After browsing around LibWorm for a while, I'm not sure how useful this site is. I think following other sites or blogs would be a better idea, or signing up for listservs. One that I recently came across is 100 Best Blogs for Librarians of the Future. Many of the Feed Categories, Subjects, and Tags I looked at in LibWorm included articles or links that didn't really appear relevant to the category. I probably won't be using this one much unless I see some significant advantages to using this site over others.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thing 17
LibWorm
After browsing around LibWorm for a while, I'm not sure how useful this site is. I think following other sites or blogs would be a better idea, or signing up for listservs. One that I recently came across is 100 Best Blogs for Librarians of the Future. Many of the Feed Categories, Subjects, and Tags I looked at in LibWorm included articles or links that didn't really appear relevant to the category. I probably won't be using this one much unless I see some significant advantages to using this site over others.
After browsing around LibWorm for a while, I'm not sure how useful this site is. I think following other sites or blogs would be a better idea, or signing up for listservs. One that I recently came across is 100 Best Blogs for Librarians of the Future. Many of the Feed Categories, Subjects, and Tags I looked at in LibWorm included articles or links that didn't really appear relevant to the category. I probably won't be using this one much unless I see some significant advantages to using this site over others.
Thing 16
LibraryThing
LibraryThing seems like a great idea for personal use and, perhaps, library use. Although I'm not going to create an account now, I might do this someday so that I can organize my books. I like the idea of sharing books with others and in the process, hopefully finding some new books to read. At the same time, I don't like the idea of putting all that personal information on the web for everyone to see. I know you can set your account to "private" but it seems like that would defeat the purpose of LibraryThing.
I read the sections on ThingLang, ISBN Check, and MARCThing, but I'm not sure i completely understand them. It looks like ThingLang will determine the language of a book, ISBN Check will convert older numbers to the 10- or 13-digit versions, and MARCThing...well I'm not really sure what that does. My cataloging experience and knowledge needs work!
The groups are a great idea too. I looked at the "I see dead people's books" groups and found that interesting. I like the "local" tab to find events, bookstores, libraries, etc. that are local. I also like the "buy, borrow, or swap" link. After looking around on the site, I'm not sure how much use LibraryThing will have in an actual library, but is a fun site for all book lovers.
LibraryThing seems like a great idea for personal use and, perhaps, library use. Although I'm not going to create an account now, I might do this someday so that I can organize my books. I like the idea of sharing books with others and in the process, hopefully finding some new books to read. At the same time, I don't like the idea of putting all that personal information on the web for everyone to see. I know you can set your account to "private" but it seems like that would defeat the purpose of LibraryThing.
I read the sections on ThingLang, ISBN Check, and MARCThing, but I'm not sure i completely understand them. It looks like ThingLang will determine the language of a book, ISBN Check will convert older numbers to the 10- or 13-digit versions, and MARCThing...well I'm not really sure what that does. My cataloging experience and knowledge needs work!
The groups are a great idea too. I looked at the "I see dead people's books" groups and found that interesting. I like the "local" tab to find events, bookstores, libraries, etc. that are local. I also like the "buy, borrow, or swap" link. After looking around on the site, I'm not sure how much use LibraryThing will have in an actual library, but is a fun site for all book lovers.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Thing 15
Digg
At least I finally know what that little icon on some websites means. Digg is an interesting concept. Maybe with Digg the media will not have as much control over what constitutes "news". It's not a site that I'm going to join, but I can see myself checking this site periodically when I want some interesting news to read. I can find stories on here that otherwise I would not have found.
At least I finally know what that little icon on some websites means. Digg is an interesting concept. Maybe with Digg the media will not have as much control over what constitutes "news". It's not a site that I'm going to join, but I can see myself checking this site periodically when I want some interesting news to read. I can find stories on here that otherwise I would not have found.
Thing 14
Delicious
I signed up for Delicious but don't know how often I'll really use it. It seems that I'm always bookmarking things and then never look at them again. If I need to see my bookmarks I'll just wait until I get home or, if I have my laptop with me, I can use them anytime. I guess I can see why so many people like Delicious, but to me it's just another user name and password to remember for something I'll probably rarely use. Now my browser looks different and I'm not sure I like it. I actually decided to delete my account! Sorry, Delicious, you're not for me!
I signed up for Delicious but don't know how often I'll really use it. It seems that I'm always bookmarking things and then never look at them again. If I need to see my bookmarks I'll just wait until I get home or, if I have my laptop with me, I can use them anytime. I guess I can see why so many people like Delicious, but to me it's just another user name and password to remember for something I'll probably rarely use. Now my browser looks different and I'm not sure I like it. I actually decided to delete my account! Sorry, Delicious, you're not for me!
Thing 13
Tagging
Does tagging belong in the library? Does it replace or complement subject headings? Should we encourage or discourage the practice?
The only experience I've had with tagging is through Facebook. You can tag your friends in pictures so that when someone scrolls over it, they know who that person is. I'm not so sure that tagging belongs in libraries, however. I think it might make things confusing to have all sorts of labels by many different people. It is hard to tell unless it's been done, though. Students might like the idea and it could create a better way for them to share things, but I don't think it could ever replace subject headings. I think we should encourage it for personal use and see what direction it goes. If tagging becomes all the rage, then maybe we can slowly bring it into the library.
Does tagging belong in the library? Does it replace or complement subject headings? Should we encourage or discourage the practice?
The only experience I've had with tagging is through Facebook. You can tag your friends in pictures so that when someone scrolls over it, they know who that person is. I'm not so sure that tagging belongs in libraries, however. I think it might make things confusing to have all sorts of labels by many different people. It is hard to tell unless it's been done, though. Students might like the idea and it could create a better way for them to share things, but I don't think it could ever replace subject headings. I think we should encourage it for personal use and see what direction it goes. If tagging becomes all the rage, then maybe we can slowly bring it into the library.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thing 12
Twitter
I was hesitant to sign up for twitter, but took the advice not to type in my e-mail password. I hope no one here has done that - sounds like a terrible idea. Anyway, I have never used Twitter before even though it seems like everyone is tweeting now. My name is Sarah_EE in case anyone wants to follow me! (although I don't think I'll ever update my every move). I don't know anyone personally who uses it, so I don't have anyone to follow. Instead I looked up UNT and found several to follow. I am now following the UNT Alumni Association, UNTnews, UNTRIS (a great one to follow!), and UNTLISSA. I found some other interesting people/organizations to follow including vegan_diet, Mother Earth News, Yoga_Journal, LibraryJournal, and ALA Library. Whew! I found more than I thought I would. Let's see if I can remember to keep up and check my Twitter account more than once in a blue moon.
I was hesitant to sign up for twitter, but took the advice not to type in my e-mail password. I hope no one here has done that - sounds like a terrible idea. Anyway, I have never used Twitter before even though it seems like everyone is tweeting now. My name is Sarah_EE in case anyone wants to follow me! (although I don't think I'll ever update my every move). I don't know anyone personally who uses it, so I don't have anyone to follow. Instead I looked up UNT and found several to follow. I am now following the UNT Alumni Association, UNTnews, UNTRIS (a great one to follow!), and UNTLISSA. I found some other interesting people/organizations to follow including vegan_diet, Mother Earth News, Yoga_Journal, LibraryJournal, and ALA Library. Whew! I found more than I thought I would. Let's see if I can remember to keep up and check my Twitter account more than once in a blue moon.
Thing 11
Instant Messaging
I have to admit that I used to use instant messaging services all of the time. I used to have an AOL account, so that automatically provided a way for me to chat with people. I later used AIM, but my usage dropped off dramatically. I rarely chat using instant messaging systems anymore, unless it's work or school related. I don't want to be online for that long when I don't have to. For work, I have a few shifts in virtual reference, and while at work we use Communicator, and sometimes, Meebo. I've used the instant messenger on Facebook a couple of times, but prefer not to use these services anymore for personal use. I think they're great for chat reference work though, and I enjoy the opportunity to take part in virtual reference.
I have to admit that I used to use instant messaging services all of the time. I used to have an AOL account, so that automatically provided a way for me to chat with people. I later used AIM, but my usage dropped off dramatically. I rarely chat using instant messaging systems anymore, unless it's work or school related. I don't want to be online for that long when I don't have to. For work, I have a few shifts in virtual reference, and while at work we use Communicator, and sometimes, Meebo. I've used the instant messenger on Facebook a couple of times, but prefer not to use these services anymore for personal use. I think they're great for chat reference work though, and I enjoy the opportunity to take part in virtual reference.
Thing 10
Ning
Although I don't plan on signing up for Ning, (I have enough passwords and user names to remember as it is!) I found it interesting to look through the different networks available. I was able to find the ALA's network and look through that a little. I search for networks in Denton, Texas and found one called "Best of Denton!" It definetly wasn't the "best" site, but it was a good idea. I searched for a University of North Texas network but didn't find one. I found a lot of good vegetarian networks with recipes; Veggie Girls has a lot of content on it. I found the "Off the Mat Into the World" network, which is a yoga-based activist organization. Overall, I thought Ning was fun to look at, but it really depends on what network you find to determine its usefulness. If it's a well-kept site it's a great resource, otherwise, websites and social networking sites such as Facebook are more useful. However, it is a good place to discover blogs and discussion forums to follow.
Although I don't plan on signing up for Ning, (I have enough passwords and user names to remember as it is!) I found it interesting to look through the different networks available. I was able to find the ALA's network and look through that a little. I search for networks in Denton, Texas and found one called "Best of Denton!" It definetly wasn't the "best" site, but it was a good idea. I searched for a University of North Texas network but didn't find one. I found a lot of good vegetarian networks with recipes; Veggie Girls has a lot of content on it. I found the "Off the Mat Into the World" network, which is a yoga-based activist organization. Overall, I thought Ning was fun to look at, but it really depends on what network you find to determine its usefulness. If it's a well-kept site it's a great resource, otherwise, websites and social networking sites such as Facebook are more useful. However, it is a good place to discover blogs and discussion forums to follow.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Things 8 and 9
Facebook
I've had a facebook account for a few years now, and created it when it was only available to college students. I rarely used it for a long time, but when friends started signing up, I started using it more. Now I use it quite often to keep in touch with my friends and family, to find out what's happening in my community, and just for fun. It's a good way to share photos with people, too. It's also much better than Myspace, if anyone still uses that anymore. I definitely recommend looking at the privacy settings and making sure that you're only sharing what you want to share with others. You can become a "fan" of someone or organization or join groups, all of which I've done. I'd rather not share what groups I've joined, who my friends are, or who I am a fan of.
I've had a facebook account for a few years now, and created it when it was only available to college students. I rarely used it for a long time, but when friends started signing up, I started using it more. Now I use it quite often to keep in touch with my friends and family, to find out what's happening in my community, and just for fun. It's a good way to share photos with people, too. It's also much better than Myspace, if anyone still uses that anymore. I definitely recommend looking at the privacy settings and making sure that you're only sharing what you want to share with others. You can become a "fan" of someone or organization or join groups, all of which I've done. I'd rather not share what groups I've joined, who my friends are, or who I am a fan of.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Things 6 and 7
Blog Readers and RSS Feeds
Since both of these use Google Reader I'm lumping things 6 and 7 together.
I added the North Texas 23 blog to my reader and created its own folder. I also added the North Texas Regional Library System blog. I tried adding the UNT RIS blog but it would not let me. I don't know if this is because it's a private blog.
The video helped to explain how RSS feeds work. I added an RSS Feed a year or so ago for The Writer's Almanac but never remember to read it. I've added a lot of the recommended RSS Feeds and will hopefully remember to read them!
Google Reader is a good way to keep up with blogs and RSS Feeds, but remember to check them can be the problem. I like that it's possible to organize them into folders as well.
Since both of these use Google Reader I'm lumping things 6 and 7 together.
I added the North Texas 23 blog to my reader and created its own folder. I also added the North Texas Regional Library System blog. I tried adding the UNT RIS blog but it would not let me. I don't know if this is because it's a private blog.
The video helped to explain how RSS feeds work. I added an RSS Feed a year or so ago for The Writer's Almanac but never remember to read it. I've added a lot of the recommended RSS Feeds and will hopefully remember to read them!
Google Reader is a good way to keep up with blogs and RSS Feeds, but remember to check them can be the problem. I like that it's possible to organize them into folders as well.
Thing 4
Flickr mashups
I didn't realize there was so much you could do with this! I looked around the various sites that allow you to create your own images, etc. I really liked the Colr Pickr. I decided to use the Spell with Flickr for this blog using my first name. I could have gone on for hours looking for the perfect combination of letters!
The Big Huge Labs site offers quite a few fun options as well. I could see this coming in handy to create a personal or professional blog or website. It would also be useful in the library to create websites or handouts or for students to use for personal reasons or for classwork.
I didn't realize there was so much you could do with this! I looked around the various sites that allow you to create your own images, etc. I really liked the Colr Pickr. I decided to use the Spell with Flickr for this blog using my first name. I could have gone on for hours looking for the perfect combination of letters!
The Big Huge Labs site offers quite a few fun options as well. I could see this coming in handy to create a personal or professional blog or website. It would also be useful in the library to create websites or handouts or for students to use for personal reasons or for classwork.
Thing 3
Flickr
I am only now beginning to work on my blog again, after being out of town and on vacation for the past 2-3 weeks. It's back to the real world now and back to business!
Choice 1
I chose to browse Flickr but I will create my own account in the future. It's a great way to share photos with people, especially because it seems to take me forever to send pictures via e-mail. I don't know if this is because the photos are too large or what, but Flickr should solve this problem anyway. It looks like Flickr allows you to do some cool things, such as create personalized greeting cards. I also noticed that it allows you to edit, store, and organize your photos. I have been meaning to organize the digital photos I've taken over the past few years, in fear that if my computer crashes, I will lose all of my pictures.
I conducted a search on Fort Collins, Colorado since this is one of the places I travelled to recently where I was visiting family. I narrowed the search to Lory State Park which is a beautiful place to do some great hiking. Here is an image I found taken at Arthur's Rock at Lory State Park http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-stop/619827616/
When I have some free time I will definitely begin uploading some photos!
I am only now beginning to work on my blog again, after being out of town and on vacation for the past 2-3 weeks. It's back to the real world now and back to business!
Choice 1
I chose to browse Flickr but I will create my own account in the future. It's a great way to share photos with people, especially because it seems to take me forever to send pictures via e-mail. I don't know if this is because the photos are too large or what, but Flickr should solve this problem anyway. It looks like Flickr allows you to do some cool things, such as create personalized greeting cards. I also noticed that it allows you to edit, store, and organize your photos. I have been meaning to organize the digital photos I've taken over the past few years, in fear that if my computer crashes, I will lose all of my pictures.
I conducted a search on Fort Collins, Colorado since this is one of the places I travelled to recently where I was visiting family. I narrowed the search to Lory State Park which is a beautiful place to do some great hiking. Here is an image I found taken at Arthur's Rock at Lory State Park http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-stop/619827616/
When I have some free time I will definitely begin uploading some photos!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thing 2
Learning about Learning 2.0
2. 11 Reasons Why Library 2.0 Exists and Matters by John Blyberg
"Library 2.0 is actually happening" - I agree with this statement, at least concerning UNT. UNT's Research and Instructional Services has a facebook page now, we have Ask-Us, the online chat feature, etc. Today's students are so tech-savvy that we have to keep up and I think if we don't, we risk fading away into oblivion. Well, not really, but keeping up with Web 2.0 or Library 2.0 will attract students to our libraries' services.
3. What is Web 2.0? Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software by Tim O'Reilly
This blog is an example of Web 2.0. I think of it as the web that you can interact with. It's not just something to read or look at anymore, but to participate in. This may not be the technical definition but "Web 2.0 doesn't have a hard boundary, but rather, a gravitational core." It seems that this article is suggesting that Web 2.0, or the interactive Internet, adds immense value to a site. If users can continually add to a site, such as Craigslist or Ebay, the site "organically" grows. This makes sense because you can think about it as "two heads are better than one," and potentially a site can have millions of users. The author states that "users must be treated as co-developers," which is a perfect explanation for those sites like Craigslist and Ebay. Web 2.0 is definitely changing the way the web works, the way people use the web, and the way that we all share information with each other.
2. 11 Reasons Why Library 2.0 Exists and Matters by John Blyberg
"Library 2.0 is actually happening" - I agree with this statement, at least concerning UNT. UNT's Research and Instructional Services has a facebook page now, we have Ask-Us, the online chat feature, etc. Today's students are so tech-savvy that we have to keep up and I think if we don't, we risk fading away into oblivion. Well, not really, but keeping up with Web 2.0 or Library 2.0 will attract students to our libraries' services.
3. What is Web 2.0? Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software by Tim O'Reilly
This blog is an example of Web 2.0. I think of it as the web that you can interact with. It's not just something to read or look at anymore, but to participate in. This may not be the technical definition but "Web 2.0 doesn't have a hard boundary, but rather, a gravitational core." It seems that this article is suggesting that Web 2.0, or the interactive Internet, adds immense value to a site. If users can continually add to a site, such as Craigslist or Ebay, the site "organically" grows. This makes sense because you can think about it as "two heads are better than one," and potentially a site can have millions of users. The author states that "users must be treated as co-developers," which is a perfect explanation for those sites like Craigslist and Ebay. Web 2.0 is definitely changing the way the web works, the way people use the web, and the way that we all share information with each other.
North Texas 23
Hi I'm Sarah. I'm participating in the North Texas 23: A Roundup of Web 2.0 Technology. I discovered this from the UNT LISSA blog. I'm a SLIS student at UNT working on my master's and a Graduate Library Assistant as well. This is my very first blog and I'm excited to get started and to learn 23 new things!
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