Thing #6 (Online Image Generator)

This was another fairly simple exercise. I loved the Carleton College librarian trading cards. Author trading cards might be fun for kids. They love to collect things.

Thing #5 (More Flickr Fun)

This was a fun and easy exercise. I found a picture on Flickr and made a puzzle. Rather than upload the puzzle to Flickr, I saved it in a file on my computer, and uploaded it to my blog. I just felt uncomfortable manipulating someone else's picture, and then putting it back on Flickr. While I'm reluctant to put my own personal photos on Flickr, even though they can be marked private, mash-ups are still a great way to create posters and promotional materials for libraries.

Thing #4 (Flickr)

Lake Charlevoix Sunset 2
Originally uploaded by Andrew Morrell Photography

I tried several times to upload a picture from Flicker by pasting in the web address, and couldn't get it to work. Consequently, I'm quite good at deleting postings. I ended up going to the Flickr help page, registered my blog with Flickr and clicked the blog this button. I don't think this is a tool that I will use a lot. Putting my photos on the web just seems like a strange thing to do. I do think this is a wonderful tool for libraries.

Thing #3 (RSS)

I set up an account with Google Reader and added several feeds. It was surprisingly easy to do. This is a very convenient way to stay updated on news and areas of interest.

Thing #2

I watched the video and read several articles. What a lot of information to process! John Blyberg’s blog post was a little reminiscent of the Opposing Viewpoints Series. Libraries do need to keep up with technology. Web 2.0 tools are a way to promote library programs and services and to provide computer savvy people with information in a way that is relevant and useful to them. At the same time, we can’t forget about the many people who did not grow up with computers and are not comfortable using them.

I'm finding learning the 23 things to be exciting, but at the same time, I'm a little apprehensive. It reminds me of jumping off a diving board for the first time as a child. I wasn't sure I wanted to do it, but finally I held my nose, closed my eyes and jumped. I'm taking the plunge again. This time I'll keep my eyes open.

Thing #1

Setting up my blog was not too difficult. The directions were very clear. The avatar took a little longer. I spent quite a bit of time trying different outfits and backgrounds, and Yahoo froze up a few times as I was trying to check out different options. Blogging does seem like an easy and useful way to share information. However, being a rather private person, I'm not sure that it's for me.

My first post

I have to admit to being somewhat hesitant, even reluctant, to do 23 Things on a Stick. After listening to my coworkers talk about things like avatars, rss and flickr, I felt a little left behind. Now that I actually have a blog set up, I'm looking forward to the rest of the project.