# XXIII SUMMARY !!! I did it!

I am so glad I could have this opportunity to learn about the 23Things. I thought it might be too frustrating and time consuming but at the same time, I have always wanted to be able to learn how to do more things on the web and the computer. "If you don't have to use something...you usually don't learn it," has been my experience.
I am grateful to everyone who has helped me, supported me and cheered me on. I am really glad to see everyone's blogs and to learn more about the people I work with. It is fun to see the avatars, pictures and blog layouts others have chosen use and their impressions and reactions to each of the things has been especially helpful and encouraging.
I want to continue to learn more "things" and revisit some of these. I like Flickr, Bloglines, the Meez avatars, Google.docs, Youtube and Del.icio.us.
Thank you for this opportunity! I look forward to the next challenge.

#XXII. OVERDRIVE or NETLIBRARY

I subscribed to Overdrive and looked at Project Gutenberg and Netlibrary too. I can't download them on my iPOD but I could listen/watch at home. I don't think I would because our computer is in the basement. If I had one near my sewing room I could listen to a book while I sewed...I am glad for the opportunity to learn though because I would be able to help a patron now.

#XXI. Tools for Locating Podcasts

I used all 3 of the podcast directories. Yahoo was the successful one for me and very easy to use. I am sure the others are too. The other two didn't work due to the lack of hardware/software (?).
I picked an NPR radio program*, to go along with my "past to the future" theme on my blog.

I sort of had an idea of what a podcast is, but I am glad to have a simple definition readily available to read at the top of the home page to set me at ease.

While searching for a podcast I noticed quite a few educational/how to's which would be helpful at the library. We could also set up our own podcasts to demonstrate how to navigate through a patron's library account, request an ILL book, how to sign up for a computer, search the catalog, and more.

* http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=1090

# XIX. Web 2.0 Award List

I am glad to see that I have used some of the sites on the Web 2.0 award list even before I started 23 things. Maps.google, Google.docs, Youtube.

Looksmart's Furl, your personal web file looks useful. Under the RSS list I found Zen Habits which seemed like it would be useful personally and professionally.

I agree with Michelle on One Sentence. Very poetic and thought provoking.

Pbwiki looked like it could be a possibility for the library for children or teens to use as a source for information and/or to become more involved at the library by adding content or comments.

I am glad to have the list and categories of the winners from seomoz.org so I can go back and check out some of the others in the future.

#XVIII. Web-based online productivity tools

I really like the ability to access the documents from anywhere. What a great idea. When I go visit family or travel on vacation I have access to everything I need wherever I am.
I created some documents in Zoho Writer. I modified a template (ID Card) and changed some of the settings for the appearance of the word processing site. I found it confusing to use. I could click to the templates and preview them but I didn't see how to get back to word processing again. I had a difficult time with the template. I couldn't change the size of it. I did download a photo from flickr and insert it in the ID Card. I wanted to put it in this post but wasn't able to figure it out. Too much time needed too.
I just happened to use Google.docs on Sunday. I needed to type some information while in gmail and thought I would try doing there instead of going to Word. It seemed easy to use and easier to understand. I was able to email the info easily and quickly. I don't think it has all the options but I probably won't need them anyway.

# XVII. SANDBOX / FAVORITE BLOGS

I added my favorites to the sandbox, it was a little confusing but I was able to do it. I wanted to go back and edit the name of the page but I couldn't see a way to do that.

I had a lot of trouble adding my blog to the list of favorites. I had some extra characters that I didn't realize were there. Thanks to Peggy, my blog is now on the list.

# XVI. Learn about WIKIs

The only WIKI I knew of before this was wikipedia. On the negative side, I don't like the idea that people can contribute without being qualified. I didn't know until this "thing" that anyone can edit anyone's WIKI or write mean spirited or false statements.

On the positive side, people who aren't techies can create a website without too much training. The public can benefit from a Library WIKI or another organization that is monitored responsibly. I liked the SJCPL Subject guide. I learned some good information for genealogy research. I also liked the Library 2.0 in 15 min. There are more "things" to do and some good explanations/directions for how to learn about them. I also liked the Book Lovers WIKI. I saw some books there that I wasn't familiar with and I liked the reviews. I looked at Merlin and know I will be returning there for more investigation because I want to find more training and learn more about what other libraries in Maryland are doing and have to offer.

# XV. WEB 2.0, Library 2.0 and the Future of Libraries

There is a world of technology that I am just learning about thanks to 23 things...I look forward to exploring the virtual possibilities that are available. In addition to the hardware and software the perception of what it means to be a librarian is part of the present and the future as well. I was raised on the card catalog so the virtual world and computers are still a slightly scary mystery for me. I was also taught that it was cheating to ask others for help. Group work is the norm in school and in the business world. Sharing information only makes us stronger, more efficient and have a better chance of being successful. "The Machine is Us"
Working in Tech services I would like to see a faster more efficient method to retrieve bibliographic information. I found the "to better bibliographic services" and "endeca-based NC state catalog" very informative.
I plan to investigate this area of technology in more depth very soon.

# XIV. Technorati

I found the above site to be just as it sounds--very techno oriented. It was more difficult for me to understand, but it you are a techie I think it would definitely be of interest.

# XIII. Del.icio.us Social Bookmarking

I signed up and bookmarked some sites. I found it easy to use but I doubt I will ever use it again. It seems like this type of site would be useful for people in the writing profession.

# IX. MERLIN

I subsribed to Merlin and I think it could be a relevant connection for me in tech services. There is a blog to monitor or ask questions and training opportunities are posted on the calendar.
I added 4 more feeds to my bloglines account. Two for librarians and one about alternative energy. I wanted to find one for quilters. I didn't notice one. I did see at least two for knitters. I think both Merlin and Bloglines are easy to use.

#VII. iPODs and iTUNES

I got an iPOD for my birthday. Using two different books about iPODs, I was able to learn how to edit titles, add information, make chapters play in order on the spoken word books, and burn CDs. I also got a car charger and a tape connector thingy so I can play my iPOD through the car music system. What a thrill! I also enjoyed buying old songs that my father loved to play. His were on 78's and LPs, which I can't play even though my mom still has them. The songs bring back happy memories and I still enjoy them as much as I did then.

#VI. Montager Mashups

I think I would use the Montager. I love montages and collages. Trip Planner would be useful. When my family travels, my mom always likes to know where we will be. When we return home, we can insert the photos into the Planner and all the information will be there in one unit.

The mashups are too complex for me right now, but if I wait long enough, about 20 minutes(!), the process will probably be easier to execute.

#I. Setting up my blog

I am excited about my new blog. I know I will need help to learn how to use it. The appearance of the blog is very important to me. I like being creative and choosing how to arrange the elements and the colors and text. Ann suggested that I find a painting to download? to my computer then upload? to my blog from her favorite site. I wasn't sure what to choose since time is a factor so I happened to find this dog. It looks similar to our dog so I thought I would enjoy looking at it as I worked on my 23 things.

#XX. Toby Kisses a Frog

My husband took this video of our dog, Toby. He has been chasing frogs his whole life. He has always managed to get close but to avoid contact--just in time!
(Just the way he chases squirrels, rabbits and deer)!!!
I am so glad I learned how to embed our own video in my blog all by myself!

# XI A. Mally's Bookshelf

# XI A: I had my library listed with all the books listed randomly with author, title and the cover. I realized that it took up too much space. I added two new books today and Mandy C helped me to change the widgit so that only 2 of the newest books would be displayed in my blog and that they would appear as a Page Element so that the look of the blog is simpler and easier to read. I also changed the type style.
Thanks so much for helping me, Mandy.

# XII. Bookfinder Rollyo

I created a rollyo titled "Bookfinder" to help me find books that I need to order for the library.
Please visit my Rollyo Bookfinder here.

#X. Meez Mally

Surfs Up!
What fun to make a sort-of-me! I love swimming in the ocean and riding a boogie board.

#V. Flickr: Mist

Early morning mist on the lake. A second attempt to post a Flickr photo of Canada by myself. I love the early morning mist on Loon Lake...a meditation.

Peace...
Breathe...

#VIII. Bloglines and RSS's

I subscribed to bloglines and then subscribed to 6 feeds. I would like to add a blog about Loon Lake. I emailed my BOL to get it. It seems like it could be useful for me to keep up with the news, info about dogs and new technology in easy to understand terminology. The explanation for the purpose of RSS's and BLOGS was very simple and fun to watch.


http://www.bloglines.com/search?q=mhuddleston&ql=en&s=f&pop=l&news=m

# II. Learning is...acquiring a new skill or knowledge

#II Learning Contract
I think the learning contract is very helpful for me because it
specifically lays out the steps needed to be successful in a structure
that I can understand. I sometimes have a hard time deciding how to prioritize. Writing down thoughts also makes them clearer for me.

I need help with the tracking log.


Mally