Case and point on the write about other things - writing about recent international events is very tempting but here is neither the time nor the place.

To Blog or Not to Blog.....

To be or not to be is famous to the point of being cliched, still it is accurate.  It has been an interesting experience blogging for this class,  I must admit that although I have enjoyed the written aspect, I have found blogging to be constraining at times.  This has more to do with the myriad of times I've wished to write on subjects not in the least relevant to this class.  That is not to suggest that I haven't enjoyed the rest of the class, because that would be untrue.  What has been different was the focus of the blog.  I had used Livejournal and Facebook before, but that was personal.  It was different and somewhat refreshing.  Redundant perhaps, but still true.  Having a chance to reflect on the chapters in the book afterward, whether I had answered the questions yet or not was exceedingly helpful.  I also found that I was often using elements from different chapters as we progressed.  This specific blog may be expanded to include other library related classes in the future.  It should help to maintain and retain information.

Secure

Like many of the chapters in this book, this one was full of practical and useful information.  Security is a valid concern especially for libraries and other public places.  Patrons want to make certain that if they use their own computers that there won't be any difficulties.  The same holds true if patrons use the library's equipment.  How easy it would be to pass on the inevitable technological problems to someone else.  However, doing so completely negates the purpose of staff.  Yes, part of it is to help patrons find books and other reading material, but part of it is to find the answers to the technological questions. 

It is sometimes odd to think about what is secure and what is not.  Before computers all anyone had to do was lock the door to their home and they would assume they were safe.  Actually, in the beginning of the twentieth century and previous centuries many people did not lock their doors at all because they thought they were safe.  Computers and particularly widespread use of the Internet changed that.  Libraries have to find a way to guard against theft identity and the more traditional kind.

Tweet Tweet

Initially, when I started this project I admit that I couldn't see the point of the social network known as Twitter, but as the weeks have passed my opinion of the site has changed.  I can see a lot of value to it,  Granted, I may not use it as consistently once this semester is over, but that has more to do with  the fact that not many people I know use this network.  I found one friend who uses it outside of class.  That said, it's been very cool to get snippits of information from the libraries and New York Times.  I have found it to be a useful starting point to getting more of the information that I need.  I don't have it all figured out yet (who does?), but I like what I have learned so far.  I listen to the radio a lot and have smiled at some of the posts from WLBC a station that may only be here in town.  There's a connection to the people that tweeting gives - a freedom in its specificity.  I plan to continue exploring even after this class has ended.  More to come.

Chapter 16

Considering all of the necessary requirements for a library building is very much out of my league.  I admit to not being very adept when it comes to all things spatial.  That said, this chapter had a lot of practical advice in it.  The reality is that the practical use of a library is changing as society changes.  From the beginning it has always been about literature, but now the literature can come in different forms.

Building needs I had considered.  There is much to contemplate.  Electricity and where the computers can go are only part of the problem.  Making sure that as many patrons as possible can use the equipment is part of the problem.  The questions that the chapter pointed out would be well answered before adapting buildings.

I have seen people play games on their laptops at the libraries I have visited.  I have also been guilty of this.  The considerate ones play with the sound off.  Games are addicting, but they can be a distraction.  That said, a library can be a good place to escape the world for a few hours and find some solitude.

2.0 Deux - Continued

Library websites are the new "in" thing for patrons and libraries.  There's a lot that library websites have to offer.  Yet, as useful as these tools are I wonder what the future holds for libraries.  There's been talk about computers taking over which may or may not be the case.  Some of the material we learned about in the previous chapter would apply as well.  When designing a website taking into account the digital divide seems to be a necessity.  Meeting the needs of every patron is impossible, however some type of middle ground is needed.

Tutorials and other methods are useful. It seems to me though, that sometimes there is something to be said for person to person contact.  As easy as library websites can be to use it can be easier to get the information over the phone or from an actual librarian.

The questions that the chapter poses for the design of a website seem very apt.  They allow for a new perspective when trying to create or update a website.

Adaptive Necessity

One of the things that chapter 11 talks about is adaptive technology.  It also discusses assistive technology.  I found these terms to be a bit confusing, but the concepts made perfect sense.  A library is meant to help its patrons no matter what.  It is inexcusable to segregrate or discriminate.  If a library does not provide for deaf or blind (for example) patrons then they are losing out.

It is interesting to watch interactions in libraries patrons are at very different places.  This is true when considereing the use of computers and reading levels.  In both cases practice allows for improvement, but book literacy and computer literacy are two very different ballgames.  I've seen the digital divide in action and it's amazing what one generation takes for granted that another may not have even considrered.  It would be easy to say that age makes the difference, but that is not the case.  While age is a factor another factor is availability.  While it is often assumed that students have access to computers and the internet this is not always the case.

Skip Skype Skat

This week we studied another segment of Web 2.0 technology including Skype.  I can see skype being very useful both personally and professionally.  The role play exercise was useful, but it was hard to know what to ask or what to say.  It goes without saying that being polite was expected.  I made mistakes with that exercise I know that, but fortunately, my partners were patient with my confusion and had no problem helping me, thank you for that.  I'd like to say that I skipped through this week, but that would be a lie.

It was refreshing to see and learn thar there were protocols for blogs and other virtual references.  I suppose I ought to have expected that, but I didn't.  I knew there were conventions, but when do conventions become rules?  I'm still learning and there is a lot out there (as I've said before).  I'm glad to know and to keep learning.  These are technologies that I can use not just for this class but in every day life.

Projects et cetra

After a relaxing hectic spring break I am working on getting back on track with the projects.  Relaxing hectic is a definite contradiction, but that's the truth of it.  I traveled to Dallas to celebrate a family member's 100th birthday - now that was a whirlwind.  I got to spend time with peopole I am close to.  I walked into a hectic week of communications.  I set up a Twitter account and intend to continue with that as a project.  In addition I got the skype account set up tonight.  That will be very useful. especially communicating with family members who are far away.  Thanks to Mary for her help.  I changed my mind though on trying to use second life as my project.  I did set up an account and will gladly help anyone else who has decided to use the site, but am still so confused that I am not sure that it would be viable for me as a project.  I'm considering using facebook as my other project.  I appologize for the confusion. 

Web 2.0 - The beginning

I've found this week's reading especially interesting.  I am very famiiar with Facebook and aol's instant messaging, but I had never heard of Second Life.  I must admit I was intrigued by that and after reading the chapter went to the site and have been trying to get oriented. 
Although I knew of Twitter I had not considered using it.  I already have a facebook account and that opportunity for status updates seemed like enough.  Maybe it is, but maybe it isn't.  I'll give this a whirl it can't hurt.  That's what this class is about - trying something new and learning about the technologies that are out there.

Malfunctioning connections

So I took the connector's quiz last night and I failed.  Now, I'm not proud of this and I am not using the blog to vent.  It was amazing to see how many gadgets and gizmos there were.  That was impressive and daunting.  However do people keep it all straight?  I know a lot about computers and can explain a fair amount of what I know, but not all of it.  So what happens when I can't explain it and can't direct the patron to the right person?  Is there a right answer to this?  Some of this seems over my head, but that said I will press on ignore that and keep learning.

Wonderings

There's a lot of information in this week's lessons.  I'm still working on the discusion questions.  The truth is library work has morphed more in my lifetime than it has in a while.  That's not to say that it didn't change in other decades it did, but the Internet changed a lot.  I suspect that what I have seen is only the beginning.  Yes, that is a cliche and yes it sounds overdramatic.  With all the changes that have come in reecent decades what changes are going to come in the coming decades? 

My appologies for a late week post it's been a bit hectic with a friend having surgery (who is now fine), but helping out my friend took priority.  I digress that is not the purpose of this post/  Although one could argue that no matter how often one may want to be alone no one does not have a network.  "Network" was not a common word in the early days of computers but since the 90's they have become more common and more complicated.  Homes can now have as complicated a system as some businesses. 

There are a variety of network capabilities from room to rooom ie a college dorm Lan or Wan.

Change of Plans - Part 2

I had said I was going to post oceans because they're relaxing and I still may, but another article came my way. While taking a break from homework I found this article. Ok it dropped in my lap because I follow Ebby Halliday articles. We're supppossed to find amazing pictures this week - well the pictures not amazing the center of the picture's amazing. A little background: Ebby Halliday founded her business in 1945 and yes, she still works every day. One of her slogans is that she went from hats to houses. She sold hats for about eight years before she was encouraged to channel her skills in the realtor market. She'll be 100 on the 9th of March and is one of the city's celebrities. She's one of my role models and someone who is incredibly special to me. When asked why she's lived so long she's said, "I don't smoke, I don't drink, and I don't retire." I'm posting the link at the moment and am going to try to get the video on its own as well. Nieman Marcus has decided to start the celebration almost a month early
Neiman Marcus Willow Bend and St. John Kick Off the 100th Birthday Celebrations Texas Real Estate Blog - Dallas, Texas

CC Part 1

I hadn't heard about the creative commons.  That was something of a surprise, but let's face it something like creative commons makes a lot of sense.  I'd never remeber all of the legal jargon for copyrighting.  You would suppose that a writer would be more familiar with that stuff.  I know what I want to post, but still working out the bugs for the audiopost.  I love history and oceans are relaxing so that's where I'm heading.  Ok so I just spoiled the ending of the story, but oh well.  Chapter 1 and the last chapter for this week can be similar right?

RSS - Irrisitable

I must admit that I feel a bit behind this week.  It was only yesterday that I started feeling as if I could catch up.  Learning about the RSS helped.  Ok now that was a good idea.  I'm still in the process of adding things, but this will be a great way to keep up with the other blogs.  Keeping up with the blogspot logs was easier before - now I'll be able to be more equal.  It was really nice to discover that Google was kind enough to add the blogspot blogs.  Surfing the net whether for personal or professional reasons just became simpler.  There is a plethora of information available to the consumer and with the ease of the RSS system it will be as if the information finds itself.  The same might be said of applying delicious, but these sites while similar have two different agendas.  Having looked at the site I suspect, at this point, that I'll use RSS mor, but one never knows what the future will bring.

Part 2

I looked at webjunction tonight and I think it'll be a good site to get to know.  I'm sitting here watching my cat Topaz sleep and trying to figure out how to get everything done this semester.  I'm reminded of travel in the late 19th and early 20th centruy.  That's what webjunction reminds me of - a train for librarians that travels to who knows how many destinations.  I guess I'm a supplier for that train, but hopefully somebody can come up with a better analogy.  What is this trainride going to bring?

Delicious Bookworms

I just signed up for the delicious account, which means at this point I have no idea what I'm doing.  I saw the name delicious and thought maybe I had warped into a cooking class by mistake.  Little did I know, that it had so much to offer.  Yes, it's taking time to figure out, but I expected that.  Live and learn right?  I've never been big on bookmarking.  I never understood the purpose, but maybe this exercise will help demonstrate that.

I started looking up different authors, just to see what would come up.  Wow was there a variety.  Looking up things for this class specifically was harder.  As with most searches I found that my parameters were not as specific as they needed to be.   I decided to look up e-readers like Kindle since this technology seemes to be the new "in thing", it's important to know how and why things are changing.  I can see both sides of this fence.  It would be easy to say that a traditional book is better, but one can also argue the other side.  The simple truth is books are not going away so a libraray isn't going away.  Things are changing of course, but if things didn't it would be boring.

Wonderful World of Wiki

Having looked at the wiki introduction I have a better understanding as to what it is.  I love languages and had no idea that "wiki" actually meant something.  I just figured the creators of "Wikipedia" made up the "wiki" part of the word and combined it with encyclopedia.  You learn something new each day.  The advice I've given in the past probably won't be changing much.  I have said that if someone were to use a source like Wikipedia it could not be a primary source.  Professors have frowned on the site so it is best if using sites like that at all to just get ideas and get the research elsewhere.

I have never edited Wikipedia nor do I plan on it.  I've used the site to get basic bibliographic information for my own knowledge.  Often this was after listening to something on the History Channel.

I think wikis will and do have a use, but it seems that this is secondary to the other resources that libraries have at their disposal.

I don't know enough about web syntax to comment - yet.

Self-Assessment

Ok so we're supposed to look at the site http://www.lis.unt.edu/main/ITKS/ and take the assessments, hence the obvious title.  However, it begs the question who is better to assess our abilities?  Oneself or another party?  Now, I won't pretend to have an answer to that question.  Personally, it's too easy for me to be self-critical.  Going into the exercise I thought I had basic compuuter knowledge and wordprocessing maybe but not the rest of it even though I've been using a computer most of my life.

The scores were as follows
basic  98% 98% 98%
Word Processing 100% 100% 100%
Spreadsheet 81% 96% 92%
Database 92% 100% 96%
Presentation  75% 89% 84%
Internet 79% 88% 82%
Web development 55% 33% 45%

What I found after reading the assessment was that while I may not be able to define something well I was able to aply it.  Therefore, I wonder if my answerers were somewhat skewed.  I know excel is since while I understand the definitions and am capable of applying them with the functions, for example I would need to go back and read the directions.

Goals for this class include improving all of my skills.  Particularly I would like to focus on  web development since I've never done that before.  Further goals include focusing on powerpoint and maintaining my knowledge of the other programs.  The primary reason my spreadsheet and database scores were so high is the computer class I took last semester.

Greetings and Salutations

Hello my name is Susie and I am a student in Muncie Indiana.  I grew up in Wisconsin with my parents and younger brother.  Mike's a lawyer in California now and getting married in July.  I'm an avid bookworm and a writer  (although not professionally).  I've been writing stories and poems since I was a child.  The library science degree will be my second college degree.  I graduated highschool in 1999 and then went to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI where I graduated in 2003.  I got a Master's in 2006.  I moved to Indiana a little over a year later and have been happy here.

My love of books is why I am getting into library work.  I want to share my passion with others.  I want to learn as much as I want to teach.  I worked for two summers at a library in Ohio in Acquisitions.  I'd like to do that again, or cataloging, or anything. 

Some of my interests are listed in the wordle
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2987619/Some_of_Susie%27s_Interests I lead a simple life spending time with friends after school or doing homework.

I look forward to learning more in this class.  Good luck to everyone.