Thing #6a: Online Image Generator, using Image Chef

Thing #5: More Flikr Fun

After a few false starts, here is my use of Spell with Flickr. Don't know how you would change sizing so it all fits on one line, but voila!

Thing #4: Flikr

Libraryfor23Things 002
Originally uploaded by barbarat2

Here is my work companion, my plant. Does this look like Little Library of Horrors? :P

More Flikr

Libraryfor23Things 001
Originally uploaded by barbarat2

The world as I see it....

At least my WORK world, from the DCTC reference desk.

Comments re: Flickr

Thing #4: Flickr

Now, for some reason, this took me an inordinate amount of time to figure out. I almost gave up, but I FINALLY DID IT! (pats self on back)

I was not seeing the "Blog This" choice on my Flikr screen. Turns out I just wasn't at the right screen. I hadn't selected one photo at a time; I was looking at the page with all my Flikr photos, looking for the "Blog This" button above the individual photos. Turns out you have to select one of them first. DUH. But now I'll remember! -- and it's satisfying to see the photos up.

Thing #3: RSS feeds

OK, I can definitely see the addictive nature of these (thankfully, low-calorie) feeds! Perfect for a news junkie like me. I've set up my Bloglines, and it's amazing to see how many new posts appeared overnight -- a bit overwhelming. But I do like how the news is brought to you rather than having to make the rounds of surfing a bunch of favorite sites.

I can see how these feeds would work really well with the curriculum of certain classes -- where students could have a section of their home page -- or instructors their D2L page -- have feeds coming in. What a way to make learning current and dynamic!

Not sure yet how we can incorporate this into our library learning, but I'll keep thinking about it. It's a good tool to have in the "toolbox," and I'll be interested in seeing how other libraries are making use of feeds.

Thing #2: Library 2.0

Here we are asked to share our thoughts on Library 2.0 after having read the various articles. I'm finding this enlightening and thought-provoking. I get a little confused, since I don't really know yet what some of the programs are -- like Flikr. But I am looking forward to learning about them. Some other applications I have already used, such as chat. I've long been using IMing to talk with my kids, and here at our library we use Meebo (though it hasn't been getting too much use.) Personally speaking, I have a Facebook page, and I post on Internet discussion boards.

As we work our way through the new technologies that comprise Library 2.0 (and sometimes feel overwhelmed), I try to remember that what's paramount is the fulfillment of our main, and timeless, purpose. Whatever technologies and methods best fulfill that purpose in today's world -- and in our particular institutions -- are the ones we should use. (This will all become clearer to me as we go along!)