Task 18-The Final Challenge

Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey. No kidding. I was surprised at how much I learned. Although I know it was a lot of work for Shasta, I really hope we do this again.

The things I will use the most from YCL2.o are LibraryThing, NetLibrary and Podcasts. LibraryThing was the favorite. I use it a couple of times a week to record what books I've read and to get book recommendations. I hope to have the time to take advantage of more SirsiDynix podcasts and I download an audiobook a couple of times a month through Netlibrary. I definitely see the importance of learning how to use these tools. Even if you don't use them very much, just knowing what they are is very important.

The things I think will be most useful to our library now and in the very near future are: IM reference, podcasts on the website, NetLibrary, Blogging and Flickr. Through these tools, I think libraries will be able to reach people they never would have reached before. This is especially true of the teens and even younger. This is how they communicate. In order for us to be able to serve this young population, we need to able to reach them through alternative means. If we don't keep up, I'm afraid we will be left behind.

Thanks for the opportunity! For me, it was worth all the time and effort.

Task 14-Podcasts

I listened to 3 podcasts in all. The first one was through Webinar and was on Grant Writing http://www.webjunction.org/do/LearningCenter?method=getCourseDetails&courseId=3844
This course gave very basic information on the grant writing. It actually was a powerpoint presentation with one podcast on it showing how you should conduct a grant interview. It was fine, just very basic and it cost $20 which was a bit much.
The second podcast was through Sirsi Dynix. It is called 25 Technologies in 50 minutes http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page.php?sid=69 Stephen Abrahms talked about 25 technologies we should be familiar with in the Library 2.0 world. The neat thing about it is that he only had 2 minutes to talk about each one. He gave you a quick list of what you should be watching for and a brief definition. He also touched upon how they could be useful in the library. I was happy to see that we are covering almost all of the 25 technologies in our YCL 2.0. But just in case Shasta needs any ideas for the next 2.0, here are the ones we are not covering: Aggregators for Instant Messaging, Second Life, Avatars, Retrievr, Facebook, Skype, Endeca, Singingfish, Blinx and Folksonomies.
The third podcast was also through Sirsi Dynix and was called Mistakes Only Experienced Directors and Managers Make http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page.php?sid=29
This one was great. I highly recommend it to any managers. It discusses the mistakes that managers often make once they have been in the same job for more than 7 years. It list the symptoms and what you should do if you recognize these symptoms in yourself. Wonderful for self-awareness.
I loved watching and listening to these podcasts on my own time without interruptions. What a great way to learn more about my job. Besides the one podcast on grant writing, the only thing it cost me was my time. It was convenient and I had many topics to choose from. If I had chosen one that wasn't giving me any new information, all I have to do is click on another one. I definitely think we should do some in-house training on various library-related topics using Podcasts. Maybe that could be part of the next Library 2.0. One task might be to watch a certain number of podcasts and do a small summary on each. We could also use podcasts to broadcasts storytimes and have teens do infomercials for the library on our webpage. Lastly, you could use podcasts of author interviews to enhance book club meetings.

Task 17-IM

I created my AIM account. When I sent an IM to Reference, I kept getting a message that said Reference was offline. So, I called Donna and she logged into the Reference account and it worked. These are the messages we sent to each other:

[20:03] ginger_sawyer@hotmail.com: Hey Donna. Thanks for your help.
[20:04] yclanswers: Okay, I got it! This might work after all!! Donna

Task 16-My Space

Okay my new My Space link is http://www.myspace.com/tea_timegirl
I did not download my picture because number 1, I don't want it there and number 2, no one would want to see it anyway. As far as the library's My Space page, I think we need information for teens on there. I know the average age of My Space users is older but I think our audience will mostly be teens. So maybe throw on some recommended reading, programming info. and a special profile piece on our wonderful young adult librarian. Also, we need some pretty colors on there. It's a little bland.

Task 15-Library Elf

This is a great site. I can see where this would be so helpful to our customers, especially for families with multiple cards. For me, I'll take all the help I can get. Even though I'm at the library everyday, I still have overdue books at times. Hopefully, this will help me get those books in on time. Also, there are times when holds that come in for me don't make it to my desk. This way I'll be alerted and I can go fish them off the hold shelf myself. I will definitely recommend this site to my customers.

Task 13-Web 2.0 Sites

This was fun. I really enjoyed checking out all the different sites. I really liked http://www.last.fm It compiles the music you like to listen to and gives you recommendations based on what you like. I also liked http://eventful.com . With this site you can search for events in your town. I was surprised to see Patchwork Tales listed http://eventful.com/events?q=Patchwork&l=Rock+Hill%2C+SC&t=&c= Good advertisement for the library.

Task 12-Wiki
For some strange reason, I could not put a title in for this post.
The link to my new wiki is http://openingandclosingprocedure.pbwiki.com/FrontPage
Blogs and wikis are both so easy to use. But I like blogs a little better. It's easier to post pictures. I also like the format of blogs. But still there are some things that a wiki would be better for-like writing procedures. They are both great tools.

Task 9-Del.icio.us

Unfortunately, I could not get the delicious and tag symbols to download on the library computer at our desk. Any ideas? So, I guess we won't be using it at work. But I had no problem on my home computer. I found delicious easy to use but I don't know how often I will use it at home. There are very few sites I go to on a regular basis. But if I do, I'll definitely tag it in delicious. Here's the link to my del.icio.us account http://del.icio.us/gingersawyersadie
I also posted it under "bookmarks."

Task 11-NetLibrary

I use NetLibrary all the time. About twice a month I download a book onto my MP3 player. Then, I listen to it while I'm exercising, cleaning house or cooking dinner. It's great! I especially like the historical fiction done by "Southern Voices." The only problem I've had is that one time I forgot to renew it, which of course was my fault. So then I had to download it again and find where I left off. The only complaint I have about NetLibrary is that I wish that they offered more. 1,500 books may seem like a lot to offer but when you use it as much as I do you wish you had more to choose from. They are extremely limited in the children's books that they offer. Oh, and I also wish they has summaries for all the books. It's aggrevating to have to go somewhere else to find out what the book is about. Otherwise, it's a great service.

Task 10-Google Base

This was listed in Google Base under "Library Events and Activities."

Mad Tea Party :: 8/21/2007 Cherokee County Public Library gaffney, SC
Location: gaffney, SC, 29340Event type: concertVenue name: Cherokee County Public Library
Location: gaffney, SC, 29340on 8/21/2007 at Cherokee County Public Library gaffney, SC.

Free advertising for the library!!!!

Task 8-LibraryThing

Ooooooh! I didn't think I'd like LibraryThing, but I do. This is a great way for me to keep up with what I've read. It will be especially useful when I have to make recommendations to the Herald newspaper (which I have to do once a month) and to our up-coming newsletter. Also, it will be helpful when I need to make recommendations of good books I've read to customers. I am bad about remembering the names of books. This is a great tool.
These are the books I've read so far this summer:

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

Task 7- Online Image Generator

Pirate Name Generator

Your pirate name is:
Dread Pirate Kidd
Like the famous Dread Pirate Roberts, you have a keen head for how to make a profit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning

http://www.piratequiz.com/result.php

This was a fun exercise. I really enjoyed playing with the different generators, especially the one where you find out what your secret lover looks like. Some of the generators that might be useful at work are: Fable generator, Letter to Santa generator, Harry Potter Character generator, Quiz generator and Puzzle generator (for newletter). I just wish they would have had a Blog Name Generator!

Task 4-Online Productivity Tools

Book Review

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Seznick

Have you ever read a book and watched the movie based on the book at the same time? In The Invention of Hugo Cabret, you'll find a combination of text, drawings and film all together in the same book. These elements tell the story of a twelve year-old orphan named Hugo, who lives in the walls of a Paris train station secretly taking care of the clocks housed there. Hugo is surrounded by many mysteries, including a missing Uncle, a broken mechanical man, a stolen key and a hidden message. In order to survive, Hugo,his friend Isabelle and a toy shop owner must piece these clues together to discover the secret that could change his life forever.
This story is cleverly written using visuals to help tell the story. Although it is a work of fiction, some of the book's characters are based on real people. The story moves along quickly and would be a great recommendation for a reluctant reader.

http://writer.zoho.com/public/gingersawyer/Invention-of-Hugo-Cabret/script

Task 6-YouTube

I love Youtube! My favorite thing to look for on Youtube is live music performances. If I see a group playing locally that I think I might be interested in seeing, I will go to YouTube and see if they have a live performance of the group. Then I can see if they sound good live.

YouTube is popular for many reasons. Number one is that it is free. Number two is that you can find a little bit of everything there. Number three is that it is easy to use.

Two cool library-related videos that I viewed are : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Rt3wDunEs (A look at the incredible new children's services department of the Allen County Public Library)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f-X_lhJfoo (The Bookcart Drill Team Competition at the ALA conference in New Orleans)

One of the many ways the library can use YouTube is to look at other libraries without having to actually go there. This will be especially useful in getting ideas for our new library. Also, we can get mural, programming and mascot ideas from other library videos. Lastly, it is a great way to advertise your library.

Task 5-Flickr

Second Favorite part of Montana
Originally uploaded by house4142.

Okay, I skipped Task 4 for now because I haven't finished the book I want to write the review on.
Anyway, this is a place I would love to visit. It's Montana and my next dream vacation.

We can use photos from Flickr on our library blogs, as well as our website. We can use them to enhance signage. It would also make a neat Children's or Young Adult program. On the Flickr site, they show you how to make crafts using Flickr photos.

Task 3-RSS Feeds

Here are 5 of my RSS feeds that I have subscribed to :

1. Book Wrangler- Reviews of new (and old) children's literature from a children's librarian.
2. Booktalks:Quick and Simple Blog- Mostly booktalks on children's literature.
3. EatingWellRecipes, Make It Tonight!- An information resource about health, foods, nutrition and diet.
4. Kraftfoods.com Dinner Recipes- Great recipe and food ideas.
5. Library Ideas for Children's Services- A record of ideas (although there is not much on there yet).

I hope to get lots of new ideas on children's programming, children's literature and booktalking from the three work related sites. So far, the Book Wrangler has been the most helpful in ordering books and ideas for what to read next. Hopefully, the Library Ideas for Children's Services will pick up.

Task 2-First Post

Well, here I am. This is my first post on my "Tea Time" blog. I thought I'd never find a free minute to do this. But here I am and I'm ready to learn. I am so excited about all the new things I'm going to discover. I decided to participate in Library 2.0 because I think it is a great learning opportunity. In fact, I'd like to participate in something like this every year. Maybe Shasta will do Library 3.0 next year (poor Shasta). Anyway, I think this will be something I will enjoy doing. This is the kind of learning I like- hands-on and at my own pace.