THING #23 : Conclusion

In a word- "YAY"... I have finally completed all "23 Things". Although I was a little nervous and apprehensive about starting the program, it has been a fun and exciting journey. I have learnt a lot, and now have a better understanding of social networking and the new Web 2.0 technologies.

Tools like Facebook, You Tube and MSN I had used extensively prior to starting the '23 Things' program, though the applications offered by Google fascinated me the most. When I think Google, I think of general searching and images. I never knew Google offered so much more (ie. Docs, Books, Scholar and Talk), and that it's maps application was as sophisticated and 'detailed' as it was. I do think Google should promote these more.

Another thing I enjoyed about "23 Things" was that the program allowed us to show our 'creative sides', by using image generators and creating our own iGoogle page and a slideshow for some of our favourite photos. The fun element encourages you to stay on track for the completion of the whole project.

I believe the Library could use some of these technologies to improve it's services to our clients. Ideas that came to mind include:

• an online "Ask the Librarian" reference service, modelled on the MSN / Google Talk concept. If successful, it could replace InfoQuest.
• the use of VODs for delivering some of the User Education session- ie. campus based introduction sessions on use of the library, use of particular databases, EndNote and / or other online and electronic products.

I am not sure how the program could be improved, as I didn't really have any major problems. Each week's activity had clear instructions to follow, and support staff to guide you, should you need help.

Whilst the "23 Things" program has now finished, I would like to see it continue, as I am sure there are other new technologies that we will need to learn about as time goes on.
The idea that it's a professional development activity we've ALL had to be part of was a fantastic idea. Even if we don't continue to use all of the applications learnt, we would all have a similar level of understanding of how these products work, and the confidence to assist clients who may need help in using them.

I definitely won't continue blogging though. Blogging has never interested me, nor do I have anything worth blogging about!
Facebook, You Tube, MSN and Google Maps are applications I will continue to use. Exposure to Flickr has given me inspiration though to do something with the bus photos I have taken. Now I can upload them to a Flickr site (or similar) for others to see- instead of having them stuck on my camera's memory card.

Finally... I must thank Dianna of "23 Things Support" for the help she gave me on one of my 'Things', and a bigger thanks to "Bye Bye Bibliotecaria" for her ongoing encouragement and support. She was right- it wasn't that hard after all!

THING #18 : The Library 2.0 movement

WOW- lots of reading to do this week and lots to take in!

After reading about Library 2.0, Encore and Ebsochost 2.0, and listening to the "Library 2.0 Gang" with Talis, I definitely believe that this is a really exciting time for libraries, and more so for library users, with all the new technologies and products that are becoming available for them to use.

For this part of the "23 Things" project, I decided to do some searching on Encore. Having never used it before, I wanted to get more of a 'feel' about how it works and what it offers.

One such search I did was locating resources on "beauty therapy"... and I have to say that I was quite impressed with the type of results Encore provides. Apart from displaying information on the physical items held by VU, it also presents a number of features to refine or extend your search further. Of those, the 'tag cloud' was my favourite, as it offers a myriad of search terms (all Library of Congress subject heading based- minus the sub-divisions), that searchers may have never thought about using to aid the refining process.

I can see the image library proving to be a hit- especially with our students when it comes to doing the ever popular skin diseases assignment. They always need photos of the skin conditions they are investigating.

The "Did You Mean" feature is fantastic, especially if you have misspelt your initial search terms. By offering the correct spelling of your search terms, it saves you from having to re-enter it all over again. It is no doubt based on Google's principle of searching.

My only criticism towards Encore is that as a library user, I would like to see the full holdings records displayed (ie. location, call numbers and status) of each individual physical item held by the library when an initial search is performed. It would just make the interface look more like a library catalogue.

Still... I do like Encore, and hope it can be fully implemented soon.

THING #15B : Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a great starting point for those doing research, who don't belong to a university or TAFE library, where access to databases and electronic journals would normally be available.

Information provided is more scholarly than a normal google search, presenting a range of peer-reviewed articles and papers, theses, abstracts and scholarly literature on a chosen topic.

Some of these articles / papers are presented in abstract format, although full-text material is available.

If VU holds the desired material you are after, Google Scholar will take you direct to the database or journal, saving you having to search for it through the library catalogue, which is a great time-saving idea.

THING #15A : Google Book Search

Google Book Scholar reminds me of of the electronic books that we have access to via the library catalogue.

I did a search for books about massage and was surprised to see that of the first 30 books listed, our library had at least half of these- the majority of which are popular titles that our students use. In the event the popular titles were out on loan, our students could refer to these Google Books instead.

The downside to using Google books however, are the copyright limits imposed by authors and publishers. Many titles had "limited preview", showing you the first 20 or so pages (sometimes more), where others had a chapter or a page or 2 "randomly" omitted, which I would fine really annoying- especially if that particular chapter was of importance to me. Few did offer full-view access.

Whilst I can understand why safeguards like this are put into place, the fact that you can't download, cut and paste, or print any sections of these books should be enough to prevent users breaching copyright.

THING #17 : Delicious

Delicious is a useful tool if you want to access your bookmarks (favourites) from multiple locations.

For this task I created a Delicious account and added bookmarks of some of my favourite sites- mainly to do with buses. I explored other people's trails and added a couple of their favourites to my account, and tagged each.

Apart from the convenience factor, I am not into social bookmarking, as I don't feel the need to share my bookmarks with others.

THING #16 : iGoogle

I have created my own iGoogle page, which was a lot of fun to do.
Choosing a theme was a little difficult, as there was such a large variety of these to choose from. The artist themes were my favourite, as they were more creative than some of the general ones. The artist theme pictures also change at various times throughout the day to make your iGoogle page a little more interesting. The theme I chose was Astro Boy, as I use to watch and idolise him when I was little.

Adding gadgets can be really addictive!
I wanted to add all the funny and interesting ones, but had to control myself in the end, wondering how many of them I was really going to use.
Gadgets that I added (amongst others) include: the Herald Sun and Google New Feeds, weather, Google Map Search, You Tube, Facebook and a currency converter, which will come in handy- especially at the moment as the dollar continues to fall during this global credit crisis.
Many of these gadgets I would use on a daily basis, so having page where they are all grouped together is real time saver.

Would I like to work for Google?... Well, I've seen various stories on Today Tonight (Channel 7) and on You Tube about what Google is like to work for... and if the staff have as much fun as they claim they do- ABSOLUTELY!

THING #14 : Google Docs

Applications in Google Docs (documents, spreadsheets and presentations) are easy to use and are very similar to Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. The only main differences I could see were the aesthetics of the page layouts, which looked quite 'simple', as they didn't have the extra toolbars for advanced formatting and design like the said Microsoft products offer. Also, the number of fonts available for use are limited.

On the plus side, Google Docs has a larger range of templates than Microsoft have for creating resumes, cover letters, business plans, labels, photo albums, expense sheets and more. Each includes a sample image of what the templates will look like, a description about it, and it's intended audience.

I had a play around with Google Docs, but because I couldn't think up a document to produce, I have nothing to share or post to my blog... although I did learn how to do both.

The whole idea of being able to access documents from any computer, anywhere is a great idea, and is quite similar to the concept of the Library's Y-Drive. Being able to share documents is also really convenient- especially if a number of people are working on a group assignment / project and can't get together at the one time to contribute thoughts, ideas and suggestions on the issue being researched into.

Initially, I was worried about the sharing process, but learnt that as the author, it's up to you who you allow to view your work, or let collaborate with you.
Though in saying that, as the Google Docs program is stored on a server somewhere in cyberspace, so is your work... and it would be awful if for some reason your work was somehow made available in the public domain-- especially if it is of confidential nature!

As for whether Google Docs poses any competition to desktop office suits like Microsoft Office... I really don't think so! I believe users of products like Microsoft Word / Excel etc. are happy with it's functionality and offerings... and how many people would want their work (documents) stored on a cyberspace server?
I also wonder how many people know that Google Docs exist and what is offers? I had never heard of it myself until I had started the 23 Things program... so maybe Google need to promote this application more to alert computer users of it's existence.

THING #22 : Communication

I have signed up for Google Talk and have called myself "Mr.Have.A.Chat", which I thought was such an apt name! Add me as a contact if you wish.

I am no stranger to online instant messaging, as I have used MSN Messenger for many years. The beauty of tools like MSN is that they allow you to "talk" (chat) to one, or a multiple number of your friends at the same time, as well as uploading / downloading documents, photos or music etc. that you wish to file-share amongst yourselves.
Not that I have participated often, but group discussions can be really useful- especially if you are trying to organise a get-together, or do a group assignment, and can't all be at the one place at the same time to do it.

Though in saying all of the above, the amount of time I have spent chatting on MSN in recent months has declined sharply- mainly due to the amount of time it can involve. Some conversations can last anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour or two- or more, which in some cases, I find it easier to have a conversation over the phone, as you can cover a lot more ground in a lot less time.

I believe tools like Google Talk / MSN (and equivalent) do have a place in libraries, providing the services they are being used for are marketed properly. For example, an online "Ask the Librarian" reference service could be offered between library's and their patrons (though users of this service may have to register, so as it would be somewhat controlled).

For staff, Google Talk and MSN could replace traditional face-to-face meetings, for example, Lending Services and Section Heads, where staff need to travel from various campus / branch libraries to attend. However, if technology permitted, video conferencing, using Skype would be ideal tool to use.

THING #5 and #6 : Flickr and More Flickr!

Those of you who know me, know that I love public transport- especially buses. So for these exercises, I have decided to create a slideshow (see side bar) of some of the bus photos I have taken.
These shots centre on the Kefford Corporation, who operate such companies as Eastrans and Westrans- one of the main bus providers in the western suburbs.

Most of the photos are of "high floor" buses, as these are slowly being phased out- especially on route service, to allow for the new low floor variety to make bus travel more accessible.

Nothing beats a B10M!

THING #7 : Image Generator

THING #8 : Library Thing

For this exercise, I chose to use "Shelfari", as I liked the look of the bookshelves- they actually looked real!
I added some books to my shelf, which was easy, though books that weren't in the database, came up with black covers-- which to be honest, didn't look nice on a new set of shelves. Not really a good look!

Shelfari does have an option to upload your own covers, but this option wasn't working properly. I contacted Shelfari Technical Support, who fixed my problem.

THING #21 : Podcasting

Being able to listen to, or watch what you want, when you want is a phenomenal concept- and both podcasting and vodcasting offer this.

I love the idea of being able to "time shift" my favourite programs, listening to, or watching them at convenient time that suits. And, if you're like me, and forget to set the video to tape the shows you really don't want to miss, then both podcasting and vodcasting are a real lifesaver!

Until I started browsing, I had no idea as to the type and amount of programs available in the above mentioned formats.

Using my Google Reader (and some help from one of the 23 Things Support Staff), I have subscribed, listen to or watched:

• 3AW Breakfast- because you can't listen to 2 breakfast radio shows at once!
• Gardening Australia- to inspire me to do gardening at home
• The Collectors- as I love to know what bizaare things people are collecting and
• LateLine (ABC)- to keep up to date on the "big stories" that made news that day, or news that will be making headlines tomorrow.

THING #20 : You Tube

Exploring You Tube is just like delving into Pandora's Box- you just don't know what you're going find! This online video sharing website contains "oodles and oodles" of commercials, episodes of television shows, music videos and songs- new and old, making nostalgia buff's like me more excited than Imelda Marcos shopping for shoes. There is a myriad of armature documentaries and videos on any topic you can think of too.

Searching You Tube for videos about libraries, librarians and new web technologies, I came across "Libraries in 2010".
Although humorous in parts, the presenter reinforces the importance of libraries, or rather, "we" as library staff, keeping up to date with new information trends and emerging technologies (like pod casting, blogs, social networking tools)- or face becoming redundant!

By keeping ourselves informed and educated we can remain leaders of the information community and encourage library users to embrace these new emerging technologies too. This can be done by incorporating the above mentioned technologies into our information literacy programs.

This video also reiterates how participating in professional development activities, like the "23 Things" program will help us to develop our skills to become competent in the use of Web 2.0 Technologies, so we can share our skills and knowledge with our clients.

Performing searches on You Tube for library themed material was actually quite fun! I came across a few instructional videos on how to use libraries (user ed. stuff), but these were American based- though still quite informative. Episodes of "The Librarian" from the ABC had been posted, as well as sketches from Mr. Bean, The Mary Hartman Show, and even Sesame Street- with Cookie Monster finding out the hard way that cookies aren't allowed in the library!
It was at this point, I decided to search for my favourite Sesame Street alphabet segment of all time.
How familiar are you with the letter "N"?

THING #19 : WIKI

Meet Chloe! She stars on the VU Wiki Library Pet Page.
Chloe is 14 years old (her birthday is today), and is a pure bred Maltese Terrier, who is almost human like. Chloe has mothered every pet we have ever had, and even uses her mothering instincts on us humans, keeping vigil by your beside when you are unwell.
Chloe likes sitting in her bed to either rest, or to watch what's happening around her. Don't think about moving her though. In the event you do, she will say: "No, no, no"... which is the only human word she can say.

THING #13 : Google Maps

The concept of Google Maps is a great idea- especially if you have a Melways that is way out of date! Having never used this application before, I found it amazing to think that my journey from Point A to B could be mapped out for me, with clear, simple instructions and travel times too.

I tried a few examples of travelling from my home to work, shopping centres and friends’ houses to see how Google Maps 'thought' I should get to each place. While results were quite pleasing, the shortest route there wasn't always suggested.

The Google Maps street view function was fascinating, providing a real 'close-up' view of many of Melbourne's suburban streets. This feature is really useful, especially if you are house hunting or wanted to see what a particular street or area looked like.

I searched for my own street, but it is not included at present, although the main street which shows the entry to my housing estate is.

Looking for the City King Street campus of the university was a little annoying, as Google Maps didn't like searching for the 225 King Street address... and instead, kept showing me the alley behind our building! I found our campus eventually by scrolling down Lonsdale Street, and 'virtually' turning left into King Street. I tried finding the Melton campus, and that was easy. I even recognised my car in the car park, meaning the photo would have been taken in the last 3 months of 2007 when I was working out there.

I also found photos of a couple of friends’ houses too.

Google Maps may be seen as a privacy issue by some, as their house and /or street is viewable, but I don't have any problems with this, as there is no difference in someone driving past your place to see where you live.

THING #12 : MySpace Vs. Facebook

View my Facebook page here.
Feel free to add me as your friend!

I have been using Facebook since November 2007, and although I had reservations about setting up such an account, I have never looked back! While some members use this site to send their "friends" messages, post videos and play games (amongst a multitude of other applications available), my primary use has been searching for and reconnecting with old friends from primary and high school, and old work colleagues... as well as keeping up-to-date with the happenings of my "everyday friends", work mates at both VU and Safeway, and some of the students at the university, who have either requested me to be their friend, or who have allowed me to be theirs.
Once you start searching, it's amazing who you can find, demonstrating how small the world really is!

As mentioned, I did have a concern about joining Facebook, and that was to do with privacy- who can see me, or rather- my page. So far I have had no issues, though it does depend on how you set up your account- ie. making it searchable for anyone worldwide to see vs. private, and whom you allow to be your friend.

I did check out MySpace to compare the two- but still prefer Facebook. To me, MySpace looks like one giant photo album... as well as appearing to attract, and cater for a younger demographic.

THING #11 : Subscribe to some blogs

Finding blogs to subscribe to became quite frustrating. The majority of those examined did not contain library issues that were of interest to me, or they were American-- when I would have preferred to subscribe to something more 'close to home'.

In the end, I settled on:

• The Shifted Librarian and
• Stephen's Lighthouse- which I think is quite interesting.

THING #10 : Add some subscriptions

Following on from Thing #9, I added:

• The Herald Sun: as it is my newspaper of choice to read, covering all the local news stories that matter to me.
• Sky News: for it's comprehensive 24 hour coverage of local and international news and events. Often when I go away on short breaks, the hotels at which I stay have access to Sky News via Austar. Many of the presents are familiar, and I am happy with their coverage of stories-- although having the days headlines and main stories repeated every 15 mins. does become tiring!

I am not sure how I would use RSS Feeds in my working life, other than referring to them to keep me up to date with news of the day. I think they would be more use to library patrons researching current issues in the media.

I am not a fan of RSS Feeds myself, as they can provide you with an overwhelming amount of information... and if not checked regularly, can clog your email inbox.

Personally, when it comes to finding out what's making news throughout the day, I prefer to listen to talkback radio- ie. 3AW. Although a different medium, radio is instant, covering all the big stories as they happen, allowing for listener opinions and reactions.

THING #9 : Set up a feed reader

I set up a feed reader via Google Reader (with a little bit of help) and added some subscriptions (feeds).

THING #4 : Commenting on each others' blogs

Commenting on each others' blogs- completed.

Posting comments is really easy to do. It is interesting to see the thoughts and opinions of what the Library Staff think about the 23 Things Program, as each activity is completed- especially when they share the same views as you!

I also like looking at the different blogs to see how we have each designed our pages. It’s the fun elements that have been added that make each page “unique”, as well as allowing us to show our creative sides.

THING #2 : Create your own blog

Well, here I am! I've made it- finally creating my blog after putting it off for so long. It's not that I've not wanted to do it… but looking at all these new web technologies and online tools I need to learn about throughout this program, it feels a little daunting and somewhat overwhelming.

Although I am young- and many people consider the "younger generation" (or those much younger than them) ready to embrace such applications and programs with ease, I consider myself these days to be a little 'slow' at picking up new things. Technology is changing at such a great rate of knots, I find it hard to catch up- or even catch on!

In my job, I see students using tools like MySpace, Facebook, blogs, image creators and more everyday- so I guess, how hard can it really all be? If they can do it, so can I-- right?

All that's left to say is: "23 Things- here I come!"