Thing 7

I've spent over an hour viewing the communications tools and gadgets available to us.  What a huge array of possibilities if one had the time to explore.  (I have laundry going, bread rising and more sewing to do.  When will I have the time?)  

Our library system uses email to communicate between individuals and groups in our 32 branch system.  It is quite effective for those who check it daily.  Our library system is largely rural, and internet service is not available to all, and fast internet service is hard to come by. Cell phone service is not reliable either.  (I frequently drive 100 miles through the country to visit my folks.  I got a cell phone for the illusion of safety it gives while on isolated highways.  The most isolated areas have no cell phone service)

Therefore, using IM or test messaging is not a useful concept for many of our patron.  At this point, the most use for IM would be sending files of documents or photos from one computer station to another, rather than emailing as I do at this point.  (After beginning to compose a document on a circ computer during a slow time, I often have to email it to the work room computer or home to finish.)

Using webinars, as suggested in some of the information, for information sharing, sounds good.  With 32 branches spread throughout 5 counties, sharing information is difficult, and though the supervisory staff try to visit the branches regularly, they don't alway disseminate all the data, sometimes being distracted by more immediate news i.e. growth and progress of the newest grandchild.  

I've downloaded Yahoo Messenger and now have to find a 'friend' with whom to IM.  Could be harder than you think...

Thing 5

I can't believe the time I spend trying to do a task, and it just doesn't get done!!!!

I tried to make another trading card as an example of how they could be used to disseminate library information. I took a couple photos of areas of my library showing the various collections and how they are displayed. (We are attempting to promote library expansion, and maybe the obvious crowding will show up here.) I wanted to have the trading card of the children's toy table next to this posting, but it is at the bottom of the archived posts. Tsk! I know they can be moved somewhat, but don't have the patience tonite to pursue the matter.

Several times the question has come up regarding personal attitudes about using photos on blogs. It is hard not to feel vulnerable when one's face is out there in front of whoever cares to look. Maybe that is more of an issue when one lives in a small town where one is recognized by everone. Anonymity frees up the inhibitions.... It's too late to think anymore... time for a game of solitaire.

Redecorating and finishing Thing 6

I decided that I wanted a new look. I also got a tip from my web guru on how to import photos so will get to work on that.
I did look at some of the things on Flickr, and the image generators. They are just too sophisticated for me. Fascinating tho...

I'm Back

This is just so complicated.

I have 2 email accounts, 2 blogs, 2 google reader accounts, and they are all mixed up. When I was logged into my yahoo email I created one blog and one reader, and the same happened accidentally (I didn't realize I was logged into the other email account) when I tried to get to the blog and reader, and suddenly there I was with duplicate accounts. Now I have a hard time keeping my passwords straight to get to where I want to go. Sheesh!

What has the 23 Things project done to all these free internet tools? What chaos with all the rookies trying and messing things up. You originators of 23 Things bear a heavy weight of responsibility....

I don't know if or when I'll get back here. Just now I have more pressing tasks (that's almost a pun, as I intend to do some sewing.) to attend. Wish me luck.

More thing 4

I found a nifty sudoku game with hamster pictures on Flickr, and enjoyed playing it. When I tried to import it to my Google Reader, I got sudoku mishmash (mashup?) but not the game I had intended to select. A mystery.

I also tried to sign up for YouTube, wanting to put some of the videos of my granddaughter on it so relatives can see her grow. I tried twice, and neither time was I able to continue (they send an approval of some sort to your email address, and I wasn't approved. Does it have something to do with my credit rating? My looks? My personal antipathy with to electronics?

I will continue....

Thing 4 continued

A trading card with our audio book collection.

Thing 4 Flickr

I have been trying to come up with photo ideas for Thing 4, but find I haven't got on hand the type of photos that lend themselves to a library oriented blog. My gardening, quilting and baby photos just don't make it. But I've tried making a trading card and it isn't difficult. Printing them on cardboard may be a challenge... There are choices of icons--must investigate that.

Plans include taking a couple library pictures, uploading and going from there. Super Bowl Sunday is a good time for this.

Thing 3

I've been slowly working through thing 3 and luckily had some tutoring from my son about RSS. I can see how and why this is an excellent resource in managing searching and finding things again. I hope to use it a lot. The greatest advantage, to me, is the ability to view your personal interest sites from any computer and any location. What I need to do now is take the time to find interesting web sites and blogs with which to keep in touch.
In viewing some of the recommended sites by '23 things', I am amazed at the vast amount of information available.