Well, I wanted to free up space on this lil blog o'mine, so I took down my Beatle's poll. I had 14 people participate and here are the results:
Who is your favorite Beatle? John Lennon is the winner with 50% (7) of the votes, followed by Paul McCartney with 28% (4), George Harrison with 14% (2), and Ringo Starr with 7% (1 measley vote).
So, who did I vote for? "I, Me, Mine??" Hmmm...."I Forget to Remember to Forget." "I Want to Tell You." "If I Needed Someone." Or "Something." "Don't Bother Me." "Think for Yourself."
I am hoping to think of another "pop culture"-themed poll to add soon. Any suggestions??
A special "Heigh-Ho" from Kermit the Blog...oops...Kermit the Frog!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
DONE!!
Hey, 10 Things Team! Please look over my blog and make sure I've successfully completed each step.
This has been a great experience, and I look forward to what's in store at Staff Day 2007. I'm also thinking of keeping this blog going. Don't worry, I'm still not planning on "wearing my heart on my computer screen." It just seems like a good forum for me to express my professional and technological growth as well as share resources with others.
Until my next post!
Mandy
This has been a great experience, and I look forward to what's in store at Staff Day 2007. I'm also thinking of keeping this blog going. Don't worry, I'm still not planning on "wearing my heart on my computer screen." It just seems like a good forum for me to express my professional and technological growth as well as share resources with others.
Until my next post!
Mandy
THING 5 -- Flickr and Photo Sharing
I knew this step would be quick, but convoluted. This has been the only one I have had to turn to someone for help...fortunately, I share a "suite" with the lovely Ruth in Youth. I got my picture up and all is well.
Believe it or not, I already had a Flickr account, but I've only used it for posting comments to friends' photos. I'm still undecided as to whether I will ever post pics of my own. I guess I could always set them as private...who knows!
The Library has been using this for some time, and I think it has been great way to publicize and showcase our great programs, collections, and facility. As a matter of fact, those could be some of the tags we use, as well as Adult Services and Youth Services.
Believe it or not, I already had a Flickr account, but I've only used it for posting comments to friends' photos. I'm still undecided as to whether I will ever post pics of my own. I guess I could always set them as private...who knows!
The Library has been using this for some time, and I think it has been great way to publicize and showcase our great programs, collections, and facility. As a matter of fact, those could be some of the tags we use, as well as Adult Services and Youth Services.
Mandy's Canine Soulmate
This is my lovely "little brother" Wilbur. I also have a cute new "brother" Django (whose picture I will have to post), but I wanted to give a shout-out to My Sweet Poochini first. Django has been getting too much attention lately!
THE LAST THING -- THING 5 -- Shudder and Shutter!!!
I shudder to think that I will be uploading a picture within the next 15 hours. I am no shutterbug and actually am morally opposed to the science of photography. OK, I'm not really that extreme, but I just hate having MY picture taken, so I feel obligated to pretend that it has a basis in my personal convictions, rather than the simple fact that I'm not photogenic. Now you know I wasn't just saving the best for last.
PHOTOS (but not of me) COMING VERY SOON!
PHOTOS (but not of me) COMING VERY SOON!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
THING 10 -- Virtual Library Branch
Skokie Public Library's Web site has been part of my life for more than 8.5 years. See, I feel as a Library employee, it is part of my job to be aware of the site and its many features. This isn't to say that I'm not surprised numerous times throughout the year at some of the great additions that just seem to magically appear on our site. Actually, I know "magic is just an illusion" and a lot of hard work goes into our wonderful site. The Skokie toolbar now gets just as much use as my Google toolbar.
I am kind of embarrassed to say that I have never downloaded an e-book before this experience. I spend a lot of time reading on computer screens for work and freelancing, so I prefer not to read for pleasure on the screen. Plus, I am one of those people who loves the actual experience of holding and feeling a book as well as reading it -- in other words, I am a kinesthetic learner. I do like the idea of e-books for textbooks or reference materials. Instead of buying a bulky textbook, students could merely subscribe to e-books for the length of class. I'm sure this would help med students, law students, or others who have to consult about 10 different books for a single class. I know they'd like to own some of the books, but they can make that determination after they've paid for a semester-long "subscription" to each of the books needed for that semester. I also am glad to see we have some Cliffs Notes in e-book format...COOL! This is the only way I'd really be able to read fiction e-books.
There are so many great databases on out Web site. I love Live Homework Help (Tutor.com). This is really helpful to the public as well as the librarians. It offers us an alternative to just saying, "No, we cannot help with homework." Some of my other favorites (for professional, personal, or both uses) are: Books in Print, the NewsBank archives, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, Corporate Affiliations, CQ Researcher, CultureGrams, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Kids Search, MEDLINE, NoveList, Public Records Electronic Database, Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries®, TeachingBooks.net, The TumbleBook Library for Kids, and World Book Online. PHEW!
I guess I am biased when I say we have a great Web site. I'm sure there are areas in which we could still grow, but none come to mind. I did explore some of the Web site's on Library Success' library web site hall of fame. I'm underwhelmed. With the recent addition of IM services, I think our Library is more than "Keeping up with the Joneses" technology-wise. And with this 1o Things initiative, I'm glad to see so many staff members are, too!!
Now, I just need to go back to Thing 5, upload a photo, and experience Flickr and I will be as on the ball as all the rest of those who've completed the journey!
I am kind of embarrassed to say that I have never downloaded an e-book before this experience. I spend a lot of time reading on computer screens for work and freelancing, so I prefer not to read for pleasure on the screen. Plus, I am one of those people who loves the actual experience of holding and feeling a book as well as reading it -- in other words, I am a kinesthetic learner. I do like the idea of e-books for textbooks or reference materials. Instead of buying a bulky textbook, students could merely subscribe to e-books for the length of class. I'm sure this would help med students, law students, or others who have to consult about 10 different books for a single class. I know they'd like to own some of the books, but they can make that determination after they've paid for a semester-long "subscription" to each of the books needed for that semester. I also am glad to see we have some Cliffs Notes in e-book format...COOL! This is the only way I'd really be able to read fiction e-books.
There are so many great databases on out Web site. I love Live Homework Help (Tutor.com). This is really helpful to the public as well as the librarians. It offers us an alternative to just saying, "No, we cannot help with homework." Some of my other favorites (for professional, personal, or both uses) are: Books in Print, the NewsBank archives, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, Corporate Affiliations, CQ Researcher, CultureGrams, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Kids Search, MEDLINE, NoveList, Public Records Electronic Database, Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries®, TeachingBooks.net, The TumbleBook Library for Kids, and World Book Online. PHEW!
I guess I am biased when I say we have a great Web site. I'm sure there are areas in which we could still grow, but none come to mind. I did explore some of the Web site's on Library Success' library web site hall of fame. I'm underwhelmed. With the recent addition of IM services, I think our Library is more than "Keeping up with the Joneses" technology-wise. And with this 1o Things initiative, I'm glad to see so many staff members are, too!!
Now, I just need to go back to Thing 5, upload a photo, and experience Flickr and I will be as on the ball as all the rest of those who've completed the journey!
THING 9 -- Google Tools - Online Productivity
I've played around with Google Docs before. It is nice for basic file transfering, especially when I don't have a flash drive handy. Mostly I've used it for basic documents, but today I also played around with the spreadsheet and presentation functions. I still prefer Microsoft Office products better, but since I don't have Excel or PowerPoint on my home computer, these are nice, simple options for me. Of course, part of the reason I do not own either of these software applications is because I rarely use them. This may change, now that I had fun with Google Docs online.
I also think the applications may be useful for our Library users. Many of them use our resources because they do not have certain capabilities at home. I've spoken with many kids who have Microsoft Office software, but not the Internet. Similarly, I've spoken to kids who have the Internet, but no word processing or other application software (for shame, yes, I know). This is a helpful tool for them to create and later retrieve documents.
Ah, yes, 1o Things Team, here you go once again...giving me still another exercise that helps me on two levels: personally AND professionally for myself and the patrons. If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to all four of you!
I also think the applications may be useful for our Library users. Many of them use our resources because they do not have certain capabilities at home. I've spoken with many kids who have Microsoft Office software, but not the Internet. Similarly, I've spoken to kids who have the Internet, but no word processing or other application software (for shame, yes, I know). This is a helpful tool for them to create and later retrieve documents.
Ah, yes, 1o Things Team, here you go once again...giving me still another exercise that helps me on two levels: personally AND professionally for myself and the patrons. If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to all four of you!
THING 8 -- Wikis
When someone says the word wiki, the first thing to come to mind, of course, is Wikipedia...or that Wiccan girl I knew in high school, but that's just me. I know there are many other wikis out there -- Ruth even found me my favorite, the Muppet Wiki, last year -- but Wikipedia is still the number one because it just about encompasses everything. I like the idea of specialized wikis and enjoyed reading and contributing to the 10Things wiki.
Still, I have kind of a love/hate relationship with Wikipedia and the ideas of wikis. I love them for random stuff, like learning about the origins of technology or the history of a soap opera character, but if I really want cut-and-dry facts, I'll consult a book (or Library database) first. The hate side really comes out when students come to the Library and tell me that their teachers recommend Wikipedia as a legitimate source for their research...URGH!! Don't get me wrong, Wikipedia has a lot of great factual information, but since it is more of a communal effort, I can't trust it as much. I think this distrust also has to do with the fact that I still work in the publishing world, something I will discuss further in a minute.
So, yeah, I can't trust Wikipedia as a source, does this mean I suffer from Radical Distrust? Maybe. I get the idea of Radical Trust and even sort of embrace it as a theory, but it is something I think we always have to be leery of. Yes there are safeguards, yes there are loopholes, but we always have to take everything bit by bit and piece by piece. Just because there are safeguards, we should never let our own guard down. We don't always know WHO is providing us with our information. Would you take a backdive trust fall into the arms of just anyone? I didn't think so.
Before I worked full-time in libraries, I worked full-time in the publishing world. I still work in the field quite actively as a freelance editor and writer for some educational publishers and healthcare organizations. Editors take facts and fact-checking VERY seriously. I know smart/talented people who have been let go from jobs for making just one factual error. Many journalists and writers also have valid fears that the concept of "Internet publishing" will diminish the hard work they do. I realize that each year, many books are published with factual errors. What you may not realize is how just about every nonfiction book is initially written with errors. It is the tedious collaborative effort between the author and the editorial staff that makes a book a worthy reference. There are multiple checks and balances. Sadly, sometimes so much time is spent on making sure a book is accurate that it becomes inaccurately out-of-date by the time it is printed (that is one draw of the Internet, being that its resources become "living" and "evolving" documents). Within the last few years, I have begun editing textbooks and I cannot begin to express the initial fear and paranoia I had. I still have nightmares that the multiple choice questions in the teacher's editions don't correlate with the text. Publishing is a precise and fastidious science. I sometimes feel that wikis diminish the value of a good hardbound reference.
Still, I have kind of a love/hate relationship with Wikipedia and the ideas of wikis. I love them for random stuff, like learning about the origins of technology or the history of a soap opera character, but if I really want cut-and-dry facts, I'll consult a book (or Library database) first. The hate side really comes out when students come to the Library and tell me that their teachers recommend Wikipedia as a legitimate source for their research...URGH!! Don't get me wrong, Wikipedia has a lot of great factual information, but since it is more of a communal effort, I can't trust it as much. I think this distrust also has to do with the fact that I still work in the publishing world, something I will discuss further in a minute.
So, yeah, I can't trust Wikipedia as a source, does this mean I suffer from Radical Distrust? Maybe. I get the idea of Radical Trust and even sort of embrace it as a theory, but it is something I think we always have to be leery of. Yes there are safeguards, yes there are loopholes, but we always have to take everything bit by bit and piece by piece. Just because there are safeguards, we should never let our own guard down. We don't always know WHO is providing us with our information. Would you take a backdive trust fall into the arms of just anyone? I didn't think so.
Before I worked full-time in libraries, I worked full-time in the publishing world. I still work in the field quite actively as a freelance editor and writer for some educational publishers and healthcare organizations. Editors take facts and fact-checking VERY seriously. I know smart/talented people who have been let go from jobs for making just one factual error. Many journalists and writers also have valid fears that the concept of "Internet publishing" will diminish the hard work they do. I realize that each year, many books are published with factual errors. What you may not realize is how just about every nonfiction book is initially written with errors. It is the tedious collaborative effort between the author and the editorial staff that makes a book a worthy reference. There are multiple checks and balances. Sadly, sometimes so much time is spent on making sure a book is accurate that it becomes inaccurately out-of-date by the time it is printed (that is one draw of the Internet, being that its resources become "living" and "evolving" documents). Within the last few years, I have begun editing textbooks and I cannot begin to express the initial fear and paranoia I had. I still have nightmares that the multiple choice questions in the teacher's editions don't correlate with the text. Publishing is a precise and fastidious science. I sometimes feel that wikis diminish the value of a good hardbound reference.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
THING 7 -- Podcasting
My first exposure to podcasting was a few years back when a local radio personality started podcasting his radio broadcasts. I'm not a huge fan of talk radio, but sometimes it is a nice diversion while you are doing something else (like putzing around doing crafts or housework). I listened occasionally and enjoyed the fact that I could listen on-demand, so to speak. I knew there were many other podcasts out there, but I guess I never really had the inclination to look further (I think I've said this of other "things" as well).
I decided to explore Learn Out Loud's podcast directory. The first podcasts I listened to were of Aesop's Fables. Yes, they were at the top of the alphabetical list and they are also relatively short, but that isn't why I chose them. I have always loved the witty morals of each fable and wanted to hear them performed. I must admit I was a little disappointed because they were read very quickly and with very little embellishment...boring! OK, well I got some more experience with podcasting, but I still needed more...and better.
I continued exploring Learn Out Loud and found some better podcasts. They have a lot of NPR podcasts, which I love. I also registered and will be exploring the site more in the future. I wanted and needed to search a few other directories before I got too involved with this site.
I then visited the Library Success Wiki and found many library-related podcasts. I know there have to be a lot more out there than they link to, but the ones on the wiki seem really professional and top notch. Booktalks Quick and Simple is an award-winning page that features almost 500 booktalks by children's librarian Nancy Keane. Her talks are less than 2 minutes per book, but very good (and helpful). I WILL DEFINITELY BE VISITING THIS SITE AGAIN!
Lastly, I visited Podcast Alley. This site was a little overwhelming, but I did download a few podcasts...this time more for personal interests. It has a "plethora" of podcasts and I know it's a great source if I'm looking for a very specific type of podcast, but I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon. I'd rather explore more libraries at the Library Success Wiki.
Podcasting could be a great tool for our Library (e.g. author talks, storytelling, interviews, etc.), I just don't know much about the technical aspects of creating one -- I know I could explore gabcast or other sites if I was so inclined. I would wholeheartedly support the Library in its podcasting efforts, I just wouldn't want my squeaky voice attached to any such projects!
I decided to explore Learn Out Loud's podcast directory. The first podcasts I listened to were of Aesop's Fables. Yes, they were at the top of the alphabetical list and they are also relatively short, but that isn't why I chose them. I have always loved the witty morals of each fable and wanted to hear them performed. I must admit I was a little disappointed because they were read very quickly and with very little embellishment...boring! OK, well I got some more experience with podcasting, but I still needed more...and better.
I continued exploring Learn Out Loud and found some better podcasts. They have a lot of NPR podcasts, which I love. I also registered and will be exploring the site more in the future. I wanted and needed to search a few other directories before I got too involved with this site.
I then visited the Library Success Wiki and found many library-related podcasts. I know there have to be a lot more out there than they link to, but the ones on the wiki seem really professional and top notch. Booktalks Quick and Simple is an award-winning page that features almost 500 booktalks by children's librarian Nancy Keane. Her talks are less than 2 minutes per book, but very good (and helpful). I WILL DEFINITELY BE VISITING THIS SITE AGAIN!
Lastly, I visited Podcast Alley. This site was a little overwhelming, but I did download a few podcasts...this time more for personal interests. It has a "plethora" of podcasts and I know it's a great source if I'm looking for a very specific type of podcast, but I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon. I'd rather explore more libraries at the Library Success Wiki.
Podcasting could be a great tool for our Library (e.g. author talks, storytelling, interviews, etc.), I just don't know much about the technical aspects of creating one -- I know I could explore gabcast or other sites if I was so inclined. I would wholeheartedly support the Library in its podcasting efforts, I just wouldn't want my squeaky voice attached to any such projects!
THING 6 -- Social Bookmarking
I have some familiarity with the concept of Social Bookmarking, as Ruth introduced me to furl a few years ago. I played around with the site for a little while, but I never got around to transitioning all of my bookmarks to it. Likewise, with del.icio.us, I find it very useful/helpful/time-saving, I just don't know if I will be organized enough to use it. Then again, I wasn't sure I would get into RSS feeds (rather than visiting the sites individually), and now I use them quite regularly.
Overall, the del.icio.us experience has been quite interesting. I spent a lot of time exploring other staff picks...FUN!
I also added my own staff pick, kidsinmind.com. This site is great for parents who would like to "monitor" the appropriateness of popular films before they watch them...because, no, not every parent has the time or inclination to pre-view every film their children want to see. Granted, whenever I recommend this site to parents, I always warn them that the play-by-play of each movie is so detailed that it may ruin parts of the movie for them, but it is great if they want a heads-up for questionable behavior (before they head out to the theater or check out the DVD). I also use it to help me when ordering DVDs. While I really do watch many of the films in our department, there are some I have no desire to see (e.g. "The Game Plan") and sometimes there is a fine line whether a movie would be better served in the Adult or Youth collections. This site breaks down any questionable content into three categories: sex & nudity; violence & gore; and profanity. It really dissects things at a basic level, even an innocent peck on a cheek or use of the word "dummy" would be listed.
Here is an example of some of the more innocent occurences for each category (from the listing for "The Game Plan"):
Sex & Nudity -- A girl pushes a "romance" button on a remote control and the lights dim and romantic music plays.
Violence & Gore -- A man is blasted with super soakers and water balloons (he is not harmed).
Profanity -- 1 mild anatomical term (butt), Name-calling (stupid, mean, idiot).
The site also lists discussion topics and sums up what they believe each movie's "message" is. Whether or not you have children in your life, I urge you all to take a look at this helpful Web site.
Going back to the premise of Social Bookmarking, I think some useful tags for the Library would include Library departments that sites may be relevant to, collection areas, user interest areas, etc. I also like many of the tags that other staff members came up with. I am constanly surprised at how on each Thing I have accomplished, I have learned so much from the other perspectives of the staff participating. I am learning just by doing, but then I am also learning by reading what others have done...ADDED BONUS!
Overall, the del.icio.us experience has been quite interesting. I spent a lot of time exploring other staff picks...FUN!
I also added my own staff pick, kidsinmind.com. This site is great for parents who would like to "monitor" the appropriateness of popular films before they watch them...because, no, not every parent has the time or inclination to pre-view every film their children want to see. Granted, whenever I recommend this site to parents, I always warn them that the play-by-play of each movie is so detailed that it may ruin parts of the movie for them, but it is great if they want a heads-up for questionable behavior (before they head out to the theater or check out the DVD). I also use it to help me when ordering DVDs. While I really do watch many of the films in our department, there are some I have no desire to see (e.g. "The Game Plan") and sometimes there is a fine line whether a movie would be better served in the Adult or Youth collections. This site breaks down any questionable content into three categories: sex & nudity; violence & gore; and profanity. It really dissects things at a basic level, even an innocent peck on a cheek or use of the word "dummy" would be listed.
Here is an example of some of the more innocent occurences for each category (from the listing for "The Game Plan"):
Sex & Nudity -- A girl pushes a "romance" button on a remote control and the lights dim and romantic music plays.
Violence & Gore -- A man is blasted with super soakers and water balloons (he is not harmed).
Profanity -- 1 mild anatomical term (butt), Name-calling (stupid, mean, idiot).
The site also lists discussion topics and sums up what they believe each movie's "message" is. Whether or not you have children in your life, I urge you all to take a look at this helpful Web site.
Going back to the premise of Social Bookmarking, I think some useful tags for the Library would include Library departments that sites may be relevant to, collection areas, user interest areas, etc. I also like many of the tags that other staff members came up with. I am constanly surprised at how on each Thing I have accomplished, I have learned so much from the other perspectives of the staff participating. I am learning just by doing, but then I am also learning by reading what others have done...ADDED BONUS!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
THINGS
I've done a few more "things" and will try to blog about them later this week. Everything is going well...this is still a lot of fun. I just have to gather my thoughts so that I can write something mildly coherent. See you soon!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
THING 4 -- Social Networking
Kind of like Instant Messaging, the idea of Social Networking rubs me the wrong way. First off, I am not a very "social" person (in the real world, let alone the cyber one). My friends outside of the Library know this all too well. Yet, many of my friends and colleagues here are always taken aback to hear that I am truly a naturally unfriendly person. Yes, I can turn on a more outgoing version of myself when I am serving the public (MANDY 2.0), but when I'm on my own time, I can be very standoffish (but hopefully not rude). Actually, some of the people who work at the Library have probably seen this side. If I don't know you well, I can get inappropriately shy or quiet (as opposed to the blabbering fool I usually am). I have MANY good people in my life. These relationships are based on genuine feelings. I do not want fair-weathered friends and do not aspire to use or be used by people. But once again, I digress...here are my thoughts on the four Social Networking tools we are supposed to explore.
MySpace: I believe MySpace started out as a networking tool for the entertainment industry, then really took off with the "young adult" set. I know it has even broadened its appeal over the years, as both my 35-year-old brother and 27-year-old sister both use it a lot to keep in touch with friends and keep up-to-date on bands and other performers. I did consider signing up about a year ago, but I guess I must continue the tradition of being the difficult middle child who refuses to follow trends. Knowing my siblings, their pages are fun and appropriate, not wild and scandalous. I must admit that is another reason I shy away from MySpace...it's got a somewhat bad reputation. I've viewed some really nice pages, and I've also come across some downright raunchy ones. Lastly, MySpace gives users the option to upload so many audio, video, and graphics displays, that my little computer just can't take it!
Facebook: I have been on Facebook for some time now, yet I hardly ever use it. It's funny that it seems less flashy than MySpace, but I think it was originally geared to a high school and college age group, whereas MySpace wasn't. I also know more people who use Facebook. It's neat that it helps me keep up with one of my best friends who has lived out of the country for 10 years now, then again, e-mail does the same thing with much less "showiness." I only really check in when someone else has made contact with me, thus my unfriendliness has served me well in cyberspace, too!
LinkedIn: I've been a part of LinkedIn for about a year. I think "they" contacted me...I can't really remember what happened. I've been meaning to update and lengthen my profile, but real life has taken precedence. Let's see, I did re-establish a friendship through LinkedIn. I also think it could help in regards to marketing my freelance endeavors. I need to re-explore LinkedIn soon. I will post an update when I do...I promise!
Eons: I'm not in the right age bracket for this site. I think it is a nice idea though.
Other sites: I know people who just love LibraryThing. I've explored it, but again, it is just not a top priority for me...maybe in the future.
Another weird phenomenon is that online dating sites are now trying to become online networking sites. I know this through a friend (yes, a friend) who has used these sites. I guess now many of them are allowing you to "friend" potential mates as well as other platonic friends. I am not a fan of online dating, but this really appears to be its downfall. I don't see it beneficial that you can develop relationships with other potential suitors of your match. It really seems like high school...well, not my experience, as I went to an all-girls school, but you know what I mean. I know a couple people who have found love through a web site, yet for everyone who does, there are thousands more just hanging on hope for a relationship whose real foundation is a keyboard and mouse. This is my problem with Social Networking in general...as humans we need to continue to explore real ways to communicate and make a difference in the lives of our loved ones, not establish pseudo-friendships where we've never even seen the person!! How much longer before we morph into computers ourselves?! Hey, where'd that soapbox come from?? I guess I should step off it now. BYE!
MySpace: I believe MySpace started out as a networking tool for the entertainment industry, then really took off with the "young adult" set. I know it has even broadened its appeal over the years, as both my 35-year-old brother and 27-year-old sister both use it a lot to keep in touch with friends and keep up-to-date on bands and other performers. I did consider signing up about a year ago, but I guess I must continue the tradition of being the difficult middle child who refuses to follow trends. Knowing my siblings, their pages are fun and appropriate, not wild and scandalous. I must admit that is another reason I shy away from MySpace...it's got a somewhat bad reputation. I've viewed some really nice pages, and I've also come across some downright raunchy ones. Lastly, MySpace gives users the option to upload so many audio, video, and graphics displays, that my little computer just can't take it!
Facebook: I have been on Facebook for some time now, yet I hardly ever use it. It's funny that it seems less flashy than MySpace, but I think it was originally geared to a high school and college age group, whereas MySpace wasn't. I also know more people who use Facebook. It's neat that it helps me keep up with one of my best friends who has lived out of the country for 10 years now, then again, e-mail does the same thing with much less "showiness." I only really check in when someone else has made contact with me, thus my unfriendliness has served me well in cyberspace, too!
LinkedIn: I've been a part of LinkedIn for about a year. I think "they" contacted me...I can't really remember what happened. I've been meaning to update and lengthen my profile, but real life has taken precedence. Let's see, I did re-establish a friendship through LinkedIn. I also think it could help in regards to marketing my freelance endeavors. I need to re-explore LinkedIn soon. I will post an update when I do...I promise!
Eons: I'm not in the right age bracket for this site. I think it is a nice idea though.
Other sites: I know people who just love LibraryThing. I've explored it, but again, it is just not a top priority for me...maybe in the future.
Another weird phenomenon is that online dating sites are now trying to become online networking sites. I know this through a friend (yes, a friend) who has used these sites. I guess now many of them are allowing you to "friend" potential mates as well as other platonic friends. I am not a fan of online dating, but this really appears to be its downfall. I don't see it beneficial that you can develop relationships with other potential suitors of your match. It really seems like high school...well, not my experience, as I went to an all-girls school, but you know what I mean. I know a couple people who have found love through a web site, yet for everyone who does, there are thousands more just hanging on hope for a relationship whose real foundation is a keyboard and mouse. This is my problem with Social Networking in general...as humans we need to continue to explore real ways to communicate and make a difference in the lives of our loved ones, not establish pseudo-friendships where we've never even seen the person!! How much longer before we morph into computers ourselves?! Hey, where'd that soapbox come from?? I guess I should step off it now. BYE!
Friday, October 5, 2007
THING 3 -- Instant Messaging
OK, I have IM'd a lot over the years, mostly with AOL Instant Messager (AIM). My brother and sister have a lot of friends all over the country, so I know it is a valuable tool for someone like them. Most of my friends live in Illinois or are at least a phone call away. I do have a very dear friend who lives in Sweden, but her schedule (and growing family) doesn't really make IMing as convenient as one would think (not to mention the fact that we are in very different time zones).
I am one of those people who could have a three-hour phone conversation and not really realize it. I prefer it that way. If I want to write something to a friend, I'll get them a greeting card. If I'm in the mood to communicate via the Web, I'll e-mail them and wait for a response. The one exception was when my sister was in vet school in the Caribbean. It cost too much to talk to her and we could have quick (and sometimes mindless) conversations just to keep in touch. Even though my sister lives less than an hour from me now, we still check in via IM, but it is mostly to send each other wacky YouTube video links that only we would enjoy.
All this being said, I am intrigued by the idea of virtual reference and using IMs to engage with patrons online. I think it may take off, yet I still think most patrons like the face-to-face contact with the librarian...I know I do.
I am one of those people who could have a three-hour phone conversation and not really realize it. I prefer it that way. If I want to write something to a friend, I'll get them a greeting card. If I'm in the mood to communicate via the Web, I'll e-mail them and wait for a response. The one exception was when my sister was in vet school in the Caribbean. It cost too much to talk to her and we could have quick (and sometimes mindless) conversations just to keep in touch. Even though my sister lives less than an hour from me now, we still check in via IM, but it is mostly to send each other wacky YouTube video links that only we would enjoy.
All this being said, I am intrigued by the idea of virtual reference and using IMs to engage with patrons online. I think it may take off, yet I still think most patrons like the face-to-face contact with the librarian...I know I do.
While My Blog Gently Weeps...
So I asked my good friend "Mrs. Fisher" to vote on my "Who was the most talented Beatle?" poll. Her response to the question was something like "I don't know...who cares?" Touche, Mrs. Fisher. Still, I guilted her into voting. But, Mrs. Fisher was right; I should have added her initial response as one of the choices. Unfortunately, since the poll is already in-session, I cannot change or add choices. Touche, Blogger. I guess this just goes to show that if the shoe doesn't fit or if we simply feel guilted into it, we sometimes just pick an answer to appease the poller. Touche, Census Bureau.
Mandy
P.S. I fully realize I am misusing the word "touche," but I'm in a weird mood right now, so just leave it be. Touche, Postscript.
Mandy
P.S. I fully realize I am misusing the word "touche," but I'm in a weird mood right now, so just leave it be. Touche, Postscript.
THING 2.1
I have added five RSS feeds to the side of this page:
AP Top Strange News -- The headlines alone are entertainment with these strange-but-true stories. My father has always been fond of bizarre news stories, so I guess it's in the genes. Check out the other AP news feeds as well; I subscribe to general news and entertainment. I volunteered with the Associated Press in college, so I guess I am a little biased.
Library Stuff -- I felt the need to have one library-related feed on the page. Library Stuff is good, but I may change it if someone suggests a better site. (ANYONE? ANYONE?) Many of the blogs I read also have a connection to libraries, so I should see what they suggest as well.
The Muppet Newsflash -- The Muppets are truly a huge part of my life (and also part of the reason I am still single). I definitely need to be up-to-date! I also visit Muppet Central and the Muppet Wiki, as well as some Muppet blogs. Just call me "Mandy Henson."
TMZ.com -- TMZ is by far my favorite celebrity information site. I don't know if gossip is the right word, as there are many videos and interviews. It's just a great link to the pop culture world. I also visit two less politically correct sites -- Perez Hilton (for true gossip) and Best Week Ever (for pop culture humor). The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) also has a nice page devoted to the latest in entertainment news. Lastly, People magazine...I can't go a day without checking the site, just as I can't go a week without reading the actual magazine!
TV Shows on DVD -- This site keeps me informed as to the latest television DVD releases. I grew up on 70's and 80's sitcoms and watching old episodes is still my No. 1 stress reliever. This site gave me a heads-up when classics like "Taxi," "Welcome Back, Kotter," "One Day at a Time," "Mork & Mindy," and "Bosom Buddies" were coming out. It also has helped me pinpoint release dates for various anthologies, mini-series, variety shows, and the like. Lesser-known favorites -- "Alias Smith and Jones," "Mission Magic," "Tanner '88," "The Littles," and "Red Dwarf" -- are also listed. According to the site, the first season of "The Love Boat" might be sailing our way in 2008...let's keep our fingers crossed that it includes the two original made-for-TV movies...I loved watching those because they made you appreciate the show's actual cast.
OK, I ended up subscribing to a total of 20 feeds so far...this can be addicting. However, because I surf these sites regularly, it may be a helpful addiction (hmmm...are there any helpful addictions...this would make good fodder for my comments section). I am not going to post feeds for the rest of these sites, but I plan to add links to the Web sites at some point. I promise there will be some more serious sites...just based on this post, I seem like a very trivial person...I hope you all know it's a front...ha!
AP Top Strange News -- The headlines alone are entertainment with these strange-but-true stories. My father has always been fond of bizarre news stories, so I guess it's in the genes. Check out the other AP news feeds as well; I subscribe to general news and entertainment. I volunteered with the Associated Press in college, so I guess I am a little biased.
Library Stuff -- I felt the need to have one library-related feed on the page. Library Stuff is good, but I may change it if someone suggests a better site. (ANYONE? ANYONE?) Many of the blogs I read also have a connection to libraries, so I should see what they suggest as well.
The Muppet Newsflash -- The Muppets are truly a huge part of my life (and also part of the reason I am still single). I definitely need to be up-to-date! I also visit Muppet Central and the Muppet Wiki, as well as some Muppet blogs. Just call me "Mandy Henson."
TMZ.com -- TMZ is by far my favorite celebrity information site. I don't know if gossip is the right word, as there are many videos and interviews. It's just a great link to the pop culture world. I also visit two less politically correct sites -- Perez Hilton (for true gossip) and Best Week Ever (for pop culture humor). The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) also has a nice page devoted to the latest in entertainment news. Lastly, People magazine...I can't go a day without checking the site, just as I can't go a week without reading the actual magazine!
TV Shows on DVD -- This site keeps me informed as to the latest television DVD releases. I grew up on 70's and 80's sitcoms and watching old episodes is still my No. 1 stress reliever. This site gave me a heads-up when classics like "Taxi," "Welcome Back, Kotter," "One Day at a Time," "Mork & Mindy," and "Bosom Buddies" were coming out. It also has helped me pinpoint release dates for various anthologies, mini-series, variety shows, and the like. Lesser-known favorites -- "Alias Smith and Jones," "Mission Magic," "Tanner '88," "The Littles," and "Red Dwarf" -- are also listed. According to the site, the first season of "The Love Boat" might be sailing our way in 2008...let's keep our fingers crossed that it includes the two original made-for-TV movies...I loved watching those because they made you appreciate the show's actual cast.
OK, I ended up subscribing to a total of 20 feeds so far...this can be addicting. However, because I surf these sites regularly, it may be a helpful addiction (hmmm...are there any helpful addictions...this would make good fodder for my comments section). I am not going to post feeds for the rest of these sites, but I plan to add links to the Web sites at some point. I promise there will be some more serious sites...just based on this post, I seem like a very trivial person...I hope you all know it's a front...ha!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
THING 2 -- RSS and Feed Readers
WOW...subscribing to feeds may save me a lot of time!
You see, the first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I do before I go to bed is to visit about a dozen of my favorite Web sites. This is all so I can continue to be the impeccable source of information that I am (OK, you can stop laughing now). Anyways, even with such grea Web sites, it can still take a long time to sift through the stories to get to what I need to know...you know, the essentials: what's tops at the box office, who's in rehab, and what's the latest toy with lead paint in it. This is all made easier by subscribing to RSS feeds. I am officially "IN THE KNOW."
As of right now, I've subscribed to 17 feeds in just a few minutes!! That might seem like a lot, but what can I say, I majored in journalism. I will be adding my top five to this blog in the next few days...BE WARNED!
You see, the first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I do before I go to bed is to visit about a dozen of my favorite Web sites. This is all so I can continue to be the impeccable source of information that I am (OK, you can stop laughing now). Anyways, even with such grea Web sites, it can still take a long time to sift through the stories to get to what I need to know...you know, the essentials: what's tops at the box office, who's in rehab, and what's the latest toy with lead paint in it. This is all made easier by subscribing to RSS feeds. I am officially "IN THE KNOW."
As of right now, I've subscribed to 17 feeds in just a few minutes!! That might seem like a lot, but what can I say, I majored in journalism. I will be adding my top five to this blog in the next few days...BE WARNED!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
THING 1 -- Welcome to My Blah Blah Blog!
I've accomplished Thing 1!! I've set up a blog!! This is all part of Skokie Public Library's "10 Things" initiative for staff. I really do believe EVERYONE who calls a library their workplace should be aware of all the advances in information technology, so I must applaud all the hard work that went into planning and coordinating this initiative. I actually set up a blog on another hosting site a few years back and I only posted once...so you can expect that my blogging tenure will be vast and impressive!! Heh...this time I will post at least 10 times, making me a bloggin' fool in my book.
I do read many blogs. Some are work-related, others are entertainment-related, and some are just personal blogs of friends and friends of friends.
Speaking of personal blogs:
While my friends say I wear my heart on my sleeve, I will not wear my heart on my computer screen, so I am not going to share too much personal stuff. BUT, I will be sharing my progress with the "10 Things." Who knows, I MAY pepper this blog with other trivialities (e.g., favorite Web sites, dorky quizzes, or even poor attempts on social commentary). "MAY" is the key word. I look forward to seeing where all this goes.
Until Thing 2 (or Thing 1.1.)
Mandy
I do read many blogs. Some are work-related, others are entertainment-related, and some are just personal blogs of friends and friends of friends.
Speaking of personal blogs:
While my friends say I wear my heart on my sleeve, I will not wear my heart on my computer screen, so I am not going to share too much personal stuff. BUT, I will be sharing my progress with the "10 Things." Who knows, I MAY pepper this blog with other trivialities (e.g., favorite Web sites, dorky quizzes, or even poor attempts on social commentary). "MAY" is the key word. I look forward to seeing where all this goes.
Until Thing 2 (or Thing 1.1.)
Mandy
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