Goodbye~Adios~Bye Bye Birdie~TaTa~The End~See Ya Later....

It isn't possible! How could something so terrific be at an end?! I mean that, without one bit of reservation!

Participating in Learning 2.0 has been an experience I didn't expect when I began my wonderful position with KCLS. The opportunity to FINALLY acquire a bit of knowledge most of our 'young people' understand as just 'part of living today', makes me feel as though there might be hope for me at this late stage. At this point, I feel as though there is so much more I want to explore. What an exciting time!

Learning goals.... Wow! I've always believed that as one ages, knowledge and interest in lifelong learning is an important key to the Fountain of Youth. In today's world, the ability of continual learning is only limited by one's attitude. Hopefully, the opportunity presented in Learning 2.0 will only be the beginning for me as I continue my exploration with today's technology.

It's hard to pinpoint what areas were my favorite exercises. I loved each and every one, with the exception of MySpace. While I'm glad to know and understand a bit more about some of these social connection places, I just don't think they're for me. Actually, I wonder if they are the best place for social interaction between some of our youth. Perhaps I'm 'showing my age' in this area, so best end my discussion on this one.

"KCLS Learning 2.0 - 27 Things" was put together so professionally! A huge thank you to David Wasserman and all the staff who worked so hard to make the program such a success. I can't think of one thing to improve the program. It was really just great! I'm hoping that the future may allow more training, perhaps Learning 2.0 -Part 2. As has been pointed out, technologies are changing and being added every day. I'm ready for more!

One more thought ...... I'd love to see programs like Learning 2.0, made available Online to our KCLS Patrons. The ability for anyone to explore technology in our fast moving world through online computer education is just as important as the beginning computer classes taught at the various libraries by volunteers. I'm crossing my fingers that such programs are just waiting on the 'back burner' and will become a part of services and programs at KCLS.

Gordon Library Audio to Go - Series Page on Yahoo! Podcasts

Gordon Library Audio to Go - Series Page on Yahoo! Podcasts

Podcasts and beyond....

Just like YouTube, Podcasts can be most addicting! After spending much time looking around on all three of the sites suggested, I've settled on one I enjoyed a lot, called Classic Radio Drama. What fun! If you've never listened to some of the old radio shows, give it a try. I particularly enjoyed "The Shadow - League of Terror". What's better than one's imagination and listening to the radio! The Library Channel with all of ASU's broadcasts were most informative and well done. I also particularly liked Gordon Library Audio to Go. It's a series of 24 episodes offering short to the point informational suggestions for obtaining such things as maps, publishing suggestions, cell phone usage, and other 2.0 knowledge one might find interesting. A RSS feed for one of their presentations is located in my next Blog.

YouTube....it SURE is addictive!

Spring time for me is always thinking golf, golf lessons, and joining friends on the golf course! Soooo.... I naturally 'drifted' in YouTube to Golfing! Like everything on YouTube, there's just too much to look at! I find some of the content offered is interesting and even informative, however other offerings are just plain awful. Once again, I'm reminded that one must be the ultimate reviewer on the Internet. Yes, YouTube certainly could have a place at KCLS. One only has to let his imagination wander to come up with possibilities. As an example, some of the special events offered from time to time could be available for anyone's viewing. A past event last fall at the Federal Way Regional Library of the Dead Sea Scrolls certainly would have been of interest to many more people than those that were able to visit the library during the short viewing. Additionally, some of the Libraries ESL classes, Children's Story times, Book Club meetings, or any event occurring might be of public interest. YouTube has become a huge part of most computer users enjoyment these days, thus the importance of KCLS using another method of reaching the community.

An Adventure..."Mapping"

Golfing is always an 'adventure for me', thus the picture of a beautiful Golf Course in Bend, Ore.
After spending way too much time 'digging around' with Web 2.0 Awards and Webware, I finally decided I liked the organization and list in the Web 2.0 site. There were just too many services that were suggested, making my decision almost mind boggling. Having dealt with a number of Patrons requesting mapping directions, I found Wayfaring http://www.wayfaring.com/ interesting and possibly a helpful tool for some of our KCLS patrons. After a learning curve, I found their service easy to use, making the finished map very professional.
http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/36363 (If you're interested, check out my map from the Auburn Library to my house by clicking on map at the top of the page.)
In addition to standard route mapping, Wafaring offers additional 'bells an whistles' such as mapping one's life, or building a travelogue. It's fun to use and can cause one to spend way too much time just playing around!

Labs of Google

No... the picture has nothing to do with Google Labs! I just figured it was time to look at 'something', (sunset over Puget Sound), instead of all of my blogging! With all of that said, I will comment about my 'amazement' with Google Labs. I'm such a rookie... I didn't realize that Google even had such a place.
I did check out Trends, as was suggested, and found their statistics interesting. I particularly liked looking at various analysis by cities and areas. It seemed to work well, though I don't know that I personally would ever use it.
I next moved on to Google Reader, which I found worked like our previously learned RSS feeds... something I think will win many users if Google makes it permanent. I think the ability to easily share with friend would make it a well used service.
My favorite possible service is Google Suggest. I LOVED the ability to type in a few general words of interest and have a whole list of 'suggestions'. This is definitely something I would use in my Genealogy research.
Finally, I tried Google Sets.... I don't know how others may feel, since I found it kind of 'dumb' and pointless! Oh well, one can't win 'em all!

Google.... my favorite again!!!

I didn't know there were 'free' places like Google Docs and Zoho! 'Free' is always good, and then to think of the bonus of material being saved... just in case of a computer crash! Something I'm sorry to say I've experienced! I loved the ease of Google (I like everything about google!), but I do have to say I found the wide range of Zoho's offerings intriguing. When I was looking for 'help' with my KCLS resume and cover letter (was that over a year ago?), I turned to a microsoft template, now I see that Zoho offers something similar.
"Productivity software" sure has to be a tremendous plus for any traveling business person, or even someone just working from home. The ability to meet in cyberspace certainly has changed the way one is able to do business.
In our Library setting, I'm more convinced than ever that basic computer classes are a must! (... not to mention more available computers) Not only is it important that the community be educated on 'how to use the computer', but the patron must first be shown what's available and how it might help them in their lives. At present, many of our computer classes are taught by volunteers. To really reach the whole community culture as Library 2.0 moves forward, I would hope to see more Patron training/teaching being handled by staff.

The Next Generation ... 2.0

Without a doubt, Library 2.0 (and beyond) is overwhelmingly exciting! I enjoyed all the author's perspectives on the future and the importance of Libraries keeping pace with technology. Most fascinating of the articles I read was "To a temporary place in time...". The author's review of what we might expect was really an eye opener for me. What an opportunity for all knowledge hungry patrons as today's Libraries attempt to keep pace with technological advances!
As I read the various articles and became more excited about what the future holds, I also became somewhat troubled. Not everyone is a "SecondLife subscriber spending more than 40hrs a week on line." In addition there will always be those who haven't be able to stay up with technologies, IE. some seniors, those uneducated, those handicapped with language differences, etc. As Libraries move forward, keeping pace with 2.0 and beyond, it's important not to loose sight of the fact that not everyone is, or wants to be, totally technologically literate. We must remember too, that not all patrons are researchers, students, or scholars, but perhaps the 'every day' guy who just wants a good book to review/read or some basic information. As Libraries move forward, certainly many more staff members who are teachers, helpers, and general directors are needed. Without these liaisons available, I fear that a whole group of the community culture will drop out and be excluded.

My Google search engine...

Searching ... and finding!

Nope, never heard of Rollyo, (or custom search engines for that matter), but was interested in giving it a try! Unfortunately for Rollyo, I prefer my old standby, Google! I would best describe my experience with Rollyo as 'misleading' and 'not to the point'. I also disliked the Sponsored Info in between everything. From my stand point, when I'm looking for something, I don't want a lot of 'stuff' cluttering up things and would prefer going directly to my topic of interest. Google has always seemed to do that.
Having one's own search engine is a real plus, particularly for my genealogy hobby, or any one's area of interest! I'm delight to know how to use it and will continue adding to what I've now set up! Thank for this great information, Learning 2.0.
http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en

Playing..........

Wow... I did it! Beautiful, isn't she? Ha!

I think I best stop all of this 'fun' and get something else done today! Between 'portrait maker' and 'making a magazine cover' of a recent family wedding, I've not come up for air! Good thing I'm Sub'ing tonight.

WIKI'S...... Quick! Quick! Beep! Beep!

How could I not think of my favorite Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote?! Wiki's quick / easy use has become a favorite of mine. I loved this week's lesson! Using Wikis has a use in everyone's life, especially any kind of research for individual hobbies, activitives, or interests. It nice to have a place where one can connect with others for suggestions.

I especially enjoyed looking around in the SJCPL Subject Guide wiki. While there's a lot that reminds me of KCLS' Home page as well as our 'Data Base' page, it seemed to go much farther, offering more information. I can see the advantage of in depth Wiki use as time goes a long here at KCLS.

The BookLovers Wiki was another interesting spot. Reading programs/clubs/groups often can't be attended because of work/time restraints. What a terrific way to reach MORE patrons and have them participate in Library discussion groups. While it appears that the 'BookLovers Wiki' is only open to the select group of that Library's patrons, I'll bet if one looked, there'd be a 'BookLover' Wiki out there for anyone to join. (something on my 'to do' list!)

Getting so involved in this Wiki 'thing', I spent a lot of time this morning looking around some of the Library Wiki examples. Fun! (good thing I'm doing this at home!) What a great source of information. I found Oregon Library's Instruction Wiki most interesting. Did our Learning 2.0 - 27 Things leaders go there and look at the link to Library 2.0 in 15 Minutes a Day? I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The Web address (URLs) Quick-Tip learning and Plagearizing were other examples of the kinds of helpful places to find help and information.

Library Thing....

.... what a great site! I particularly like the idea of not only making a personal catalog, but linking to what others are saying about various books titles, authors, etc. How fun to have my own personal 'book club' suggustions at my home computer finger tips.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=delg&shelf=list

Del.icio.us ... a 'yummy' spot for organization!

Delicious........

.... Yes, this has real possibilities, not only when doing research, but certainly helping to organize a huge number of personal bookmarks. I tend to get bogged down trying to organize some of my genealogy sites, research, and general information. This might just be what I've been looking been looking for! Thanks for an interesting lesson.

My Space... My Space?????

.... after much struggle, I finally set up a MY SPACE account! You ask, what in the world could be my problem!???? HA! When 'joining' and adding my home email address, MY SPACE continued telling me that MY email address was already in use! WHAT? Since I've never signed up for MY SPACE, I'm mystified? Attempting to follow 'frequently asked questions', I requested the password be sent to me at MY address. No luck! Nothing was sent! Hummmm???? I've written 'customer service help', but as of yet haven't heard from them? Sooooooooo.... I used my KCLS email address and finally was able to set up an account.
At this point, I'm not sure I'll be doing anything with my MY SPACE page, though who knows! I guess I'm not into it yet.... never say never!???? I'll keep an open mind.

Social Networking...

What a eye 'opener' Myspace and all of the other social networking places have been to me! While I was aware of Myspace, in all honesty I didn't realize there were others, AND even more surprising are the numbers of young people using these sites. Wow! 58 million on Myspace! Facebook has grown 300% since last July! I'm amazed!

After reading most of the suggested articles in the 'Discovery Exercises'.... I absolutely think it's critical that Libraries (and other businesses/organization/institutions), become apart of the cyber world. If they don't 'keep up' our youth and the rest of our world today will pass them by and find others that are more in tune with their methods of communication.

I was troubled by a few thoughts in the one of the articles I read. Those were the comments by David Lee King concerning Myspace. He mentioned that the Denver Public Library was listed as a 18 yr. old female... and suggested that they change to a musician in order to download music? I just can't support being 'devious' as he suggested, when I still have concerns about honesty on some of these networking sites. Does anyone know if there is a way a library can be listed as resource (or something else that is 'honest') without having to pretend to be an 18 yr old girl?

RSS and feeds...

Hummm.... "less stress with feeds"? Perhaps for some it does help, however for me I'm not yet convinced it would 'simplify' my life. Maybe it's because I don't spend a terrific amount of time researching every possible thing via the computer. My world is still a 'bit old-fashion', as I still enjoy reading books and papers I can touch, talking with people I can see and hear, and putting ink and pen to real paper! I can see if a person 'mostly' depends on the computer to acquire information, then utilizing feeds could perhaps simplify things.

I did find the exercises interesting (as I'm finding of all the lessons). When I began #7, though, I had some frustration trying to add those sites I frequently visit. I failed to 'understand' that not every site subscribes to RSS. Actually it's too bad that they don't, since my personal interest area of genealogy would be well severed if everyone would use RSS . The knowledge and information available is so vast, it really would help to narrow things down and save time for individual genealogists. Ha........ guess I just proved the whole think 'could' help me! Never say never!

I found some of the RSS search tools both helpful and interesting, however I think successful use of the tools is most dependant on the type of information one wishes to have fed. For general news they're great, however when one is interested in a particular hobby, sport, local, etc it can be difficult to set that up. I least liked Feedster as I found too much information with little or no way of being specific on my search. I had best success with Blogline search and Google Blog search. They just seemed to zero in of my areas of interest.

Thoughts about 'Flickr'.....

Yes, I continue to be 'blown away' as I find out what I've been missing! I find both the 'Mappr' and 'Flickr Color Pickr' most interesting. I like the ability to map a trip via pictures... something I may try to do! I'm also thinking of applying some of my Genealogy photos to a map... at least interesting to those of us who enjoy playing with family trees.
The Flickr Color Pickr is just fun! I'm not sure how I'll use it, but I can't help thinking it may come in useful as I do cards, postings, or maybe even some of my Genealogy work. Fun!

Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Church & Cemetery

Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Church & Cemetery
Originally uploaded by Auntie K2.

Flickr is certainly interesting, though it has been somewhat of a challenge to use. I had no problem downloading my picture, but had to 'dig' around the Flickr site to figure out how to upload it to my Blogging area. Finally, success!
I love the concept of Flickr and may very well use it at a later time. Many old pictures connected with my Genealogy hobby could be easily stored and shared. This picture of our old family church and cemetery is the final resting place of many old family members.

March 3, 2007

Another new post.... this is fun!
Meet husband
'Danny' and me! We're both Baseball fans and often use our many 'trips' east to see a game.

March 3, 2007 --- My first posting!!!!!

AT LAST... I'm finally able to make my first Blog and actually add a posting! I feel like I'm really coming out of the dark ages.
This KCLS learning opportunity is just fantastic, though I must admit I'm disappointed that I'm NOT eligible for 'the reward' of an MP3 Player! (We Sub's and anyone with less than 20 hours a week aren't included... too bad, since many of us are also interested in learning opportunities.) I've decided not to feel badly and will certainly look forward to just experiencing and learning some of the new techologies available. Fun! Fun!