Thing 19

Podcast, a non-musical audio or video broadcast distributed over the internet. Using an aggregator or RSS feed a podcast can be syndicated, subscribed to and downloaded automatically when new content is added.

I've spent a lot of time searching for that perfect podcast and just decided to listened to MPR: Electionwise, which is a weekly podcast that presents thoughtful answers to listener questions about democratic processes, elections and voting.
I checked out Podcastalley. On the top ten list for September I wanted to listen to #9, Nobody Likes Onions. It said I had to download a podcast software so I continued and chose Primetime Podcast Receiver and after reading about it running in the background of my computer changed my mind. Already have so much loaded and slowing down my computer.

Podcasting did not interest me, maybe I'm just to excited to move on to Thing 20, 21, 22, and finally 23.

Thing 18

I viewed Grand March of the Librarians, (163,740 views), Angry Librarian (414,003 views), Super Librarian (15,618 views) and Librarian Lays Down the Law (16,680 Views) these were all comical and enjoyed the laugh.

Videos posted on a library Web site could show updates on new construction within a library, familiarize a patron with the layout of the library or fun workshops held at the library.

Since today is the first day of school for my grandson, I thought this Sesame Street video was appropriate. Sesame Street News: The First Day of School

The First Day of School

Thing 17

Last year when Linda (my director) showed me how ELM works and what it consisted of, I was amazed at what you could find searching the databases, Proquest, WorldCat and E-books. I think Linda uses it for ILL and I look forward to learning that complete process more in depth. These are creditable sources of information for students and teachers.

Thing 16

University of MN Assignment Calculator, for undergraduate students and Research Project Calculator, for secondary students and teachers (funded jointly by Minitex and MnLink) are valuable tools for research, reports and procrastinators. They offer step by step outlines according to your start and completion dates and even email reminders to keep you on track. Wish I had this when I was in school.

Thing 15

I was looking forward to playing games so I went to directly to Puzzle Pirates and did the bilging, learned to sail and carpentry and left with 241 gold pieces. A fine day's pirating, indeed!
Briefly checked out Info Island and Second Life, like Puzzle Pirates, they take up quit a bit of time and slowed down my computer a lot. They look interesting but I already have a busy and crazy life and do not have time for another. Maybe when I retire I will have more time to play.

Thing 14

Library Thing is a great way to keep track of the books you have read or plan to read. You can also see what others are reading and get their opinion, join a group on specific topics, and add the widget to your blog. This is a great way to promote new and or popular books for a reading program.

Thing 13

I have been using the productivity tools over the last few months and currently use iGoogle. I like it because I can add or delete what works for me. Currently I'm using the To Do list and a count down to Sept. 15, the end of 23 Things, I need to keep on plugging away...10 more things.
Backpack is a very versatile tool and would be great in an office where everyone needs to work together.

Thing 12

I am a news junkie therefore enjoyed checking out Digg, Reddit, Newsvine and Mixx. While they all were similar, I liked Newsvine the best, easier to scan and view an article of interest. Being aware of these tools will most likely not change the way I look for news. I like going directly to my favorite news channels.

Thing 11

Thing 11 is about tagging. I've created a Del.icio.us account and like the idea being able to access my bookmarks from any computer and can follow other peoples tags . I also have a Flickr account and have tagged pictures there and I'm reviewing my blogs and tagging there to. I plan on getting more familiar with the whole concept of tagging, which is another tool to stay connected with the world.

Thing 10

I watched the Common Craft Video on Wikis. They make learning and understanding the topic interesting. Wikis can be very informational but at the same time it makes me wonder how much is fact and how much is fiction.
This is the Wiki I added on 23 Things:
Thing 10...Wiki!

After just finishing Thing 9 and working with Google Docs I see many similarities with Wikis. The difference is with Google Docs you have to be invited to collaborate and with a Wiki you are just out there for anyone in the world to edit or add information. Exciting and scary at the same time.

Thing 9

I think online collaboration programs are great. Another freebie at that! Nothing to download, and you can access your document from any computer with an internet connection. If you want to collaborate on a project, multiple people can view and make changes at the same time. With an on-screen chat window you can see who makes changes and when.
After reading some of uses people are doing with Google Docs I am amazed. Like tracking how many calories they consume or up to the minute with personal finances or how about taking orders to order out for lunch? You can also choose not to share your document.
With Zoho I had to register and before I even had a chance to confirm my registration I forgot my password. Duh! Google Docs seems easier to access, and work with. Google Docs gets my vote!

Thing 8

I made a "going away" book for a person moving to a different job using trading cards/name badges from Big Huge Lab. Everyone loved it and thought it was very creative. AND...I had a blast making it.
With a little imagination programs like Big Huge Lab, Wordle (I used our mission/vision statement) could be used to honor a top reader or to show off the best of books/magazines or events happening at the library.
PictureTrail was used to display camping with the grandchildren. Such enjoyment!

Camping 08