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Thing 22 audiobooks

2009-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

It felt awkward reading a book on my computer; more like doing a job versus relaxing. I'd much rather have a book in my hand, curl up in bed or lounge on the couch with a physical manifestation of a book.

If I'm researching a topic, ebooks would be fine, since I'd start my search on the internet anyway.

However, if I'm reading for pleasure or to wind down or I'm at the beach, I'd chose a physical book.

Utube: Great for visual learners

2009-01-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

I explored Indian cooking videos on Utube. I am a visual learner and instead of taking expensive cooking classes or deciphering recipes, I found videos of Indian recipes on Utube. I now need a monitor right on the kitchen counter...

Utube video: Simple Indian Basmati rice

2009-01-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

Would you like to eat healthy? Use aromatic spices (not hot or pungent)? Ever tried Basmati rice? It grows in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here's a Utube video to demonstrate how make 'Cumin Rice'. Gentle on the stomach, good for digestion and aromatic!!

http://www.vahrehvah.com/popvideo.php?recipe_id=3600

Award winning web 2.0 websites

2009-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

So many useful and practical web 2.0 websites! I explored the employment category since many library users in these economic times come to the library to look for jobs. Monster jobs does a good job classifying jobs according to skills, location etc. Very useful website to know: Non-traditional yet empowers both job seeker and recruiter to connect with each other.

Also, good advice from Kam: Start with ONE website. Otherwise, you can get overwhelmed. Too much good stuff can clog your brain.

Zoho writer/Google docs

2009-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Very, very useful to know. Thank-you CTLS 23 things for opening this wonderful world of documenting, notetaking and planning. Google docs had 410 templates for EVERYTHING including scrapbooking, personal finance and planning tools.

I like the capability to collaborate using one site. All in real time too.

Sandbox wiki

2009-01-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hmm...not sure if I would use this because of the overlap between other social media tools like Facebook.

Wowed by wikis

2009-01-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

I'm definitely going to be using wikis as a personal toolkit and also at the library. Our technical services manual would be good place to start. I really liked SJCPL Subject Guides – a pathfinder wiki developed by the St. Joseph County Public Library system. It's a wonderful collaborative tool when planning an event and getting everyone's input on a 'virtual blackboard'.

Thing 15 Libraries and Web 2.0

2008-12-31T05:03:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on Library and Web 2.0 taken from the book and bibliographical references in 'Web 2.0 and beyond' by Tom Funk, 2009.

More a series of trends than a basket of "things"
More and more power in the hands of end-user. They not only 'control' their online experience but also influence others
Unfortunately, we cannot anticipate the changes coming. Difficult to be prepared and ready in advance. Need to embrace constant change and be open and receptive.
Rich online experiences at a low cost
What can we do as librarians?
Librarians need to participate in blogs related to our services. For example, a teen librarian participating in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series blog or other gaming blogs. They would connect with teens in a direct and personal level
Our libraries should have their own blogs with reviews and ratings of our materials and newer formats
Make our OPACs 2.0 with reviews, ratings, graphics of our materials and services
Make use of online chatting for reference transactions

Technorati

2008-12-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

Summing my experience with Techorati from their website: "serendipitous discovery of interesting stuff easier and more intuitive".

Wish we could say that about our library OPACs.

Del.i.cio.us: A cataloger's friend or foe?

2008-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Due to my background as a cataloger, I have mixed feelings about Delicious, folksonomies and tagging. I love the social aspect of this tool.

Quite often I'll come across a Library of Congress subject heading and wonder: "which patron is going to use that search term?" LC subject headings have been criticized because of its sometimes vague and technical subject terms.

Delicious is so user-friendly with everyday, common language tags. As a cataloger, I've been trained to keep our authority records clean. What if my library decides to add tagging to our materials? Will I freak out? Hmm...maybe not. I'll know better when the time comes... Would tagging by our patrons complement and enhance our OPAC? Sure! It'll be the best of both worlds.

Online gaming

2008-12-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm at work and can't play any games. I explored the gaming links. However, I am going to read Grand Theft Childhood: the Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games Kutner and Olson. I am still not convinced that gaming is 'all' good for children.

RSS Feeds

2008-12-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

I love the one-stop reading of my favorite websites, people, and places. You know where to find me if I'm suffering from information overload?

Thing 7 Image Generator

2008-12-26T08:37:00.001-08:00

Mashups

2008-12-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Mashups? Its connotation made me dread Thing6. But now that I've explored mashups- I LOVE them and admire the people who create them.
Here's a quote from the creator of the mashup Color Fields: "To those that question the utility of this little application, let me point out that it is a toy -- like all the stuff on my website. Its purpose is simply to provide wonder and delight. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn't that enough? -- jbum

CTLS2.0

2008-12-26T07:50:00.001-08:00

DSC01277
Originally uploaded by cityofroundrock

Organizing information- merging the Reference and Circulation collection at the Round Rock Public Library

Wow! I'm a blogger now!

2008-12-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

Techno-savvy I'm not; but I'm a blogger now. Follow here for my reviews of 'Just add water' Indian recipes using ready-made mixes.

Ok, not all are the 'Just add water' type. But, the recipes I've picked are easy, inexpensive, and close to authentic.

And best of all, they are better suited to the American palate.

Happy experimenting!