Thing 33 Artist Within

I found my artist within playing with Mr. Picassohead. Here's my Self-Portrait - sure to be the next big sensation in the art world. This is a definitely a fun site to waste time, especially for those of us who are creatively-challenged.

Thing 32 Omnidrive

Yes I'm impressed too and love Omnidrive. It is a great tool and a way to avoid transporting the flashdrive or other device to and from work or home. I uploaded a file and edited with Zohowriter. Also I uploaded a picture to edit, but unfortunately SnipShot was not working at the time. Will come back later and try again. Lots of potential for this tool!

Thing 31 Plaxo

No time last week....will have come back and play with Plaxo at a later date.

Thing 30

Thank goodness for Wikipedia which gave me a good explanation of LOLCats -- sorry, I had no clue as to the meaning of this term/concept. So I did learn something....and yes some of the pictures are funny and cute, but what about us dog lovers?

Thing 29 Scrapblog

Scrapblog looks interesting but I will have to try it another time or at another place. This staff PC at my branch location doesn't have the Adobe Flash Player 9 update, nor can I install it since I don't have administrator privileges. So more to come later……

Thing 28 Magazine Image Generators

Tried OnCoverPage.com and created my own National Geographic magazine cover. Lots of fun play. This would be a good tool to use in technology classes.

Thing 27 Photobucket

Tried Photobucket. Liked the various format options but found the browsing and searching options slow. Created an album of my favorite book covers. Not as impressive as Flickr, or maybe I'm just used to Flickr.

Thing 26 Minis / Widgets

Tried out YourMinis. Fun to play with but I'm not sure yet how I would use this especially since I don't have Vista yet. In theory, seems very similar to IGoogle wih the ability to pick and choose what tools I want on a page and can rearrange those just by drop and drag. Nevertheless, thanks for the explaining the terminology.

Thing 25 LetterPop

LetterPop is a very useful and fun tool. It was very simple to create a short one page newsletter with my own text and pictures. Check out my travel newsletter about my recent trip to Costa Rica.

Thing 24 Zamzar

Tried out Zamzar (at 5pm EST) and waiting for that email with my converted file.

It sure was easy....if only life were that easy.

I did like the treefrog photo on the Zamzar page, but the ad for winning a TV that appeared after submitting my file was bit flashy. Of course flashy is okay since this a free tool.

This would be helpful to those library patrons who come into the library with saved files from other software that we don't have on our PCs. And often patrons ask about creating PDF files. And I like the PDF and MPG options as well.

Okay...later the same day...the Zamzar file just appeared in my email. However, it only worked with a Yahoo email account and not my PLCMC email account. Does PLCMC email block it? How can I change that?

Here is a screenshot of my converted PDF document.

The adventure continues....

Time for Learning 2.1. Hoping to find some time to play and try all the new things.
Thanks Helen for finding us more toys for exploring and playing.

More to come......

However I had a problem setting up the automatic email subscription from the Learning 2.1 page. Kept getting an error message via Outlook and the confirmation email never arrived. Any suggestions from anyone out there?

24 and 1/2 Thing

Thanks Helene and Lori for the 24th Thing workshop. It was interesting and informative, and I left with many fun tools to play with. So for my 24th Thing I'm playing with a website called Qipit. Qipit is another sharing tool which allows you to use your camera phone or digital camera to scan, copy, email and fax written documents. It is free and simple. Just take a photo of any written document with your camera phone or digital camera, send it to qipit via your phone or email, and then get back a high-resolution, easy-to-read PDF of the document in just a few seconds.

I found Qipit on a great site that someone shared during the 24 Thing workshop. The site is www.go2web20.net and is a useful place for finding new things for playing and having fun in the land of Learning 2.0.

Thing #23 and Room to Grow

Wow, I finished my 23 Things, feeling very Learn-ed and 2.0-ish now. This has been a fun and educational journey. I must admit that I surprised myself.....since I was very hesitant at the beginning.

Since I've never been a fan of reading blogs, I was hesitant to start my own blog. Creating the blog and writing the first post were my biggest challenges. But I soon learned, along with everyone else, just how easy blogging really is as well as how much fun....and so what it if no one ever reads what I write.

My favorite exercises and tools that I will continue to use are Blogger, of course, ZohoWriter, Bloglines, all the Image Generators, and YouTube. Even though I may not use some of the others on a regular basis, such as Technorati and PBWiki, I now understand how useful they can be in the library profession and for one's own personal knowledge. Having experienced all the 23 Things has better prepared me as a librarian and as an active participant in Web 2.0.

I would like to see another similar program offered for library staff. However, I feel staff could use more time...maybe one thing a week or staggered over a longer period, rather than so much in a short time. Our libraries are busy places, and even though we all need some daily fun, finding the time to complete the tasks so quickly as well as share and help others proved difficult.

Yet, I finished.....WAY TO GO KIMBO!

#22 - NetLibrary

Visited NetLibrary and created an account (must admit that I created an account a long time ago when PLCMC first offered this service, but I never used it and thus forgot my account info -- hopefully that will not happen this time!). Did some searching for some of my favorite classics. This might be a good tool for catching up on those must reads. Also, I searched a few of the genres that I don't normally read such as biographies and history. NetLibrary would be useful for reading/listening to those subjects that I might not normally pick up in print form....such as Agincourt History On Cassette (by Hibbert, Christopher and narrated by Tull, Patrick) which I downloaded and hope to listen to soon with my brand new MP3 Player.

Thing #21 - Three Pods in a Podcast

I did a search on Podcast.net and Podcast Alley for "public library" and came across many listings for Sausalito Public Library and Lansing Public Library. I was able to listen to a few regarding programs presented at the libraries, upcoming library services, and book chats. I think this would be a great idea for public libraries to share their programs with the world....just create a podcast of the storytime, author visit, or technology class and make it available to others.

I also tried Yahoo Podcast directory and did some searching for fun -- found a podcast series for the Lost TV show and subscribed to my RSS reader. Check it out under the TV Shows folder. Or check out the website, called The Transmission, a fan podcast devoted to ABC's Lost.

Thing 20 I too can YouTube

Had fun checking out YouTube. Looked at many videos just for fun, and a few that I care not to see again...can see how this site would be an entertaining way to spend time. Watch and listen to my favorite video below to get you in the Halloween spirit. Just keep the lights on!



I also created an account so I could log my favorites, email them to others, and make comments. I tried to add my blog for automatic posting, but it wouldn't work for me (maybe a problem similar to ZohoWriter). But I did find this tool very easy to use.

This tool would be helpful for promoting libraries as well as a training tool for patrons and staff. I did a search for public library and came across many videos of libraries and staff doing interesting, and sometimes strange, activities during and after hours. The Seattle Public Library seems to have the most videos posted. PLCMC better get busy!

Thing 19 - Playing with Reader2

I chose Reader2 under the Books list. It is rather interesting....a way to keep an online list of books that I want to read. It works with an Amazon search option and keeps a list of book info and covers, including other people's comments. And it is easy to export to my newsreader or blog -- well, so says the description. I'm still having some trouble with that.

But, check out my list of books.

I will probably use this tool in the future to track favorite books and reading lists. It is very similar to LibraryThing but not as attractive. However, Reader2 only searches by title....a big disadvantage for those of us who aren't good at remembering titles. I would also like a search by author option.

#18 Zohowriter

I created an account and published my first document in Zohowriter. I really like the idea of an online word processor. This would be great for storing work documents such as reading lists, program ideas, etc., that I use often and from a variety of PC workstations. And no lugging around a flashdrive or those ancient floppy disks. However, I was unable to post my document directly to my blog from Zohowriter. I tried many times only to be frustrated with an error message of "invalid account" or "username not found." A help feature on Zohowriter would be useful, but after browsing the forums, I see that others have recently had the same problem posting to Blogger. So for now, I will let it go and move on....but this 'thing' is one I definitely plan to use in the future.

#17 Here Wiki, Wiki

I just visited the PLCMC Learning 2.0 Wiki and added my blog and a few thoughts. And I decided to be brave and create my own using PBWiki. It was very easy; however, I was unable to upload an image as well as edit some things in a particular way. Will have to play with it more. I'm not so sure I like all the ads but that is the price for something free. And why is the Google ad in Spanish? Can't find an option for other languages.

Anyway, check out my travel page which is under construction....always thinking about that next vacation!

#16 And the Wiki Went That Way

Oh, so that is what a Wiki is. I've been hearing the term for awhile but never quite understood the concept. I've even used Wikipedia many times without knowing that it is essentially a Wiki as well. Cool!

After viewing some of the suggested examples, I understand how useful Wikis could be in libraryland - great tools for book clubs, programming, establishing communication between the community and the library, collection development, etc. My favorite is the Book Lover's Wiki.

Thing #15 Thoughts on Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

I agree with opinions expressed in these articles that Library 2.0 is a new mindset and lifestyle centered in today’s digital community. Learning should be viewed as a shared network in which the Library plays a pivotal role. The change is already here and there is no turning back: “The Web moves from simply being sites and search engines to a shared network space that drives work, research, education, entertainment and social activities—essentially everything people do. You and your mobile and nonmobile devices—PDA, MP3, laptop, cell phone, camera, PC, TV, etc.—are always online, connected to one another and to the Web.” (OCLC Next Space Newsletter – Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web it take libraries?) So much is Web 2.0 driven that today’s libraries must keep up and I am glad to see that Library 2.0 is accomplishing just that.

I found Rick Anderson’s “Away from the Icebergs” article quite interesting, particularly the barriers of the ‘just in case’ collection and reliance on user education. However, I’m not so sure I agree with his statement that “it may no longer make sense to ‘collect’ in the traditional sense at all.” Even though he saw a drop in circulation rates at his library, it doesn’t mean this is the case everywhere else. Just the opposite from what I see…the public library location that I work in is always extremely busy and circulation rates have increased over the past years. And there continues to be those patrons who still prefer books and printed materials verses electronic formats. Also, many of the users in my location still do not have their own personal computers; they come to the library to use the technology. So now more than ever, must the Library provide that shared learning network and digital community fueled by Web 2.0/Library 2.0.

Most importantly since many libraries are now busier than ever, it is paramount that we offer a user-friendly environment. Since we have less staff, there is less time to train users on such things as self-checkout, self printing terminals, online catalog interfaces, etc. Anderson states that “if our services can’t be used without training, then it’s the services that need to be fixed—not our patrons.” I see this problem over and over when equipment and interfaces are purchased based on cost and not quality. Some of the self-service stations and terminals that my location currently uses are impossible for the public to figure out themselves; they require staff training and help on a continuous basis. Why should it be easier to use self-checkout at the grocery store than in a library?

Thing #14 Technorati

Technorati -- sounds like a heavy metal band from the 80's.
I checked out the site and it is pretty cool--a good way to find blogs of interest. I found some interesting blogs for Survivor and other TV shows -- oopps, guess I let that slip out. Yes, I'm hooked on reality TV and can't wait til Survivor starts in a few days. Will have to create a watchlist on Technorati for all my favorite shows.

I "claimed" my blog for fun and will try to tag this post. Let's see if it works.
Technorati tag PLCMCL2

More on tagging and social bookmarks

Okay, so I'm starting to convert....the more I read about tagging, social bookmarks, etc., the more I can see the usefulness. Seems like a better ranking system for finding useful information on the web since it is based on somewhat on user satisfaction and use. Anyway, I'm starting to understand the concepts better. The Social Bookmarking article mentioned on the Learning 2.0 Blog is very useful and easy to follow.

Thing #13 Del.icio.us

Played around with the site Del.icio.us. Maybe I just missed something but I don't really get it in regards to social tagging. Might be useful for academic or research librarians, but not so much now for the typical public library reference desk since most of what we do is computer assistance more with the hardware and software not searching or research.

I find it more useful to use this site as a way to compile all my bookmarks for easy access especially at work where staff are not allowed to save bookmarks on the PCs. I created an account and will use it for that, so I am glad for the introduction to this tool.

Thing 12 Rollyo

Created my own rollyo of several favorite travel web sites. Check out my search box on this blog located under my library list on the right sidebar.

Thing #11 My Library

Created an account on Library Thing and added a few of my all-time favorite books. Check out My Library at the bottom of the right sidebar (it needs work -- font size is too large and no border). How can I get it to look better? Will have to work on that next time.

#10 Image Generators

Playing with Image Generators this week.

So here's one image (created using Letter James)...guess I had my usual Starbucks on the brain.

Order up...a decaf grande soy no-foam latte, please Barista!

Thanks for the Help

Thanks to H, L and A for the help with linking my Bloglines account. So finally, here's the link:
http://www.bloglines.com/public/kimbolw

Thing 8 - RSS

RSS = Really Simple Something....
creating a newsreader on Bloglines was simple enough. Of course the challenge is limiting the amount of feeds. I probably added too much and will never have enough time to actually look at all the postings. The amount of information out there is overwhelming.

Not so simple...linking my public bloglines account. Found the public URL - http://www.bloglines.com/public/USERNAME -- but it will not accept my username (which I'm assuming is my login for the bloglines account). I've tried several things and keep getting the "no user found" message.
Any suggestions?

Thing 7 - Avatar

Yes, I'm doing things a bit out of order. My exercise for Thing 7 was creating a Yahoo! Avatar for my blog. It was fairly easy to create but a challenge to find the right place to paste the html code in the blog template. I was suprised at the choices for the Avatar -- could easily spend days there playing and playing. If only I were that skinny in real life.....

Learning 2.0

I've created this blog as part of the Learning 2.0 and Lifelong Learning project at PLCMC (my workplace) which is encouraging the use of new technologies for learning and having fun. Blogging is a great place to start.

In response to the 7 1/2 habits for Lifelong Learning, the easiest for me would be accepting responsibility for my own learning. I love taking classes and going to school....to the extreme since I wouldn't mind being a professional student if I had the money and time. Luckily, PLCMC encourages learning by offering many training opportunities. However, the hardest habit for me would be viewing problems as challenges. Still working on that.......check back in a few years!

Blog created.

Blog created. Mission accomplished.

If you are wondering about the title of my blog......yes, I'm old school....love those commas. Not just in the written or spoken word but also just as a way to cope with life....taking time, pausing, thinking, reflecting, and enjoying whatever comes our way. (Sounds good, huh? Actually, a former co-worker of great patience and solutions should be credited.)