea.  Here is my 'chiclet' that will connect you to my catalog.

Thing 12

Lets try this again. Here is the link to my librarything account. Hope it works this
time. I guess I have to practice a little more. Reading these books was a lot more enjoyable than doing this exercise.

Thing 12

I worked on Thing 12 today, established my free account, looked at some of the comments about the books that I read.