Gentle Winds

Magazine Covers (#28)

2008-08-27T17:34:00.003-04:00

Experimenting with the various options for creating magazine covers, I find there are advantages and disadvantages to each. All give the option to upload photos and create captions. Wired magazine allows for a variety of colors and fonts for a "Wired" magazine cover. Cover Page gives one the option of choosing between four popular periodical titles for the cover but the color and font type of the captions are standardized .

I prefer Big Huge Labs because of its many options. One can choose magazine title, layout, colors, publication date and price. Each of the possible 14 captions, can be a different color as well as either bold or shadow.

Libraryelf

2007-11-10T12:24:00.000-05:00

I discovered a new website today called LibraryElf. It is an email tool to track one's library accounts. It will notify you daily of what you have checked out and when it is due as well as what is on hold. The nice feature about this website is that it will track more than one library system as well as more than one customer. So parents can keep track of all the materials borrowed by children and avoid fines. And, the best yet, Harford County users can take advantage of this website!

Movie Databases

2007-09-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

Having used Internet Movie Database (IMDb) to assist customers in movie titles, I was interested in exploring another movie website, Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes is easily designed to offer a variety of information about a movie. The column on the left of the webpage provides a quick overview of many aspects of the film as well as related web links. The tabs across the top offer synopsis, reviews, credits, photos, posters, etc. The reviews page is especially interesting in that the reviews are written by both critics and the public. Their "Tomatometer" is a very clever visual to easily see the overall ratings of a movie. This website definitely gets a "fresh tomato" rating from me as I know that I will return to it often.

Blinkx

2007-09-14T15:53:00.000-04:00

How am I going to continue learning about the resources available on the internet? I have decided to explore areas in the 43 Things that were not covered in the 23 Things. Then I will continue on to Learning 2.1.

Recently, I explored Blinkx. It is a video search engine. The videos are from sites such as newscasts, PBS stations, and private collections. There was a limited number of booktalk or storytime videos but the newscast sections look promising for student searches.

Week 9: # 23 The end is just the beginning...

2007-09-07T16:03:00.000-04:00

This has been a wonderful experience. I am hooked on LibraryThing and plan to continue using it. I also am setting up a Netvibes page.

This has definitely caused me to grow in my understanding and use of the internet. And along the way, I realized that I need take the time to explore popular websites. For example, YouTube was a big surprise to me. I had thought it was only for entertainment and so was not interested in exploring. Now, I have it as a favorite!

I was hesitant in the beginning and was glad that Linda finished so early and then posted some helps on different areas. That helped me over the initial learning curve. Overall, the format worked really well for me. Reading blogs written by others was a great motivator. Just knowing, and being reminded often, that there was support given by Irmgarde, Annette and Maurice was invaluable. I also enjoyed discussing sessions with colleagues.

I would definitely participate in future discovery programs with this format. Lastly, thank you to all who made this experience possible. Your leadership, training sessions and direction has been superb!

Week 9: # 22 Audiobooks

2007-09-07T14:36:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed browsing the audiobook sights and signing up for a Netlibrary account. The first book I will download and listen to is a book by Elie Weisel.

The Gutenberg page a day editing project looks like it would be fun. I am putting that on my "want to do" list.

Week 9: #21 Podcasting

2007-09-07T12:04:00.000-04:00

This is one fascinating and informative lesson! I found an interesting podcast for genealogists called "Genealogy Gems". You will find it in the Bloglines section of this blog.

The Denver Public Library has podcasts for children. The Westerville Public Library has a great collection of ebooks that are very appealing...I enjoyed reading through a few.

The use of podcasts in the HCPL system could be a very exciting undertaking. Our main page could have the events at the various branches in podcast form as well as in the current form. This would provide the visually impaired another avenue to access our resources and programs. Middle schoolers and teens could add podcasts to their respective pages on what they are reading, what their groups are doing or just inviting others to participate in some of the HCPL activities. Our adult readers could put their recommendations of books in a podcast on the Reader Place or we could podcast new books and movie releases for the week.

And I haven't even begun to think of the ways that we could use podcasts for library instruction...

Sunrise Sunset I A Tribute to Hot Air Ballooning

2007-09-05T18:33:00.001-04:00

Week 9: # 20 You Tube

2007-09-05T17:59:00.000-04:00

YouTube...educational and informative...beyond me before this session! Now I realize that it has a value other than just entertaining. While viewing a video on Geneaolgy, I discovered features of the Google Search toolbar that will be helpful in all searching. YouTube will definintely be a place I use for searching.

Above is my link to a favorite video. Are you surprised that it deals with hot air balloons?

Week 8: #19 Web 2.0 Awards List

2007-09-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Netvibes is a startpage that allows one to customize its contents. Creating a startpage that contains the individual librarian's favorite search sites and is conveniently arranged would provide increased accessibility for the librarian and faster service for customers. With the new tab feature on Internet Explorer, it is very easy to call up a personalized start page that would be used to assist customers. I did find that Netvibes, as well as the other startpages, was selective in what could be added for customization. However, Netvibes did seem to offer the greatest flexibility and most useful sites in a library setting.

Week 8: #18 Addendum

2007-08-28T14:48:00.001-04:00

I tried publishing my last blog through Zoho. In the draft version, the formatting codes were visible with the document. Thus, I was distracted by the codes when I edited the document. I much prefer the "clean" editing one gets through Blogger.

Week 8: # 18 Online Productivity Applications

2007-08-28T14:21:00.001-04:00

These online productivity applications are a wonderful alternative to thumb drives for many applications. I would be inclined to write documents that need to be edited by multiple people in Zoho or Google Docs. Then, when the document is completed, it could be saved in Microsoft. Another advantage of Zoho is when someone is using two different versions of Microsoft. Using Zoho to edit could save the frustration of not being able to switch from a later to an earlier version. I have not tried to import/export a Microsoft document with Zoho to discover if there are any blips in the transfer. I am anxious to try it!

Week 7: #17 Sandbox Wiki

2007-08-25T14:38:00.000-04:00

The directions in this session were more confusing than some of the previous ones. However, once I caught on to what was needed, it was easy. I was amazed at the number of various uses that a personal wiki could have. Just might create a private wiki for myself.

Week 7: #16 Wikis

2007-08-22T18:35:00.000-04:00

Wikis seem to be used for many different purposes. In my searching, I discovered that the Technology Committee of HCPL is already using one to keep its notes! Way to go! Probably more of the committees could make use of this tool for notekeeping.

In addition, there is now an HCPL computer wiki to assist librarians with computer problems. Thank you to those who were instrumental in setting it up. When faced with computer problems, I often try to remember where I filed the directions for the specific problem. Now they are all in the same place and easy to retrieve.

Using wikis to begin a difficult or obscure search, as described at the Technology Fair is another valuable tool. Naturally, the information needs to be verified, but at least it is a start.

I liked how some libraries used wikis to group resources for specialized areas. For example, one library grouped topics of interest. Some of their headings were: genealogy, travel and local government. Under genealogy, they grouped not only the library resources, databases and internet sites, but also provided links to historical maps of the local area. I could see doing this in our system and allowing customers to add information. This would need to be monitored.

Week 6: #15 A Few Perspectives

2007-08-07T14:22:00.000-04:00

This session was a refreshing change of pace, like letting in the cool breeze on a summer day! It provided the opportunity to step back and reflect on our role as librarians and as a system.

After reading John Reimer's article, I experimented with the NC State's catalog and really liked how you are able to go from subject to book to a view of how the books are arranged on the shelf. Little did I realize that Horizon has the same capability... learning something new everyday!

HCPL uses the slogan "Access, Information, Service, Anytime, Anywhere" and this is truly what Rick Anderson is advocating. Have we reached the goal? I don't think we will ever reach it. We are on the journey, and it is a invigorating experience.

Week 6: # 14 Technorati

2007-08-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

Defining Technorati as the "google" of blogs was very helpful. With that understanding, I was able to grasp the concept much easier. The favorites, top searches and top blogs are very predictable. They seem to be what's most interesting to society today. I would expect these to change as interests and concerns of people change.

Also predictable was the difference in hits when searching "Learning 2.0" using posts, tags and directories. It is similar to our title, author or subject search; each has the potential of retrieving a different number of hits.

I do not forsee myself, at this time, using Technorati very often but am glad I know about it. In the future, it might be helpful.

Week 6: # 13 Tagging and Del.icio.us

2007-08-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

This is another extremely useful tool. There have been times that I am searching the web and visit many sites. Often, during the search, I want to return to a site but have not written it down and forget where it is. Del.icio.us makes it very easy to save and tag a page, thus encouraging frequent saving. I can see I will save much time using this tool. Many sites might be tagged during a search and then some time can be spent "cleaning up" the tagged sites after a search to retain the most helpful.

Right now, using tags by others seems overwhelming. I need more practice but do think it can be helpful.

Week 5: #12 Rollyo

2007-08-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

There is so much that can be done with Rollyo! Since I enjoy genealogy, I created my first Rollyo search using a few of the websites that I frequent. This will be an ongoing process.

It might be helpful, especially in the Homework Help Area, if HCPL created search capabilities using the websites and databases that would pertain to specific school subjects. For example, add a search under Elementary Language Arts that searches all the websites and databases we currently list there. In addition, the websites and databases could be listed individually for those who want to search that way.

Week 5: #11 Library Thing

2007-07-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

I have been using Library Thing for many months now and truly do find it useful! First, I track my personal reading. It really helps when you read many books by the same author and can't remember which ones you have read.

I also track books that I might want to use for storytime. Using the tags, I list the storytime themes that might apply to the book. Then, when I have used the books, I add an additional tag with the date the book was used. This easily keeps track of the books used and those that can be used.

I'm soon going to need to need to pay for a subscription, or make a new account just for the storytime books!

Week 5: # 10 Online Image Generator

2007-07-27T14:31:00.000-04:00

This was a very enjoyable session. I was fascinated with the number and variety of online generators! The avatar on the bottom right hand side of this page is my first, but definitely not last, attempt at using online generators.

Week 4: #9 Merlin

2007-07-25T17:55:00.000-04:00

I spent a lot of time on this activity. Merlin has a lot of possibility. It will be interesting to see how it continues to develop.

When trying the different feeds, I found that Bloglines was the one I prefer and will probably go to first. The feature of searching by location was very helpful with Topix. I enjoyed using it to view the news in areas where relatives live. Syndic8 has entirely too many steps to take before one locates the information requested.

During this step, I spent hours trying to add a widget to the blog. Finally, I asked Jackie for assistance and discovered that my process was correct. Together we were able to add the widget. It was probably a computer glitch the first time I was trying. Moral of the story, if something is not working, leave it for a while, try again and ask for assistance if needed.

Week 4: #8 RSS Feeds

2007-07-17T10:54:00.000-04:00

The resources, RSS in Plain English and Feed Me: A gentle introduction to Internet feeds were very helpful in understanding this new concept of RSS. However, I became a person with two left hands when I tried to accomplish the task. Seems as though most of the websites I read on a regular basis do not, at this point , allow RSS feeds. It took a few minutes to understand that I needed to find new websites to link for feeds.

I could see the library external website allowing customers to recieve titles of new books, videos and CDs through RSS. In addition, programming and changes in library schedules could also be an RSS.

Week 3: #7 Blog about Technology

2007-07-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

I have resisted purchasing a digital camera because I did not see the need for one. Since being involved in this learning process, I am rethinking that position. Right now, the photos are taken and viewed at special times but usually they are put away until someone asks to see them. I see more possibilities for the use and enjoyment of photos when shared on Flickr.

Week 3: # 6 Flicker mashups

2007-07-03T15:50:00.000-04:00

I was intrigued with Flickr Color Pickr. Choosing a color and then finding pictures for that color was fascinating. Using these pictures when a specific color theme is needed would be helpful. Since most of the pictures are inanimate objects they could also be used when textures are needed as well as colors.

There are many possibilities for using this both in the library and in personal life is limitless. I want to explore this more carefully after I have added photos to the website. Will I be able to call up my photos by specific colors?

Week 3: #5 Explore Flickr

2007-07-03T15:19:00.000-04:00

I've enjoyed exploring Flickr and setting up an account. The picture that really caught my eye was this one. It is a very different view of a hot air balloon.

Second Week: Track your progress

2007-06-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

The habit that is easiest for me is to "accept responsibility for my own learning". I am a strong believer that I don't want to "go through life but to 'grow' through life" (Anonymous) and that prompts me to continue exploring new avenues.

The habit that is the hardest for me is to view "problems as challenges". How could I move more toward achieving this habit? It seems as though adding the element of play into all aspects of life would be one way. When working logic puzzles, they are not viewed as "problems" but as "challenges" I do for relaxation. This needs more thought!

First Week : Getting Started

2007-06-19T12:01:00.000-04:00

The tech fair was a great way to start this learning adventure for the summer! Thank you to everyone who was involved.