thing 23 / evaluate the things!

Many of the 'things' I was already familiar with when I started this project, but as I've worked through them I've definitely learned a lot. I knew about RSS readers but since I completed #3 I've been using google reader non-stop! It's just so convenient. I've also started to use LibraryThing to keep track of the books I'm reading. I haven't really used the reviews feature yet, but maybe in the future. I'm excited to start using Drupal to edit the Circ Lint page. I also plan to keep using WebJunction for online classes.

Overall I think the 23 things project was a great way to introduce employees to new technology, especially people who don't have a lot of tech experience.

Thing 22 - Keep on Learning

I decided to keep using Library Thing to keep track of the books I read. So far I've done pretty well! It's nice to be able to look back and remember what you've read recently. I also have a Webinar class I really need to finish on the Crew Method for Weeding.

I didn't really add any of the professional Library blogs to my rss reader. Simply because I am not a librarian. But every now and then when I have some extra time, in drive up for example, I head back to the 23 things page on lint and browse for new, interesting library info.

Thing 21, Social Aggregators

Hmm, just signed up for a friendfeed. It seems like it's only helpful if all of your friends and contacts use friendfeed as well. 8hands looks more like what I need, except it's so darn ugly. I almost can't stand it. Also you have to download the application, which isn't useful to me. I want to be able to login to a webpage and see updates from gmail, twitter, flickr, and blogger all in one page, separated into little tabs. Plus like rss reader capabilities. This is kind of what netvibes does, but not quite well enough... Also it loads pretty slow. It also does concern me a little that I have to enter my login data at these 3rd party sites in order to aggregate my stuff. I will keep looking for the ideal solution! Actually I think the solution might just be widgets on my Mac Dashboard.

Thing 12 / Social Media Websites

Wow, I can see how these sites can be addictive. It's easy to find something you're interested in quickly. From the ridiculous to the relevant, they could go either way on the productivity scale. Used as a tool to get current info they work but they can definitely turn into a time suck.

I see the digg icon all the time at blogs and miscellaneous websites but have never joined. Occasionally I will read a really interesting article and think, hey I should digg this. So this gives me a chance to join! I used digg to recognize a post at one of my favorite blogs (Smart Bitches Trashy Books!) and found this article about ebooks at the digg homepage. The article on Slate.com about Digg was really interesting. It's intimidating that just 100 users submit Digg's most viewed content. Mixx seems like an interesting alternative to Digg, this article about it certainly presented a good case. Just signed up for netvibes as well, so far I like seeing all of my different social media accounts in one place. But it's a little cluttered and not all of the add ons are completely functional.

One thing I like about these social media websites is how customizable they are. You can contribute a lot or a little. I think an element that is key for these sites to grow and stay relevant is their interaction with other types of media. Blogs + twitter + iphone apps = more visibility and access. I think they could be used in libraries to keep up on current news and technology. It always helps if you know what patrons are talking about ;)

Thing 15 : Podcasts

I've listened to podcasts in the past, mostly just for entertainment. In fact for a while I subscribed to Tim Gunn's weekly podcast about Project Runway. I liked podcasts in general, but lost interest pretty quickly. I think if I had a long commute or a time to listen to the podcasts regularly I might get excited about them again. This time I listened to a podcast I found in the Educational directory about photography. It was only 3 minutes long and not very interesting. But I don't think that says anything about podcasts in general, just that I picked a boring one ;)

I don't think my particular job has any pressing needs for podcasts. If it did, maybe something supplemental, like some of the podcasts at the Educational Podcast Directory. Although there don't seem to be many there yet. (Actually since I started this entry a few weeks ago there seem to be a lot more that have recently been added!) I definitely see how podcasts could be useful to reference librarians. It could help librarians keep up with book reviews and trends.

The link to the Yahoo podcast directory didn't work. And the Yahoo Music site didn't make it easy for me to find more podcasts! When I searched, using Yahoo, for "yahoo podcast directory" I got podcasts.yahoo.com as the first result. This website does not exist. SO. YAHOO YOU LOSE.

Thing 20, Gaming!

At MCPL we currently circulate Computer Games. We have copies of The Sims, Fifa Soccer, and tons of Harry Potter games. Games provide entertainment just like DVDs and Music, and some argue that games are more educational then those types of media. Video games have basically replaced table top games in popular culture. And I think the demand for video games is only going to increase. I don't see games or other social activities taking the place of literacy and learning. Like Brian Mayer's article said, libraries (especially public libraries like ours) have always housed and hosted entertainment options. Games are just another way for libraries to reach a younger generation.

I could see us adding more CD Roms or xbox, Wii, Playstation games. It would be expensive to purchase games in all of these different formats so it might be a tricky decision to decide what to buy. While I don't think adding Games in some capacity is necessary to the future of the library, I think they could definitely be a beneficial addition. Young people are using the internet more and more for research and visiting libraries less. I don't necessarily think games will the saving grace of libraries, but they certainly couldn't hurt.

An even better idea that than circulating more games I think would be to buy a Library game console, like a Wii, and some games. Patron could check out games and play them here in the library, under library supervision. We could also do teen programming with games like Rock Band or Wii bowling competitions. There are tons of options and opportunities. I think it would be a great type of after school activity for young adults. When I visited Boone County Public Library in Kentucky, I toured their Teen area which featured a flat screen tv and video game consule, along with games like guitar hero. It seemed to work really well for them, but would require some supervision or security.

Thing 19, Drupal / CMS

I'm super excited about the new Drupal Lint. I think it will be much easier to keep documents up to date, especially on our department page. I'd love to see some sort of blog/message board/forum for clerks to discuss policies, procedures, and any questions they might have. From what I've seen of the new Drupalified Lint I like how much easier the navigation is compared to the old LInt. I hope to see a feature where comments posted on LInt blogs are emailed to the original poster so they can respond.

I really liked how the Ann Arbor District Library used Drupal for their public website. They have also made really good use of other Library 2.0 technologies like Facebook, Twitter, and, especially, Flickr. I'm also super impressed by their "On Demand" video collection. They have video footage of library programs and events available to watch online. I'd love to see CATS do something like this for the MCPL website.

The articles about Drupal were interesting but pretty basic and geared more towards the people who do the actual implementation of the website. The article from WebDesignerDepot was the best, the other two seemed to be sponsered by specific CMS companies.