Beyond Method #2

After going through all the information in this class, I really like igoogle.  I realize that netvibes is a better choice if you want your page to go public, but after taking the class and before entering the post, I signed up for a gmail account and began customizing an igoogle page.  I really enjoyed it and will continue working on it as I have new ideas.  I am putting all of my favorite sites on the pages by adding gadgets and will working on adding some widgets.  Thanks for a great class!!  As I mentioned, I will look forward to finishing this section of classes so I can set up a new blog for my volunteer work.

Bottom line, for personal use I vote igoogle, for public you have to use netvibes.

Beyond Method #1

I am back.  I believe that I have been able to regenerate enough brain cells to move on to the advanced class.  I really did have alot of fun updating my blog.  When I complete this class, I want to set up a blog of a volunteer group that I work with preserving historic county records.  It would be a great way to get our project out in the public eye.  I guess up to now we have been computer waltzing and it's time to jitterbug....

Method 12

I don't think I can explain in just a few short words how much this on line class has helped.  For the first time, when techies talk about wiki, the cloud, IM etc.  I actually know what they are talking about.  While I still have alot to learn, it has given me a working knowledge of the subjects and I feel much more confident that I could actually use some of these techniques in my professional career and my personal endeavors. 

Also, Naomi, you have been so patient and helpful and I really appreciate it.

On to Beyond Two-Steppin!!

Method 11

I listened to the podcast by Nancy Keane called Booktalks Quick and Simple.  It was very well done and a really nice way to interest parents and children in certain titles.  Great way to introduce new books in the library.

On to Method 12

Brenda

Method 10

I like wiki.  I felt very accomplished when I created an account and was able to post a blog on the favorites blog section.  As you can see, it does not take much to make me feel accomplished.  Baby steps.

I don't see how anyone could grow weary of the "In Plain English" videos.  They are my favorite part of the learning experience.  That guy is great!

I want to set up a wiki account for a volunteer group I am working with on records retention.  I would be great way for all of us to share info instead of using email.

Method 9

The more I take these classes, the more comfortable I feel with technology.  I personally have not used chats or IM very much, but I love Meebo.  What a great way to communicate from library to library.  We do not have any chat or IM capabilities at our library now, but I would love to see our IT person add Meebo to our website.  I will certainly suggest it.

Method 8

Again, the opening video was great.

In David Lee King's video I really liked the comment that he made toward the end of the video that we all need to keep in mind that what is important is the connection not the container in which it is housed.

The strongest point I found in the articles was that if a library wants to have a facebook presence, that a Facebook Group Page would be a better choice.

OK, social networking in general.  Personally, I am not really interested.    However, professionally, I believe that it is an important tool in our professional "toolbox".  Many times an individual has to evaluate a concept in the environment in which it will be used.  That is why I would put my personal concerns aside and embrace a facebook page for my library.  Especially when reaching out to teens and young adults who embrace social networking as a daily part of their lives.

The potential is definitely there, I really believe that many, not all, libraries in one or two people libraries will need alot of help in embracing the concept and learning the tools to not only create the facebook presence but also maintain it.

Method 7

As I take the different sections of this class, I am enjoying the new experiences more and more.  I really believe that taking this online class is helping me be less "afraid" of technology and more open to the possiblities. 

When time allows, I definitely want to set up an account on delicious.  What a terrific way for my library to use plain language in tags to help our patrons access terrific and informative websites.  Since I am in charge of local history/genealogy department, my account will focus on local history and genealogy sites.  As an added benefit, I can't wait to see what everyone else is tagging as far as local history sites go.

Again, loved the opening video.  That guy is terrific.

Method Six

This exercise was just alot of fun.  Since I am in Lavaca County and polka music is "the" music in this county, I visited several youtube sites on polka music especially the sites featuring bands from our area.  I watched the Dujka Bros, the Czechaholics and my all time favorite, the Shiner Hobo Band. 

I watched the late Joe Strauss sing his signature song "Frankie and Johnnie"  I always loved hearing Joe sing that song. 

Now, as far as the library goes, why not consider adding some of the musical youtube selections to a library website just for fun and to promote the musical history of your county especially if one of your library's missions is to protect and protect all types of local history regardless of format.

Method Five

Before I begin commenting on method five, I just want to say how much I have enjoyed the videos by Common Craft.  They make alot of sense, are easy to follow and are extremely entertaining.  Great choice for our class.

After struggling with method four, this was a nice change.  On a personal level, I can see the value in downloading photographs to Flickr for public consumption and also using Flickr as a backup to your photos.  However, I would be very careful as to what I posted on this site or any site for that matter. 

Professionally, I have alot to think about after reading Michael Stephens article.  He did a really great job of presenting both sides of the issue, especially where minors are concerned.  Publicity is a necessary and popular tool for the continued existance of libraries, but some very important issues must be addressed as part of the process.  This will be a really good idea to share with the rest of the staff and the library board for their input. 

Thanks for a really interesting segment.

Method Five: Add photo link to blog

http://www.flickr.com/photos/capitolshotsphotography/3328672792/

Method Four

http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/

Method Four: Thank you Naomi

 “Discussed this with Naomi on 8/26/11”

Method Four

I am lost.  I watched all of the available material in lesson four and went to Google Reader and selected three URL to subscribe to and looked/worked with them in the Reader, but I cannot figure out how to get those links onto my blog.  I have been at this for atleast an hour and nothing I do works.  So consquently, there are no links on my blog.  What am I missing????

Method Three

I really enjoyed reading Cruey's article about Computing for the Masses.  It gave a clear, concise, easy for a layman to understand description of the Cloud.  Before this class, I had no interaction with the Cloud at all but after reading that article I felt like a had a jumping off point in my journey to understand and using the Cloud.

In Doug Johnson's article, the point that stood out for me was the privacy issues in using the Cloud.  I can see where the applications would be terrific, but I have to admit that I harbor a fear of putting too much information out on the internet withour safeguards that I am comfortable with.

Michael Stephen's article about the library uses of the Cloud, was interesting but alittle intiminating.  In a large library where staff is available to specialize in computer services, I can see where using the Cloud on a large scale would be possible but the situation would be entirely different in a small rural library with limited staff.  This is not a cop out by any means, just reality.

My favorite article by far was Jenny LeVine.  She really knows what she is talking about when it comes to library and computer services including the Cloud.  If a library is going to  promote these services, the staff is going to be responsible for teaching critical skills about the Cloud as well as it advantages.  Cloud tools with consequences. Well put.

First Blog

My very first blog.  I can see how this is a very interesting way to share information and opinions.

Methods One and Two

In the first two sections of this program, I have really had to challenge myself to work with this new technology.  I know that this is all common place for alot of folks, but for me, it is really a learning curve, but I am ready for the challenge.  I have already used Meebo several times after learning about it in a different class.  Before, I did not have any idea what it was about and have found it very easy to use.

Now, my comments on the first two sections of this class.  What really stood out for me was two phrases: the first one was "unintented consquences" and "15 minutes per day".  Technology really is full of consquences, as users we can use those consquences to our advantage or fight them and lose.

I really loved the idea of 15 minutes per day.  Even thought my day is packed, I can certainly set aside 15 minutes to per day to expose myself to advances in technology.  It kinda like exercising, you really don't want to do it, but you love the results.