Thing #8

The main thing I like about RSS and newsreaders is that the new information comes to you, you don’t have to search it out or go to the site and look for the latest info. I also like the fact that all this info is not stacking up in my inbox. I decided to use Google Reader as one of my RSS readers. I already had an account and it was pretty simple to use. I decided it would be a good idea to keep up with what is going on locally so I subscribed to the Dallas Morning News feed. Now maybe I’ll be able to make more informed decisions and just become a better all-around citizen. What do you think? Since the news is often so bleak I decided that one news feed was about all the news I could take. One other thing I would like to keep up with is the weather in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We plan to go skiing there during spring break and since the snowfall has been a little sparse this year, I would like to have an update on the snow conditions so I also subscribed to the daily weather forecast. How exciting can that be! Oh well, at least I’ll know whether to take my skis or my walking shoes on our trip! Finally, I ran across some interesting “of the day” sites and thought that could be kind of fun. I subscribed to Fact of the Day. Now I have learned there was a post office on the Russian space station Mir and that the average person presses the snooze button on the alarm clock three times. Next I subscribed to How To of the Day. I can now make a shirt out of a dollar bill and a duct tape mini skirt. Finally, I subscribed to Quote of the Day. Now here’s something I can sink my teeth into. I’ll use these profound quotes to enrich the lives of those in my charge and as well as my colleagues!

I’m not certain as to how I will use RSS in my library. I suppose a library could use an RSS feed to let patrons know about new books, what’s happening in the library, and information in general. And we could provide our patrons access to feeds that might be of interest to them.

Thing #7

Thing # 7, using Google tools, was fun. I selected the Goggle calendar and the notebook as my 2 options. Google calendar was "so simple even a caveman could do it." I set up an original calendar to post my personal information then thought I would set up a second one to post library events. I posted items for November and sent out a few invitations from the calendar. The tutorial gave great step-by-step instructions. It was great. Google notebook however was not as great. I looked at the tutorial but really wasn't certain as to the best way to use it. I used it to look up and link/copy personal information related to health. I love reading about/studying nutrition. And I love using the Internet to find FREE, authoritative information the most current health-related issues. Hopefully I will be able to use the notebook more effectively as time goes by.

Thing # 5

Working in flickr was fun. I was able to find a picture of the ski resort we are taking our grandchildren to at Spring Break. This is a very small, quaint ski resort. We used to take our two daughters here when they were young. Now we are starting a new tradition, or continuing an old one, and I am very excited!

Thing # 3

As you can see, I have completed my Avatar, Zen Phyllis. I wish I could be in this zen state at all times. Of course, sitting on the beach, as you see in my background, would certainly help with that.

Thing # 6

I enjoyed the flickr mashups but at this point in the day my brain is on overload! I was intrigued with the Mosaic Makers and at some point when I have time and pictures, I would like to try my hand at using Mosaic Makers. Today I made a Librarian Trading Card and at this point am not ready to share that "masterpiece." Anyway, I don't think it's a requirement! This has all been fun but as mentioned above, I am on information overload.

24 hours of sunlight

24 hours of sunlight
Originally uploaded by HartDart

I was playing around in flickr and found this picture of Ski Sunlight in Glenwood Springs, CO. I was excited about it because this is where we will be taking our grandchildren for Spring Break next March!

Thing 4

One way that I might use a blog in the library is with the book club. Another use for a blog could be posting reviews on books.

Thing 2

I feel the easiet of the 7 1/2 habits for me would be #1, setting goals, beginning with the end in mind. If I have to choose the most difficult, it would be #4, having confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner.

Thing 1

I am excited about playing with Web 2.0. I am anxious to stay abreast of as much new technology as possible in order to keep up with my students as well as my grandchildren. I love technology and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment as I learn new things.