The final lesson this week took us to LibraryThing, a site where anyone can create a catalog of their personal library. Much like DVD Aficionado, LibraryThing can get pretty exact. Own a first edition of the Lord of the Rings? Or perhaps the edition of Enders Game containing a deleted chapter where Ender and Bean let some pigs loose in the school?* You can tell LibraryThing you own that that edition and brag to your friends!
I only added 6 titles to my catalog for now, and I've got plenty more at home to do. One thing I do recommend though, especially if you're a stickler for accuracy: search by ISBN. This way you can make sure you've got the right publisher, the right edition, and the right cover. Sounds like a lot of work though, huh? I mean, I've got somewhere between 100-200 books on my shelves, including lots of books that have been released and re-released countless times! That's a lot of ISBNs!
This is where LibraryThing goes from great to SUPERAWESOMENIFTYKEEN!
Cue the... errr... :CueCat! This awesome little barcode scanner, coupled with LibraryThing, makes entering in your entire library easier than Tote Checkin (no pesky exceptions). For just $15, you can buy a :CueCat from LibraryThing, plug it into your USB port at home, and start scanning like there's no (shipment) tomorrow. How awesome is that?!
If only the cat at home could enter ISBNs for me. Sadly, mostly he just sleeps and begs for food.
*Edit*
While I read a lot, that doesn't mean I read well. I completely skipped one of the most important things!
A very piratey library collection
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Chapter 10: In which the Pirates explore Social Bookmarking
Exercise #12 is here and its all about Social Bookmarking. And more to the point, its about the website del.icio.us. This website is all about saving your bookmarks, tagging them, and how those tags can help you and others find other sites related to your bookmarks.
Right away I found some interesting stuff by following tags. Beginning with the KCLS 27 Things del.iciou.us page, I clicked on the Cookbook tag, which linked to a useful tutorial on how to use del.icio.us as a virtual cookbook. An interesting read, but not particularly useful for someone who doesn't have to try very hard to burn water. So I browsed the related tags and decided to check out the Tools tag. That, I can tell you, is a very broad tag. So I narrowed it down a bit, and clicked the Windows tag. And, because I'm running Windows Vista at home, I followed one more link and used the Vista tag. Here I found links on "things you didn't know about Vista", and "how to dual boot XP and Vista". Now thems some good readins!
Obviously, this is a fairly Me-oriented experience, but its a great example of how del.icio.us can help people browse all sorts of information! Beginning with a vague topic of interest, perhaps for your next thesis paper, you can follow related tags from other users and find some interesting sites with ease! There are tons of boring sites on the internet, but with del.icio.us you will have an easier time finding the more interesting ones!
Right away I found some interesting stuff by following tags. Beginning with the KCLS 27 Things del.iciou.us page, I clicked on the Cookbook tag, which linked to a useful tutorial on how to use del.icio.us as a virtual cookbook. An interesting read, but not particularly useful for someone who doesn't have to try very hard to burn water. So I browsed the related tags and decided to check out the Tools tag. That, I can tell you, is a very broad tag. So I narrowed it down a bit, and clicked the Windows tag. And, because I'm running Windows Vista at home, I followed one more link and used the Vista tag. Here I found links on "things you didn't know about Vista", and "how to dual boot XP and Vista". Now thems some good readins!
Obviously, this is a fairly Me-oriented experience, but its a great example of how del.icio.us can help people browse all sorts of information! Beginning with a vague topic of interest, perhaps for your next thesis paper, you can follow related tags from other users and find some interesting sites with ease! There are tons of boring sites on the internet, but with del.icio.us you will have an easier time finding the more interesting ones!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Chapter 9: In which the Pirates struggle with MySpace E-mail Verification
A note about last week's final assignment.
We were instructed to Friend the KCLS 27 Things MySpace account. Unfortunately, I have yet to do that successfully, since MySpace pretty much refuses to verify my e-mail address. I've clicked the Verification link (1)while logged in to MySpace; (2)logged out of MySpace; (3)after logging out of MySpace and closing all IE windows; and (4)after logging out of MySpace and copy/pasting the link from the e-mail as opposed to clicking it.
The end result: I still have yet to successfully verify my e-mail address. Until this gets resolved, that final step isn't "complete" but having tried repeatedly, I listed it as complete on my Progress Log.
In case the Library Mafia tries to apprehend me for lying on my Progress Log, be aware Pirates are the fiercest warriors around! Even ninja's tread lightly around peg-legs and eyepatches!
We were instructed to Friend the KCLS 27 Things MySpace account. Unfortunately, I have yet to do that successfully, since MySpace pretty much refuses to verify my e-mail address. I've clicked the Verification link (1)while logged in to MySpace; (2)logged out of MySpace; (3)after logging out of MySpace and closing all IE windows; and (4)after logging out of MySpace and copy/pasting the link from the e-mail as opposed to clicking it.
The end result: I still have yet to successfully verify my e-mail address. Until this gets resolved, that final step isn't "complete" but having tried repeatedly, I listed it as complete on my Progress Log.
In case the Library Mafia tries to apprehend me for lying on my Progress Log, be aware Pirates are the fiercest warriors around! Even ninja's tread lightly around peg-legs and eyepatches!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Chapter 8: In which the Pirates discover Social Networking
Early to post, early to assist others, I always say.
(OK not really)
This (coming) week, we begin our lessons on Social Networking. For the most part, this can be summed up in one(ish) word: MySpace.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other Social Networking sites out there. FaceBook for example. Even "online dating" sites like OK Cupid could be considered a social networking site. They all have to do with sharing yourself and your interests with other users and relating to eachother through shared interests.
MySpace is different though, in that its not just for individuals. Its for people, groups, bands, businesses, and probably even an animal or two! Movie studios are using MySpace to help promote upcoming movies. Bands use it for sharing their music, giving them free exposure. And, as relates to us, libraries are using social networking sites to connect with their patrons. Especially those hard-to-get Teens.
Ordinarily, I'd have been pretty adverse to this idea. What person in their right mind would visit a site like MySpace, filled with millions of teens and 20-somethings incessantly flirting with eachother, to check out whats going on at their local library?! Seems pretty silly to me! However, in reading some of the articles posted for this lesson, I was surprised to find out this seems to more popular than I ever would have imagined! Despite all appearances, many teens really do use MySpace as a social "hub"; both a place to interact with friends, and find things to do in their community!
That doesn't mean every library system in the country should jump on MySpace and create an account. To pull off a successful MySpace page requires someone who knows what they're doing. A teen librarian who isn't just there for a paycheck, but really does connect with teens and knows whats going on in the community. One that can extend that connection onto a website. But given the right people for the job, I'm now convinced social networking and libraries really could mix well!
(OK not really)
This (coming) week, we begin our lessons on Social Networking. For the most part, this can be summed up in one(ish) word: MySpace.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other Social Networking sites out there. FaceBook for example. Even "online dating" sites like OK Cupid could be considered a social networking site. They all have to do with sharing yourself and your interests with other users and relating to eachother through shared interests.
MySpace is different though, in that its not just for individuals. Its for people, groups, bands, businesses, and probably even an animal or two! Movie studios are using MySpace to help promote upcoming movies. Bands use it for sharing their music, giving them free exposure. And, as relates to us, libraries are using social networking sites to connect with their patrons. Especially those hard-to-get Teens.
Ordinarily, I'd have been pretty adverse to this idea. What person in their right mind would visit a site like MySpace, filled with millions of teens and 20-somethings incessantly flirting with eachother, to check out whats going on at their local library?! Seems pretty silly to me! However, in reading some of the articles posted for this lesson, I was surprised to find out this seems to more popular than I ever would have imagined! Despite all appearances, many teens really do use MySpace as a social "hub"; both a place to interact with friends, and find things to do in their community!
That doesn't mean every library system in the country should jump on MySpace and create an account. To pull off a successful MySpace page requires someone who knows what they're doing. A teen librarian who isn't just there for a paycheck, but really does connect with teens and knows whats going on in the community. One that can extend that connection onto a website. But given the right people for the job, I'm now convinced social networking and libraries really could mix well!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Chapter 7: In Which the Flying Spaghetti Monster blesses his People
Getting away from the recent negativity, I found this on last week's Site du jour, Flickr. This needs to be made into a shirt.
Chapter 6: In which the Pirates blunder through more RSS feeds
Wow, two negative(ish) posts in a row! I feel like such a sour-puss!
The more I use Bloglines and browse through RSS feeds, the less I understand their point. So far the only valid reason I've found to use RSS feeds are on mobile phones and the like. My PSP can load websites without too much difficulty, but often times on larger sites runs out of memory. The same is true with mobile phones, often times they have a hard time displaying an entire website without choking. RSS feeds solve this by reducing the amount of memory-heavy content like ads and images. But for your average user, whats wrong with just browsing the website?
Anyways, on to Exercise #8!
My first task was to use one of the provided RSS search tools to add two more feeds to my Bloglines account. Using Syndic8, I was able to locate feeds for Woot.com and Slickdeals.net, however I ended up having to search for their specific name (instead of web deals, deals, etc.) in order to find them. If you're looking for a very general topic, I don't think Syndic8 is the best way to go, because there are so many feeds it can list for any search you may think of. For my part, I would say it is much quicker to find the RSS feeds through your favorite websites, instead of using a search tool to locate them.
I also tried using Feedster and Topix.net to search for two Library-related feeds, and found both inadequate for the job. Without spending too much time on either one, I felt there wasn't a good way right off the bat to narrow your searches. A simple search for libraries located the word libraries in just about every feed imaginable. Any time any article, blog, or website mentioned the word libraries, it caught it and submitted it as a result.
Perhaps I'm just an old fuddy-duddy who yerns for the days of HTML-based Geocities websites with MIDI music in the background, spinning skulls and blinking lights all over the site, and a background that stays put while content scrolls over it. This RSS stuff is too new-fangled for my tastes!
The more I use Bloglines and browse through RSS feeds, the less I understand their point. So far the only valid reason I've found to use RSS feeds are on mobile phones and the like. My PSP can load websites without too much difficulty, but often times on larger sites runs out of memory. The same is true with mobile phones, often times they have a hard time displaying an entire website without choking. RSS feeds solve this by reducing the amount of memory-heavy content like ads and images. But for your average user, whats wrong with just browsing the website?
Anyways, on to Exercise #8!
My first task was to use one of the provided RSS search tools to add two more feeds to my Bloglines account. Using Syndic8, I was able to locate feeds for Woot.com and Slickdeals.net, however I ended up having to search for their specific name (instead of web deals, deals, etc.) in order to find them. If you're looking for a very general topic, I don't think Syndic8 is the best way to go, because there are so many feeds it can list for any search you may think of. For my part, I would say it is much quicker to find the RSS feeds through your favorite websites, instead of using a search tool to locate them.
I also tried using Feedster and Topix.net to search for two Library-related feeds, and found both inadequate for the job. Without spending too much time on either one, I felt there wasn't a good way right off the bat to narrow your searches. A simple search for libraries located the word libraries in just about every feed imaginable. Any time any article, blog, or website mentioned the word libraries, it caught it and submitted it as a result.
Perhaps I'm just an old fuddy-duddy who yerns for the days of HTML-based Geocities websites with MIDI music in the background, spinning skulls and blinking lights all over the site, and a background that stays put while content scrolls over it. This RSS stuff is too new-fangled for my tastes!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Chapter 5: In which the Pirates discover RSS feeds!
I hate to come across as negative, but WOW! This lesson is well beyond anything we've done so far, and in my opinion, beyond what your average computer user will be able to handle. I've been using computers since I was 8, I have my A+ certification (useless, I know), and am a constant internet junkie, and even I was pretty lost at several points! Whats more, asking staff to sign up for seven RSS feeds is asking a lot!
Anyways, to the matter at hand: Blogging about RSS feeds!
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? To be honest, nothing. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I fail to see the point of RSS feeds! If I want to read what Gizmodo has posted today, I check their website! If I'm curious if my room-mate has posted anything on his blog, I check his blog! And if I need up-to-the-minute news, I turn on a TV or the radio. The way RSS has a brief 'intro' to news items is pretty irrelevant as well, since most websites do that on their own. So does it all come down to the lack of ads? Are they really so bothersome for so many people that they had to create a whole new way of viewing news on the web to get around them? And how long do they expect RSS to remain ad-free? Not long, if you ask me.
How can librarie suse RSS or take advantage of this new technology? Often, when the library system is having a big event, it is posted about on our website. But if the event isn't big enough to warrant a front-page post, you have to know where to look for upcoming Events to see if anything new has been added since last you looked. An RSS feed for upcoming events could simplify the way many library patrons are notified about events, both big and small, without forcing them to navigate a website that isn't always the most friendly.
Laurel Steiner thanks the Advocates for tackling one of the (if not THE) most difficult lessons. To the Advocates out there, be warned... this one is a doozie!
Anyways, to the matter at hand: Blogging about RSS feeds!
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? To be honest, nothing. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I fail to see the point of RSS feeds! If I want to read what Gizmodo has posted today, I check their website! If I'm curious if my room-mate has posted anything on his blog, I check his blog! And if I need up-to-the-minute news, I turn on a TV or the radio. The way RSS has a brief 'intro' to news items is pretty irrelevant as well, since most websites do that on their own. So does it all come down to the lack of ads? Are they really so bothersome for so many people that they had to create a whole new way of viewing news on the web to get around them? And how long do they expect RSS to remain ad-free? Not long, if you ask me.
How can librarie suse RSS or take advantage of this new technology? Often, when the library system is having a big event, it is posted about on our website. But if the event isn't big enough to warrant a front-page post, you have to know where to look for upcoming Events to see if anything new has been added since last you looked. An RSS feed for upcoming events could simplify the way many library patrons are notified about events, both big and small, without forcing them to navigate a website that isn't always the most friendly.
Laurel Steiner thanks the Advocates for tackling one of the (if not THE) most difficult lessons. To the Advocates out there, be warned... this one is a doozie!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Chapter 4: In which the Pirates rage against the machine!
For as long as I can remember, there's always been a group of computer users who hate Microsoft, usually for no real reason. They feel Microsoft is somehow an evil corporation, and while they can't explain that feeling, they make sure everyone knows how they feel. Most recently, this means having nothing to do with Internet Explorer, and instead joining one of the mobs that flock to replacements such as Firefox and Opera. Semi-adequate browsers whose popularity seems to be based mostly on the fact that they're not Internet Explorer.
How does this relate to Learning 2.0? Well for today's lesson, we were supposed to browse some of the Flickr mashups. Honestly, I found this hard to do, as most of the websites don't offer summaries of what each mashup does on the main list. Instead, you'd have to click each link individually, read the description, then go back to the main list. Luckily, I found the mashup I was most interested in pretty quickly. Its called Flock.
Flock is a Browser based on the Mozilla engine that makes it easier for Image Sharers, such as Flickr users, to manage and upload their photographs. Without being able to download it here at work, I can't say how good or bad the browser is, but I was quite impressed that someone took the time to recode a browser for Flickr users. This, to me, shows the power such a community can have on the Online community as a whole. These types of mashups and programs give bigger companies like Microsoft hints as to what its users want to see in a browser! Perhaps Flock contains features we may see in a future version of Internet Explorer, or Firefox!
How does this relate to Learning 2.0? Well for today's lesson, we were supposed to browse some of the Flickr mashups. Honestly, I found this hard to do, as most of the websites don't offer summaries of what each mashup does on the main list. Instead, you'd have to click each link individually, read the description, then go back to the main list. Luckily, I found the mashup I was most interested in pretty quickly. Its called Flock.
Flock is a Browser based on the Mozilla engine that makes it easier for Image Sharers, such as Flickr users, to manage and upload their photographs. Without being able to download it here at work, I can't say how good or bad the browser is, but I was quite impressed that someone took the time to recode a browser for Flickr users. This, to me, shows the power such a community can have on the Online community as a whole. These types of mashups and programs give bigger companies like Microsoft hints as to what its users want to see in a browser! Perhaps Flock contains features we may see in a future version of Internet Explorer, or Firefox!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Chapter 3: In which the Pirates play with Legos
Taking a quick break from Learning 2.0, I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is some of the greatest news in computer gaming history:
Lego MMORPG coming soon!
Its almost guaranteed that anyone born from the 50s onward have used Legos. And its also safe to say they all still have a love for the colorful blocks. This is especially true for people around my age or younger, who were given some of the great Lego expansions, like the Castles and Pirates sets. And with the success of Lego games like "Star Wars", its hard to imagine anyone out there would be against creating a persistant Lego world where players could build just about anything!
For my part, even if Lego imposes lots rules and regulations to keep children safe from the dangers of the Online Community (as if any kid playing a Lego MMO doesn't already know), I would be all over this! Its the Hello Kitty! MMORPG for the Toy Elite!
Lego MMORPG coming soon!
Its almost guaranteed that anyone born from the 50s onward have used Legos. And its also safe to say they all still have a love for the colorful blocks. This is especially true for people around my age or younger, who were given some of the great Lego expansions, like the Castles and Pirates sets. And with the success of Lego games like "Star Wars", its hard to imagine anyone out there would be against creating a persistant Lego world where players could build just about anything!
For my part, even if Lego imposes lots rules and regulations to keep children safe from the dangers of the Online Community (as if any kid playing a Lego MMO doesn't already know), I would be all over this! Its the Hello Kitty! MMORPG for the Toy Elite!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Chapter 2: In which the Pirates discover Flickr!
Learning 2.0 has sent the Pirates into the unknown wilds of Flickr this week, and it didn't take long before His Noodliness appeared! That the Great Noodle appears on Flickr suggests clear paths and much treasure ahead.
Now if only I could find some hams...
Now if only I could find some hams...
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