Sunday, February 24, 2008

Thing 3. RSS Feeds

I like the convenience and time savings of using an RSS feed. In one header I can browse down my feeds and quickly scan them to determine if the website has been updated and when. I don't need to go find my bookmark, click on a website, and determine if the content is new.

I am a big fan of online shopping, so my RSS feed for "I Love A Good Sale" gives me websites of some of my favorite stores and a quick summary of the sales which allows me to determine in a glance if I want to hit their site.

I also have an RSS feed for the popular online classified ad "Craig's List". The feed tells me if a new ad has been added in the category such as building materials.

In my job, I need to keep up to date on the latest news in technology. A feed such as BBC News allows me to choose a category such as technology and instantly find out the latest news in that field.

The big advantage of a feed for me is it keeps me focused. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I hit a webpage, I end up surfing for longer than I should. With a feed, if there is no new content, I don't go to the site and thus no distractions.

Gosh, Don't you think it would work if libraries can use the RSS feed to notify users of new programs at the library, new material, a newsletter. I think it would be a hit!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Thing 2. What is Library 2.0

I love learning and love connecting with other people to hear and discuss what they are doing. That is why i am so excited to do 23 things on a stick. I feel like I am back in school again and that is so exciting for me! Will I use all the things I learn in this program? Maybe or maybe not. Maybe not right now, but i may need to use those ideas later. What can I learn from someone else and their experiences? Those are the goals I have for this program.

How will I find the time? It is all a matter of priority and purpose. I have a goal of using these skills for the summer reading program which gives me a purpose and also a timeline to get this done. I need those deadlines so help me prioritize what gets done first. And I love a fun diversion from usual work!

The Internet has allowed me to get my Master's degree and it has also allowed me to work at home and perform just as if I was in the office. Being able to do these activites from my home has saved me vast commuting time and given me the flexibility to work around my family needs and schedules.

I do believe that we need to remember our purpose, objectives and goals of these new tools so they enhance our lives and they have to be relevant to the users we are trying to serve which is our ultimate goal.

Thing 1. Got through this task

Hurrah!

I got through task one of this test. it was really not that hard. now the fun part of keeping track of my progress on this blog...

I would like to use blogs for the teen summer reading program this year. i am thinking of having the kick off with teaching the kids how to make a blog, having the kids registering their blog and then posting on their blog the books they read, note the number of pages and give a summary and opinion. I am thinking this can take the place of the reading logs. i would also like to incorporate some ideas from 23 things on a stick for the kids to do. I have a great director that is alway so supportive of these new ideas. Yeah Monica!

Can't wait to move onto the next step...