Thing 23: The End

23 Things has been so much fun! I have enjoyed having a learning program that I can pick up during slow times, learn new things and review some old ones.

 

Highlights:

• How many things I have done or played with in the past...that now connect to work
• How creativity and do-it-yourself is so crucial. Things that were hard to do 5 years ago (create your own online survey and combile the results) are now straighforward. (I was very impressed by Google's survey maker! 
• Mobile devices/multiple portals are crucial, and going to to get even more important. Get ready.
• Social web/reposting/electronic gossip is everywhere! Twitter and Facebook are full of reposted content....discovery comes to me on my desktop, not over the water cooler.
• The cloud is taking over from proprietary/desktop software. Will that change the focus on the web too? (IBM to Microsoft to Google to...Facebook???)
• How much is the library already doing...and what coming next?

I will be looking for my next set of 23 Things to learn!

Thing 22: Podcasts

Admittedly, I am not a huge listener. I listen in the car or when exercising, and that is it. I use Pandora or (GASP) terrestrial radio for most of my listening needs. BUT...

I do get my workout music through podcasts. I subscribe to Podrunner and Podrunner Intervals, which are free AND have a Couch to 5k running/training plan. Podrunner updates with new music weekly, so I do not have to listen to the same tunes while training (so boring!) I also have used Deekron the Fitness DJ, but he is starting to charge for his mixes (good for him!) so I have not been subscribing. Some podcasts include video; imagine working out with your yoga instructor wherever you are!

I love the way I can subscribe with iTunes and get music automatically, like RSS feeds. If I were a news junkie I would subscribe to my favorite programs and play then whenever, wherever.

I have created podcasts for the library (we did booktalks for our literature circles) but found them not to be popular. Either that was an issue with promotion or student interest. I used Audacity and it was straightforward.

As the world becomes more mobile (and our mobile devices become our default computers) podcasts and other multi-device information will become essential. People want their information when and how they want it; podcasts can accommodate that. Libraries need to accomodate that too.

Thing 21: Mashups

Librarian trading cards! So.much.fun. But the site is blocked here at work, so its a no-fly zone.

I did make another card instead:

http://tradingcardmaker.net/gallery/4689/tardis

So much of the web's media is interconnected; Goodreads pulls from Amazon and pushes to Facebook. Our library catalog connects to both OCLC and Google. Where does pull/push end and mashup begin?

Isn't everything a bit of a mashup? Think of Tumblr. Tumblr collects all of your reposts and original media in one place...and posts to and from Twitter and Facebook. Couldn't that be called a bit of a mashup?

I expect to see more and more sharing and less original content...or originial content coming from traditional sources and being shared via Twitter and Facebook. Like NPR...reposted. Gossip goes electronic!

Thing 20: Tagging and Social Bookmarking.

Delicious!

JTCC's new library site is going to use delicious.com for its links and bookmarking. Rather than having a HUGE list of (partially outdated) links that need to be checked often, we moved all of our recommended sites to Delicious. This keeps them dynamic and simple to update; it can all be done remotely and is viewable on a mobile device.

Delicious could be used to create bookmarks for a class, or a section. A librarian could tag those with the class number, making them easy to find for students. I am wondering if students can run with this, tagging and commenting on ones they like best...or recommending them through other social media.

Possibilities!

Thing 19: Multimedia

What to get the literary girl on your xmas list...Bronte Sisters Action Figures!

JTCC has been promoting the college with video...and encouraging staff and students to contribute their own contnet. I use video on the library blog, and these are the posts which get the most readers and comments. Great way to reach students!

The plan for the future is to create some how-to videos, like those at other academic libraries. (The Study Like a Scholar, Scholar is a real favorite. Inspiration!)

YouTube's related videos section is very helpful; I have discovered multiple helpful videos through it. I also use the Related Items method to add book suggestions to the videos used on the library blog...as in, :Liked the video? Check out these related book and online sources."

Video is here to stay.

Thing 18: Audiobooks

Overview
The Farrell article is pretty upbeat, though thankfully she touches on some of the frustrations we have all had with OverDrive. I have coached students, staff, and MYSELF downloading books from OverDrive, and have found it awkward to use and difficult to make "play well" with my SANSA and my iTouch.

Feedback and experience
Installing software (including the OverDrive Media Console) is not allowed on the college's network, so students and faculty must download onto their home computer. This also means we do not help or hear about any problems they have.

The files themselves to not separate into chapters the way a CD book will, so the playback is in HUGE chunks. This was not popular; users wanted small, organized chapters to help them track their reading.

I consider myself a pretty proficient computer user, but it took me about 2 hours to download a book and transfer it to my device, much of it spent in confusion and cursing. If it is not intuitive to me, how is a less confident user going to feel? Are they going to make it work--or just give up?


Remote services are helpful; offering things online is great for independent learners and listeners. Maybe OverDrive gets rave reviews....that we never hear!

Thing 17: Social Cataloging

Goodreads=Major Fun!

My Goodreads Profile

I joined Goodreads in 2008 and I love the cataloging aspects much more than the SOCIAL aspects. SURE its great to see what your friends are reading, and find some new material or a new author. Or to discover that the new bestseller is BORING and your friends thought so as well (Eat, Pray, Love I'm talking about you.)

Goodreads is also the most public of my social profiles; I would friend people on Goodreads that I met at a library conference, or students in my book club. I guard my Facebook profile more carefully.

Organization: Categorizing your books into useable categories is the most fun part of Goodreads. I often find myself reading Library Journal or prepub catalogs...and finding titles I want to read RIGHT NOW. I can plug these into my Goodreads account, tag them, and remember them later when they appear on the shelves.

Reviews: What should I read next? What did I think of that book? My reading past, present and future are all stored in Goodreads memory.

Shelves: Many books I begin...and do not finish. I have stopped feeling guilty...I tag 'em! Then I do not check them out a second time and try again. I am not the best reader of every book...and life is too short.

Thing 16: E-books

What do you think of PsycBooks?

Tried a quick search on PsychBooks, and it found what I needed as a PDF. The screen is ok for short reading, but reading an entire book online seems tedious. Students could print it if needed.

The book is always available online which may increases access...but only if you have a working internet connection! At a four-year school where the entire residential campus is wired, and where laptops are required, that might be a guarantee of access. But at JTCC, where some students MUST come to campus for computer/internet access, it can be more problematic.


Future of E-books/Popularity

E-books depend on the device!Some students have a reading device they love or are very comfortable using (think iPad and iTouch). They like playing with the books, bookmarking and highlighting with their device. They appreciate the reduced cost of E-books (though some have said their financial aid will only cover print, not electronic!)

Other students do not have a device they like, or do not like to read with their device. They need to spread out and get creative. Some just like the tactile experience of print. Some do not have reliable internet access at home. Older students are sometimes intimidated by electronics.


Once there is a device/reader that everyone likes, E-book popularity will really launch. But until then...


Kindle
I have played with friend's Kindles and Nooks. Thought Kindle was clunky and slow, much harder to use than the iTouch, and not intuitive at all. I could not figure out how to load different books and had to be shown.  The Nook was the same, felt very heavy and odd.

Fans say they love being able to get books instantly, the reduced price, the back lighting and having many books at one time. I never buy books (why buy when I can just check them out?) so why go all spendy when you can kick it old school at the library for free?

Thing 15: Creative Commons

When making displays for the library, Flickr's Creative Commons banks were my go-to place for photos! My role at work has changed, but I still like using pre-permission-ed images for my work. I love the idea of supporting talented amateurs and recognizing both skill AND the willingness to share work freely. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of scholarship and creativity.


I may be mistaken, but didn't Google once allow Creative Commons searches too? I have found no mention of that in the current Advanced Search screen. I say BRING IT BACK!

Thing 14: Online Surveys

Library Instruction is always evolving. Recently we have wanted to add a feedback form for students to tell us what the liked and did not like about our classes, what they need to know and what they do not not need.

The survey I created in Google Docs would be a great way to collect and analyze the data. Students are familiar with online surveys and it would transition well to move from a hands-on class to a hands-on electronic survey. In addition, the results could be collected and shared with all of the library staff.

Still, I am struggling with how I VIEW the survey. If I give students the link I want them to see the survey, not the spreadsheet. And I want staff members to be able to see both versions, the question view and the results view. I will play with it a bit and see what I can make happen.

Thing 13: Document Sharing

Beethoven rocks!

Document sharing would be great for collaboration among library staff or between students. I could see using Google Docs as a wiki; the sharing options make it possible to keep the guest list short or open it to the world. A Library Training Manual would be semi-public for library staff. The library could create a public document on circulation policies (so exciting.) Or create custom guides for students and subjects!



For students, Google Docs would work for group projects; often our nursing students collaborate on PowerPoint presentations. This would prevent the inevitable "I have a different version" and "send me the file!" problems that arise. Students could work on one platform and with one tool.

Thing 12: Cloud Computing

Google docs! I have been working with students, encouraging them to use the Google Docs that are available with the VCCS email.

• Need a free word processor? Google DOCS!
• Need a place to write your paper BEFORE you print it out at school? GOOGLE DOCS.
• No flash drive? GOOGLE DOCS!

Google Docs will not do everything, but for the basics on a budget--and a place that is always accessible, with an internet connection, it works great.

I use Google Docs for my Cub Scout recordkeeping, knowing that one day I can share the information...and pass it to the next Advancement Chair. We could collaborate--or I can transfer ownership of the records, all over the web. PERFECT.

Thing 11: URL Shorteners

Short URLs make links accessible on Twitter and through mobile devices. As the web becomes more mobile, simple short links are going to be more crucial--small screens, character limits, and tiny keyboards demand it.

I have used Bit.ly and TinyURL.com with success.

Thing 10: Tweeting.

I've been on Twitter for awhile, but only active for the last few months. Like Facebook, Twitter was not where my friends were...why bother? Twitter has a huge corporate buzz, but I am still deciding for myself if I want to use it regularly. I do not have a smartphone, and much of the fun of Twitter is the info on the go.

NOW I have a few library buddies (hi Amanda!) who use Twitter, and I started following them for fun and happiness. Plus, learning the ropes.

I like Mark Bittman and he has a new book coming out, so I've been following him. His tweets are a mix of interesting articles and real life activities. King Arthur Flour is fun; their blog is one of my all-time favorites. Others are not so interesting. I tried following Robin Quivers, but I found her tweets cold and irritating. It is still more interesting for me to hear about peers rather than read a PR feed.

"Interruptive" media is not a favorite (this is a theme with me. See also: IM/chat and phone calls.) I'll check what is going on when I want to...do not send me a noisy update! Do not break my concentration! I open Twitter when I want to read it and close it when I am done.

I've tried some searches with mixed success. Twitter is like a newspaper front page--you see what grabs you and then research from there. Discovery vs. depth. Headline vs. article. Crowdsourcing vs. experts. Twitter use is still evolving.

Thing 9.5: Image Generators

 Nothing says happiness like hotdogs and cheezburgers!

http://cheezburger.com/builder?v=1

Like the dancing baby, Rickrolling and the Pet Rock, LOLcats may be just a fad. But a funny, funny fad!

Thing 9: Photos and Images

Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluemarla/229631339/#

[This image has all rights reserved so I could not share it directly! ]

I love this image of the rainbow of books (I searched on rainbow books, go figure.) The most fun is in the COMMENTS. Some love the visuals and want to add the group to a discovery pool or use it for inspiration for the shelves. Others (like the photographer) are frustrated because now they cannot FIND anything. Others tagged the image itself with comments...FUN.

I understand that images of events and people from library events would be interesting. Rights to take their pictures are more problematic. At JTCC we need signed releases for any photos or video. Even our professional videographer struggles with this...but it is our interpretation of the law.

Thing 8: Screencasting.

This screencast was built with Captivate to help distance students understand how to use the EBSCO databases.

How to use the EBSCO Databases

Comments:

• I find voice-over video frustrating. I do not need sound and would rather read than listen. If there has to be sound, it should be closed-captioned. AM I ALONE IN THIS? For our screencast we did not use voice.
• Can everyone see it? Often the people who need the help the most have the least amount of plug-ins/access/bandwidth on their computer. If a student needs to come to Tyler to see it, I can demonstrate in person.
• Short. Most video is too long! Give me 3 minutes. Break it into sections if it is longer. I can decide if I need the second chapter. Don't be a Diva Director.

Students ask for video, and with our blog and Facebook we can get the information to them. We have planned to use more screencasts/video in the future for our students.

Thing 7: Sharing Slide Presentations.

Slideshare works as both a public sharing space and as a research tool for presentations. Need an expert? Try Slideshare. Proud of your work? Post it for others to learn.

The Good:

• Keep your work in one place. No lost files.
• Use other presentations for information--or inspiration.  
• See statistics/comments on how popular/helpful your work is.
• Cannot go to the conference? See what the experts are saying on the topic. Share with colleagues when you return to the library. 

The Bad:

• Cannot imagine students using it; good tool for faculty and staff.
• Duplicates Blackboard for presentation storage.
• SLOW. Unbelievably slow on my machine. Nearly crashed Firefox (this may be a network/filter issue and not a Firefox one.)

Five Minutes on Goodreads

Goodreads presentation

View more presentations from suzanne sherry.

Thing 6: Chat

JTCC has been using LRC Live, and we are accusomed to talking to students in chat. I earned my MLIS through distance education, and weekly 2 hour chats were built into every class. Like all communication, chat has good and bad elements:

• Confusion. Like many online interactions, the visual social cues are missing.Without seeing someone, what are they really saying? Easy to misconstrue meanings.
• Typing. With chat you need to type fast (or know good abbreviations.)
• Interruptions. Sometimes I am working and do not want to chat--it breaks my concentration. Or I need to get something done and do not want to socialize.
• Frustration. Computer not fast enough for chat sometimes

What's next...with the mobile web? Are we going to make a switch to texting? I find texting very handy, often more convenient than a phone call. It is less of an interruption, and can be faster (heres the address) or slower (too many details.) Right tool for the right job!

Thing 5: Wikis

Wikis work well as a manual; the cataloger's manual from University of Limerick is a great idea. With a wiki updates can be made quickly and by all...its official crowd sourcing! With everthing online its available to catalogers as a reference, and to update.

Of course, the responsibility of the contributors to post correctly, to curate themselves on their entries.

Our JTCC's Library Procedures Manual could be converted to a wiki. It is available in print form and online. Everyone has access to the information in both formats. With a wiki, everyone could make updates rather than having one person with the entire burden. Having said that, having one curator makes sure that the voice and message are both correct and consistent. Current vs. consistent vs. curated...can it be all three?

Thing 4: Social Networking

All good things come from knitting....first blogs, then RSS, then RAVELRY.

I have been using social networking since 2007, when Ravelry.com began. I had messed with Facebook, but none of my friends were using Facebook so using it was a lonely proposition. Ravelry was different. It has a place to store all my projects, could link up patterns and yarn, and I could talk to my knitbuds about patterns and problems and yarn purchases...without leaving the house.

Ravelry is still active. I also have a presence on Goodreads (another favorite site--friend me there!) LinkedIn and Facebook.

Today the JTCC library has a blog and a "turn" on the college's main Facebook page (we called Tuesday!) I manage both of these, plus the content for the library's website, and the library's site on the college intranet. I have encouraged students and colleagues to friend me on Goodreads; it is the most public of all my sites. I'm thinking about establishing a formal group for the student book club I sponsor. Many of those students are already my friend on Goodreads.

Still....the line between personal and professional continues to blur. Are we sharing too much? When will the pendulum swing the other way?

Thing 3: RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds are essential to life! How else would I get all the news I need, from every obscure corner of the world?

I use two readers; one for personal (Bloglines) and  one for work-related news (Google Reader.) Only now, the work and personal are going to merge....my beloved Bloglines is closing up shop, and will no longer be available in about a week (SOB!) I have transferred my feeds to Google Reader, but I do not like their tools or interface as much as Bloglines. At least gReader has an app, since I do most of my media consuming/reading through my iPod touch.

Does this mean RSS is less crucial? Are readers getting their information in other places...or through other subscriptions? Blogs do integrate with Twitter and Facebook. Are writers reaching their readers through those proprietary systems, rather than through the less-ads simplicity of Bloglines? Is RSS being replaced...or just more seamlessly integrated?

Thing 2: Getting Started / Web 2.0 Concepts

Web 2.0 is here and going to stay. Bloggers are interviewed with print journalists; television is watched less and less (and the average watcher's age is going UP.) College students have to answer the question "Do I friend my mom on Facebook?" Movie stars use Twitter to keep in touch with their fans. People use their smartphones not just for texting but for research, for GPS, for....everything.

When does Web 2.0 become Web 3.0?