Continuing Education

I am continuing my Web 2.0 learning by attending the 4th Annual Academic Technology Institute today at the college. The first session was about Online Database and Academic Resources. We went over old and new resources in the library, and saw some of the new programs available online. The instructor gave us a handout with several new search engines like Boolify, Kartoo, Quintura, Search the Tail, Exalead, Cuil, Scitopia, Whozat, and more. I also attended A Web 2.0 Sampler, which reminded me of the 23 Things on a Stick experience. The instructor had a Google Presentation page that contained all of her information for the session, which she used as part of her presentation. She touched on twitter, blogs, interactive maps, Flickr, Teacher Tube, and more. I really felt like I was up on things because I already knew about most of what she spoke about. Her web site is a really neat way of showing what Web 2.0 is with a hands on approach.

I have been checking my RSS feed on Bloglines and Microsoft, since I have more time after completing 23 Things. Some of the library blogs look very interesting and informative. I added some of the related blogs that I liked. I also have been looking through books that have been recommended on the Library Thing. I'm reading the book The Dumbest Generation, which blames Web 2.0 on the falling test scores for students in school today. Very interesting. I'm not done yet, but so far the facts presented are pretty convincing that computers are not helping students in school the way experts predicted. I will get back to this when I finish the book.

23. One Last Thing

I cannot begin to tell everyone how much I have learned by completing the 23 Things On a Stick program. I have become aware of new trends taking place in libraries and have become connected to others through blogs and websites such as Library Thing, Del.icio.us, 23 Things on a Stick Ning, and others. When my co-workers are discussing library business, I now recognize terms and trends that they are referring to. I have done things that I would have been too fearful of trying in the past, believing that I would blow up my computer. Now I look forward to joining or signing up at sites to see what new information is available. This has opened a whole new world for me, and given me the confidence to pursue it on the Internet. This online learning experience for me in one word is EMPOWERMENT. I would participate in any program offered again by library people.

22. Staying Current: What Did I Learn Today?

My plan to stay current with Library 2.0 is to continue reading newspapers and journals online and in the library on this topic using RSS feeds, Search Alerts, My folder, and any other assistance available. I will attend conferences, continue work on my Voluntary Certification, and view webinars. I will talk with co-workers, use blogs, and take part in the 23 Things on a Stick Ning to discuss new trends, get ideas, and get support. I will listen to podcasts You Tube, and tunes with the ear phones that I bought to make listening easy. I will check my IGoogle Web Site each day, and visit Favorites like Librarian in Black, Del.io.us, Bloglines, sites in my Microsoft Feed, and Newsvine. I will add many of the suggested sites that you listed to my RSS Feed to look over more closely. I will try to sort out what will be useful in the library to make it attractive to patrons of all ages. I will continue to write, add pictures, widgets, and new things to my Blog.

21. 23 Things on a Stick Badge

Visit 23 Things on a Stick

I am a member of WebJunction and the 23 Things on a Stick Ning. WebJunction is very helpful for library information with the classes, articles and other sources of information. I also receive the newsletter. I can share the article on Building a Social Networking Environment at the Library with co-workers that are interested in this for our library. The web sites on this Thing will be very helpful in the future for library information.

21. Social Networking: Other Networks

Find more music like this on 23 Things on a Stick

20. Social Networking

MYSPACE: I visited several library sites for teens,and at times felt overwhelmed by the music, colors, patterns, and movement on the screen. I know this is appealing to young adults, and feel this is a great way to attract them to the library. Public libraries can use them to appeal to teens and preteens. In an academic library, the patrons range in age from teens, young adults, and older, so I feel that the library would need to appeal to a broader audience. What may be appealing to young adults may overwhelm patrons who are less experienced in Library 2.0 technology. I found many positive uses on MySpace Library sites such as book lists, databases, chats with librarians, blogs or comments, schedules for library, videos of library highlights, podcasts, friend spaces, descriptions and history of the library, and more. I think it would be fun to set up a MySpace site for our library. I will ask one of our librarians about doing this for the Fall semester. Usually the answer is no, but I will ask anyway. I got a negative reply for my idea of using Library Thing when adding new books to our popular reading collection. One of our librarians said he was told there was a charge when you added beyond a certain number of books, which he did not want to pay. It can be difficult to bring about change.