Mixed feelings

I never thought I would finish Learn and Play, but I have. What a feeling of thankfulness and pride . I didn't want to do this and felt a bit resentful, even though it was not required and there was no pressure from our manager. At times, the "Play" part alluded me, but I definitely "Learn"ed some things and plan to revisit some of the sites that we were introduced to.

Thanks to Jennifer for providing the time needed and for scheduling someone to be available to help. Thanks Jim for your patience. This really was a valuable experience, so thank you CML and everyone involved in making it happen.

MOLDI

MOLDI: What a terrible name for something that is so positive. Although I hope that books will always be available in paper, at least we know that there is another way, just in case. Book clubs would love this, especially if the participants don't have alot of ready cash or there aren't enough copies at the library. I was impressed with the information provided by "Help". Thanks to those that were responsible for MOLDI. As an acquaintance would say, "You done good"

podfeed.net

Today I checked out Podfeed.net and searched for Tennessee-related podcasts. I listened to "The Ghost in the Alley" on the "Storytelling by Elizabeth Rose" podcast site. Jim B and I talked about the use of storytime podcasts that could be made available on library websites. I am concerned that some storytime podcasts could have content that was inappropriate for some young readers. Mom and Dad would have listen to each story, first, if they had any concerns. Also, there is the chance that someone could use this technology to get one "hooked" then use it for their own agenda. How would the library know for sure that everying on a site was safe? Jim says the term "radical trust" would apply here.

A visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

I chose the following video to share because, when you're having a bad day, it's certainly helps, especially, if you love animals. Playing in the mud, what fun!! and it doesn't require any special skills.



Even though exploring sites was fun, I wonder what controls are put on the content. How do you make sure that you don't find something that, to most people, would be objectionable?

Just a thought:
It seems that there are some folks that are unhappy with the library's new website. Maybe a video that explains how to use it might be helpful.

Email: a blessing

I was slow in setting up an email account, but finally gave in. The past few weeks have proven what a blessing it is. Without going into a lot of personal, family information that's not mine to share, just let me say, "It's a real blessing and I wouldn't give up my gmail account for a lifetime supply of Dove dark chocolate.

CML wiki: Favorite Restaurants

My daughter and I are always looking for new restaurants to try. Have copied those listed; we'll have fun checking some of them out.

Blood Spurting Knife Wound

It's Halloween time. Complements of "Projects" in the "Make" blog, available through CML's Power Tools, you, too, can give your kids a heart attack. I was searching for pictures of edible spiders that were available, earlier, and discovered this. It's got fewer calories, and that's a good thing.

Urbanspoon.com

Urbanspoon.com is a great site to use when one is looking for a new restaurant to try. You can search by city, area of town, cuisine and price range. Driving directions, reviews and other nearby restaurants are given. A hyperlink to the restaurant's web site can be really useful.

This would be a useful site for assisting visitors who are unfamiliar with the area.

Google Docs

I already have a Google email account and was surprised to find some documents already there. . They appear to be files that others have sent to me as attachments. I don't know how this happened but that's ok. I "created a simple document", a recipe that I think I might like to try, and sent it to my sister.

Library Wikis

I checked out Library Success and Book Lovers wiki.

It was interesting that LS had problems with vandalism. I've often thought that this might be a problem. Someone could add incorrect information, just for the fun of it, and really make things difficult for other users. Really defeats the goal of being helpful and useful. I liked the way LS was set up: the main page wasn't filled with stuff, so was easy to use.

Book Lovers wiki is a great example of how one could be used for the short term. It was, certainly, helpful in providing information to include in their catalog so had an extra bonus.

On Library 2.0

Rick Anderson states that services should be able to be used without training. Michael Stephens mentions that users needs and wants are the guiding force for decision making. Libraries need to keep in mind that the users at one branch have different abilities and needs than those that others. Those needs may not be expressed by those that are uncomfortable with institutions. We need to be observant, and not rely just on questionnaires.

Tagging

Checked out the "delicious" site, a great way to learn the helpfullness of "tagging" .

Twitter experience

Hi,

Have set up a Twitter account. I can see that this could be addictive, but it's a fun way to keep in touch.

RSS Feeds and Library related blogs

Hi, Jim B and I worked on adding the RSS feeds to my Bloglines account. We decided that going through Google Reader was the better way for me. With the election coming up, having the Dispatch available on my computer will be really helpful. This is one techno thing that I could find useful. I may even try adding a recipe-related feed, sometime.

We have added the Learn and Play blog, as well. Info from others can be helpful.

Looking for what?

Shorter version of what was planned.

Library Thing

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

Loved the books by these authors.

my trading card

Heather and I created this trading card with a great deal of patience. Enjoy!!!

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/deck.php

Zion photo

Even though this isn't my photo, it's a wonderful shot of Zion. I was there, this summer, and it's hard to take a picture that really gives you a feeling of size. I'm ready to go back again.

7 1/2 Habits

Number one is the most difficult for me. I really, really don't like learning new things. I am happy that I went through the pain, and I do me pain, when the process is over, but, getting there is the problem. My toolbox includes mentors. I don't mind asking others for assistance and the folks in our division are great in helping.

Just Getting Started

Hi, Folks, Just starting so ignore this.