Thing 21 Students 2.0

I have definitely evolved from being the student-type to being the educator-type. If I was a student, I think I'd see this is just another assignment that my teachers gave me to get the assignment done, and I'd probably pass it off for my extracurriculars. With undergrad and library sciences behind me, I catch myself wishing I had a tool like this to walk me through my research when I was in college, even better...when I was in high school.

I think that if students are actually willing to give this tool a chance, it would -at the very least - eliminate anxiety over researching, writing papers, an citing sources. The element that I will definitely promote most is the fact that "Research Project Calendar" offers a variety of "Style Manual" tools (http://www.biblioscape.com/styleMan.htm ) under their "Glossary of Terms" link. That link has other tools that are also extremely helpful, and I wish I had that in high school AND college. I also wish I had teachers who wold have taught me had to use such terrific tools.

I really appreciate the fact that you can set up your activities and programs on one of these tools and include your e-mail address so that you may receive benchmark reminders. Speicifically? Our Youth Services Department may revert back to the "Traveling Box" of story times. I think that these would be great tools in putting a box together and even making sure that the boxes travel according to the schedule we set up.

Thing 19: Other Social Networks

Whoops! I have managed to skip Thing 19. It's Monday! ("And everybody works on Monday" says Kevin Kline as "Dave.")

SO...THAT being said, although I am not yet a member of any other social network beyond Myspace and Facebook, I definitely intend on joining Flixster because I like movies. A lot. And I can associate it with my Myspace account, which will make it easier. That's one of my gripes. I love social networking and online tools because I'm a product of the Internet generation (despite the fact that I'm on the older end). However, the number of accounts you have to create is getting a little long-winded and extensive. That said, I DID join Gather as well, and I look forward to honing in on my librarian sense by joining "What's on my bookshelf" - I think that this will be a very helpful tool in my career!

So? What are YOUR thoughts? Any suggestions?

Thing 20: Book 2.0

Before I begin, I thought I'd state an observation I made while reading the introduction to this Thing. NEFLIN states: "We know there has been much ... worry about when and how people read, the future of the printed book, and our role in libraries in both of those debates.... While some say the Internet is making us stupid, other think it is not." Hmmm...I can't help but wonder what debate and worry there was in the past when new technologies came about? Seriously. What happened when Gutenberg developed the Printing Press? Or better yet and more controversial, when Americans rebeled and taught slaves to read? SURE, there were people who said, wait a minute...this isn't such a great idea. If people read something produced by this printing press, perhaps they'll wise up and rebel against the establishment, or simply just start thinking for themselves. Oh, the horror! So sure, technology can be a scary thought, but we'll acclimate, and people will never stop needing resources and live help and tutoring using new technology. Hopefully, I'll be able to take my own advice as I progress.


What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
I intrepreted this question a few different ways. Directly speaking, as the Youth Services librarian at my branch, I answer/assist with questions and requests for school assignments. For example, I had a young man ask me for ANY science fiction OR mystery the other day. Could you BE any broader? I think one of the most popular assignments is the Histrical Fiction. These are actually interesting to me. It drives me crazy when patrons -- parents especially -- stick to the designated list, such as Accelerated Reader (AR) and SSYRA. I'm sure they're great books, but they are mandated by the adults, and kids will be a little more disinclined if they can invest their interest. I think that BOOk 2.0 can help expand a child's/teen's world.

Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
OK, taking the "Youth Services Librarian" perspective yet again, I think that these tools will enhance the reading experience. Our kids are so plugged in to the computer that these tools may help encourage them to read because these tools speak to them. On one hand, the older generations that come to our branch say that they could never replace the feel of a book in their hand. It seems as though the kids can't replace the feel of a machine (cell phone, iPod, etc.). And yet, so many of our patrons seem to love the portability of audiobooks as well. I can see this as being very successful.

Which of the sites/tools did you visit? What are they appealing features? Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because"?

I am familiar with WorldCat as it is a part of the database services that SJCPLS offers.

LookyBook explains that it's over. Maybe I'm wrong. Please tell me if I am.

Storyline opens up as a "Page cannot be displayed" error message. Too bad. I was really excited about that! I think it's neat when celebrities endorse literacy!

Looking forward to exploring "Just One More Book" because it presents books in the podcast format.

And of course, I look forward to the Vintage Books websites because this subject fascinates me!

Do you know of other tools around books and reading we should know about?
Nothing comes to mind as of yet. This is something I enjoy exploring because it's so new to me. Therefore, the plethora of sites NEFLIN has provided will be enough for now.... Mmmm, I kinda take that back. I'll also post this on the NEFLIN blogspot, but I'm rather fond of RECESS, a program sponsored by the Center for Children's Literature and Culture, which is sponsored by the Department of English at the University of Florida. It is cofounded by Drs. John Cech and Kenneth Kidd as well as Curator and Librarian Rita Smith. They are on hiatus, but they have plans to post excerpts as podcasts, etc. I'm very excited about this!

Thing 18: Facebook and Myspace

FACEBOOK:
Yes, I have an account. Find me by searching my first and last names. And yes, I am a member of several groups ... Hogwarts, Gators, Breast Cancer Awareness, etc. As to whyit may be the fastest growing social network, I'm really not sure, but I am eager to see what others have to say as for reasoning. For me, My space is to young, so the ".edu" reasoning for "Young Adults" makes sense, and I can completely understand why college students would be upset if this was opened up to the "general public." Hmmmm...is the reputation deserved? Well...on one hand, t's easy to use and it's one tool that allows my generation to keep in touch with each other. On the other hand, I've heard others who are NOT of my generation argue that it doesn't allow you to be outside or have LIVE contact with these same people, etc. etc. Go figure. Welcome technology.

MYSPACE
Libraries use Myspace as a means to communicate with teens and children. It is a way to publicize and promote activities, programs, and services. Teens and kids can become "friends" with your library's account and follow along. The library can even send out event invitations as a reminder. On top of that, this is a cool way of getting pictures of programs up to share. You can then associate someone's account (ask permission!) so that they have easy access to it as well. As far as I am concerned, I still have a Myspace account (thought MS is going out of style) simply b/c I have musician friends who use this platform to promote their music, and this is one means by which I can support them. This is another thing we can use with our teens...get them to associate the music with our page or create other programs that open other's eye to new songs, musicians, and styles.



PS: OK, those of you who are not much into High School Reunions, please don't laugh! I went onto Facebook last night and found out that our Senior Class Pres, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer created a Class of '99 Reunion group. YAY!

Flickr

If you have a Flickr account, you can add people to your list of contacts and peruse their photo album(s). I'd like to add other people to my account so that we can share pictures. If you're interested in this, please send me your username or registered name, or find me under my name or username (LibrarianLyss).

Thanks! =-D

Thing 17: Podcasting

I explored www.podcast.com and www.podcastalley.com the most. Of the two, I think that the first (www.podcast.com) definitely provides users with more explorability and related options. I found and listened to "Mugglecast" on podcastalley.com. In addition to this, two of my patrons bestowed upon me the task of checking out the "Twilighters Anonymous" podcast, so you know that this has been added to my link list @ my sidebar.

I think that this is an awesome tool, and I think that the younger generation(s) have a great tool at the tips of their fingers. Recently, my computer has had some issues, so it tends to have its slower moments, which is frustrating to someone who is so used to always being on the go and having things right now when it comes to internet speed. Therefore, I'm a bit discouraged (especially timewise) as to creating my own podcasts. Again, I think that it's definitely a worthwhile tool. As far as subscribing is concerned, I might add these to my facebook account, but I'm wary because podcastalley required a download. Again, with my computer having the trouble that it did, I'm not really encouraged to do so.

=-D

Things 16: YouTube

Alright! YouTube rocks! If you're following this, and you've never tried it, you're in for some fun! Unfortunately, we are one of those library systems that gets blocked, but ONLY on our staff computers! While I know you can find some worthless material on YouTube, you can also find some really worthwhile stuff as well. And yes, perhaps this particular video that have posted may be deemed professionally "worthless", but at least it's entertaining and fun! =-D Can't wait to see everyone else's!

For starters and professionally speaking, ALA and individual systems create Library advertisements and post them to YouTube; in fact, Director's Cut is a nationwide contest that gets teens involved in advertising the library.

In addition to this, SJCPLS does post YouTube videos to promote a variety of services and programs. This afternoon, there was a clip posted front and center on the SJCPLS website: http://www.sjcpls.org/content/great-free-resources-your-local-library. This is DEFINITELY a tool that will benefit me in promoting the library and providing better services to my community.

I will add clips from YouTube either in the privacy of my home either tonight or on the library's public computers tomorrow, seeing as I cannot access YouTube right at this moment. THANKS!

Thing 15: Rollyo

Having explored different "Roll" options such as Rollyo, it seems like a helpful tool, but not one that I would use. Our system's website does a great job of organizing database websites and filing them onto one page. In addition to this, Gale Databases offers its own version of "Roll", which I intend to use. This is definitely a tool that I will need to work with before I can find any kind of a benefit in it. This was not one of my favorite tools.

Thing 14: Online Productivity Tools

Ok, yet again, I have learned an invaluable lessons. Many thanks to Juli for her patience, time, explaining, and suggestions. "What happened?" you ask. If you don't spit these things out fast enough, and you hit the publish button, you're entry goes ba-bye. THEREFORE, to the relief of some, my blogs will be shorter. Sorry NEFLIN. I am really not a big fan of Blogger right now.

On to Thing 14: Online Productivity Tools

I explored all three Starter pages, but I knew that I would eventually choose iGoogle to set up my own account. I am grateful to learn about so many tools; by being able to sign up using the same template/interface, the user is at an advantadge because it decreases the number of log-in information: usernames, passwords, and website addresses.

I think Backpack and Google are considerable tools for professionals like us when it comes to roolling up various tools into one bundle, particularly the calendar feature. The calendar tool is one that I have been using since my supervisor suggested it. You can schedule an appointment/upcoming event, and as the time draws closer, the "alarm clock" feature goes off to remind you about it ahead of time. You can even click the snooze button!

On the flip side of THAT coin, I do not like the To-Do Lists. I finder faster and more convenient to grab a piece of paper and writing utensil and jot down those one or two items that I forgot about on my grocery list or one or two things that I need to do. If I don't write it down immediately, I will forget, and logging on takes the precious time in which I may forget what I had initally logged on to do.

Thing 11: Social Media

I am ambivalent about this thing called Social Media. On one hand, it's great to know that you can come to one location and peruse these sites for all your media and news-related needs. On the other hand, there are so much information, and you have to wade through the sources to determine which ones you prefer or which ones are credible/reliable. Therefore, on a personal level, these websites can enhance your productivity because they serve as tools to bring together various sources and articles. I also like the fact that you can provide your own comments, share articles with "friends" on your account, and manipulate your account to best suit your needs. On a professional or research level, they can serve as a detractor because you have to spend time determining what is credible/reliable.

These tools can be used as a bank to store pertinent articles in one location, and users can communicate with each other (recommending, commenting, etc.). On that note, I did end up reading two articles. The first focused on whether or not television and DVD programming affected the cognitive and traditional progressive (ie - talking and developing words) development of babies. The second article discussed the trial and the judgement of a Harry Potter actor's (Character: Marcus Belby) murderer.

Thing 13: LibraryThing

OK, for starters, you can FIND me @ LadyLibrarianLyss.

Second...technology is sometimes a pain in the neck. I lost my whole entry b/c Blogger crashed. How much does that just ruin it? Point being...in learning about all the new technologies, one thing I learned is that they aren't perfect!

As far as blogging about my experiences...overall, Library Thing is AWESOME! I know, I know...I've heard people say that creating accounts really puts everyone out there...kind of a "Big Brother is watching" kind of thing. This tool, at the very least, is easy to use and serves a fantastic purpose. For starters, this will be an excellent tool to use as I am the Youth Services Librarian. Parent and kids alike will come to me for recommendations, be it for leisure or what do I read next?, research and home work, and even parenting or social (schools, boys, girls, etc.)survival skills.

In addition to this, LibraryThing offers the Local venue. I have had trouble adding these local venues (including my own branch) to my favorites. Again, technology isn't perfect. However, this is extremely beneficial as I can post my children's and teens programming to my branch's account to advertise it. In this day in age when statisitics mean money (and jobs), this is definitely an asset.

Thus far, I have used the tools on Facebook to recommend books I have read, but this tool is hard for me to find; LibraryThing will definitely be an easier alternative! I look forward to using this! In fact, this is definitely something I will apply to my home library. As a librarian, I tend to be selective when purchasing books, and this will be a great way not only to catalog what I have but to promote these titles to others who might share my taste!

I joined GoodReads this evening. It seems to be very similar to LibraryThing, and I'm okay with that. These are some more tools that I have absolutely enjoyed playing with and can incorporate into my daily routine at work. It's practical.

About Thing 11

Yes. I know that it is missing. I promise that I WILL come back to it when I am NOT at work and unable to view everything that 11 has to offer!!!

Thing 12: Wikis

There are tools in which the pros outway the cons 99.9%, and then there are tools like the wiki, where nothing is black or white. These tools definitely have potential. They permit active participation and learning. In fact, as many of my colleagues can attest, they serve as a great meeting space. In the St. Johns County Public Library System, librarians who serve children and/or teens have our own wiki were we can have open and ongoing discussions. The Adult Reference team also has one. I have become more and more accustomed to using it.

Wikipedia is also an interesting concept. The user can find information on anything or anybody. However, no matter how EASY this makes research for the user, there are always consequences...or perhaps just more work. Having worked with media specialists and teachers, I have heard that teachers & educators "ban" such research. However, I've also heard that others encourage its use...because they want their kids to go back and use other database to verify the information. Sometimes, these educators just want their students to explore and learn, and that is enough.

As far as limiting information by format, I think it is important at a school or research level. It is important for students to learn how to discriminate between valid and pertinent information and misleading entries that are written by someone who is anything but an expert in any give subject.

Thing 10: Tagging and Delicious

So I created an account on Delicious. It's www.delicious.com/ladylibrarianlyss. Once I was in I gave it a shot and created a bookmark...very easy. SO, it can definitely be beneficial to students, especially if teachers are savvy to it. Teachers, school media specialists, and librarians can collaborate as satellite units using this tool. That said, this tool is more practical than impressive to me. I have had more fun going into other things and playing. I'm still a bit cloudy about the purpose of searching the Popular bookmarks, etc. I suppose it will just take some time to acclimmate to it.