Listed below are the 21 Things (or small exercises) that you can do on the web to explore and expand your knowledge of the Internet and Web 2.0.
Week 1: Introduction
1. Read this blog & find out about the program.
2. Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.
3. Watch this video from YouTube. (Don't worry if you don't get it. It will definitely make sense soon.) (If the first video link doesn't work for you, try this link to another version!)
4. Finally, spend a little time exploring TEVA and see what kind of fun things you can find from our collection.
Week 2: Blogging
5. Set up your own blog & add your first post.
6. Take a quick tutorial about TEL and spend some time searching TEL for either newspaper articles, health information or even an idea for the next novel you read. Record something on your blog that surprised you from TEL.
Week 3: Photos & Images
7. Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.
8. Have some Flickr fun and discover some Flickr mashups & 3rd party sites.
9. Create a blog post that includes a picture from TEVA or our website and comment on someone else's blog entry.
Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders
10. Learn about RSS feeds and setup your own Bloglines newsreader account.
11. Locate a few useful library related blogs and/or news feeds.
Week 5: Play Week
12. Take a look at LibraryThing and catalog some of your favorite books.
13. Do some searches in Verso for some of your favorite subjects in our collection and record in your blog how successful your searching was.
14. Roll your own search tool with Rollyo.
Week 6: Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati
15. Learn about tagging and discover a Del.icio.us (a social bookmaking site)
16. Explore Technorati and learn how tags work with blog posts.
17. Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries and blog your thoughts.
Week 7: Wikis and Archive-It
18. Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that libraries are using them.
19. Check out the Internet Archive and TSLA's own Archive-It project.
Week 8: Online Applications & Tools
20. Take a look at some online productivity (word processing, spreadsheet) tools.
21. Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
About Learning 2.0
About the Learning 2.0 Project:
This blog has been set-up as part of TSLA's Learning 2.0 project to encourage staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.
This blog has been set-up as part of TSLA's Learning 2.0 project to encourage staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.
The objectives of this program are to:
- encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by TSLA and Regional Library staff.
- provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet).
- reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.
The Learning 2.0 program was adapted from the originally designed program by Helene Blowers, Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County Technology Director, with the support and assitance of several staff and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006) and the website 43Things.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
FAQs
Some FAQs
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs.
Where did TSLA get this crazy idea?
Two TSLA staffers - James Staub and Sue Maszaros - gave it to them! (Don't hate). They attended an online seminar about Library 2.0 technologies and the Learning 2.0 - 23 Things program that the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library originally developed and which has spread to libraries across the country - and even Australia!
Is this program open to all TSLA and Regional staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL TSLA and Regional staff regardless of position and status (full and part time).
How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.
I've seen the list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week, two or three posts will be added to TSLA Learning 2.0 with details about the discovery exercises for that week. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.
Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own! However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to receive full credit for its completion.
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. If you need more help, feel free to contact one of our volunteer tech support folks. See the Need Help? page for a list of volunteer tech support staff.
Need Help?
Don't Panic!
TSLA has a number of staff members on-hand to help you with any questions that you might have. You may call or email any of the Learning 2.0 Tech Support staff designated for TSLA or the Regional libraries.
TSLA:
Tricia Bengel
Trent Hanner
Sue Maszaros
James Staub
Regional Libraries:
Polly Potter (from Nolichucky Region)
Tom Huskisson (from Watauga Region)
Joyce Gunnels (from Reelfoot Region)
Gina Hunter (from Upper Cumberland Region)
TSLA has a number of staff members on-hand to help you with any questions that you might have. You may call or email any of the Learning 2.0 Tech Support staff designated for TSLA or the Regional libraries.
TSLA:
Tricia Bengel
Trent Hanner
Sue Maszaros
James Staub
Regional Libraries:
Polly Potter (from Nolichucky Region)
Tom Huskisson (from Watauga Region)
Joyce Gunnels (from Reelfoot Region)
Gina Hunter (from Upper Cumberland Region)
Friday, June 1, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Week 1: Introduction
1. Read this blog & find out about the program.
2. Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.
3. Watch this video from YouTube. (Don't worry if you don't get it. It will definitely make sense soon.) (If the first video link doesn't work for you, try this link to another version!)
4. Finally, spend a little time exploring TEVA and see what kind of fun things you can find from our collection.
Discovery Exercise Week 1: Share your experiences here!
2. Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.
3. Watch this video from YouTube. (Don't worry if you don't get it. It will definitely make sense soon.) (If the first video link doesn't work for you, try this link to another version!)
4. Finally, spend a little time exploring TEVA and see what kind of fun things you can find from our collection.
Discovery Exercise Week 1: Share your experiences here!
Week 2: Blogging
5. Set up your own blog & add your first post.
6. Take a quick tutorial about TEL and spend some time searching TEL for either newspaper articles, health information or even an idea for the next novel you read. Record something on your blog that surprised you from TEL.
Discovery Exercise Week 2: Share your blog here!
6. Take a quick tutorial about TEL and spend some time searching TEL for either newspaper articles, health information or even an idea for the next novel you read. Record something on your blog that surprised you from TEL.
Discovery Exercise Week 2: Share your blog here!
Week 3: Photos & Images
7. Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.
8. Have some Flickr fun and discover some Flickr mashups & 3rd party sites.
9. Create a blog post that includes a picture from TEVA or our website and comment on someone else's blog entry.
Discovery Excercise Week 3: Share your experiences here!
8. Have some Flickr fun and discover some Flickr mashups & 3rd party sites.
9. Create a blog post that includes a picture from TEVA or our website and comment on someone else's blog entry.
Discovery Excercise Week 3: Share your experiences here!
Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders
10. Learn about RSS feeds and create your own Bloglines newsreader account.
11. Locate a few useful library related blogs and/or news feeds.
Discovery Exercise Week 4: Share your experiences here!
11. Locate a few useful library related blogs and/or news feeds.
Discovery Exercise Week 4: Share your experiences here!
Week 5: Play Week
12. Take a look at LibraryThing and catalog some of your favorite books.
13. Do some searches in Verso for some of your favorite subjects in our collection and record in your blog how successful your searching was.
14. Roll your own search tool with Rollyo.
Discovery Exercise Week 5: Share your experience here!
13. Do some searches in Verso for some of your favorite subjects in our collection and record in your blog how successful your searching was.
14. Roll your own search tool with Rollyo.
Discovery Exercise Week 5: Share your experience here!
Week 6: Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati
15. Learn about tagging and discover Del.icio.us (a social bookmaking site)
16. Explore Technorati and learn how tags work with blog posts.
17. Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries, and blog your thoughts.
Discovery Exercise Week 6: Share your experience here!
16. Explore Technorati and learn how tags work with blog posts.
17. Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries, and blog your thoughts.
Discovery Exercise Week 6: Share your experience here!
Week 7: Wikis and Archive-It
18. Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that libraries are using them.
19. Check out the Internet Archive and TSLA's own Archive-It project.
Discovery Exercise Week 7: Share your experience here!
19. Check out the Internet Archive and TSLA's own Archive-It project.
Discovery Exercise Week 7: Share your experience here!
Week 8: Online Applications & Tools
20. Take a look at some online productivity (word processing, spreadsheet) tools.
21. Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.
Discovery Exercise Week 8: Share your experience here!
21. Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.
Discovery Exercise Week 8: Share your experience here!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Discovery Exercise Sharing: Week 2
Share your blog by using the Post a Comment link below!
Here are thumbnails of each of your blogs we know about so far:
Here are thumbnails of each of your blogs we know about so far:
 pixie-page |  humanartblogspot |  stephandtyge |
 fireflymicki |  sportsmom |  circleofchampionsshows |
 emptynester587 |  waytogogirl |  southreadingroomreverie |
 janesfoggyblog |  fifibellringer |  wwwbloggercomkitkatskorner |
 ridgesisters |  libraryoddity |  peggypoo-boohoo |
 crazyaboutflowers |  mstmarie |  librarygal-adventures inlearningonline |
 sweetwilliesblog |  angelisapayne |  1libralinda |
 mspeachy |  bloggingbrarian |  lazykates |
 paulasbikers |  lilbittyfarm |  itsadogslife-jill |
 tiger-iheartcats |  wanderingfeet1 |  pat-tslaweb20 |
 organgrinderted |  miburo-castroville |  expressionsof inspiration |
 sunflower-kathy |  tncathouse |  indyfanjudy |
 tnlibrarian |  2joycetech |  nancyschildrensbooks |
Monday, April 30, 2007
Online Productivity
Online productivity web-based applications (think word processing and spreadsheets) have exploded over the past two years -- and for good reasons! These powerful applications provide users with the ability to create and share documents over the Internet without the need of installed desktop applications. Some experts speculate that this emerging trend may mean the death to Microsoft Office and other software-based productivity tools, while others think web-based applications have their place, but not in the office. But no matter which side of the office suite platform you side with, on this both sides seem to agree: web-based apps have their place.
One large benefit to web-based applications it that they eliminate the need to worry about different software versions or file types as you email documents or move from PC to PC. Another bonus is that they easily accommodate collaboration by allowing multiple users to edit the same file (with versioning) and provide users the ability to easily save and convert documents as multiple file types (including HTML and pdf). You can even use many of these tools, such as Zoho Writer and Google Docs, to author and publish posts to your blog. It’s this type of integration with other web 2.0 tools that also makes web-based apps so appealing.
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to take a look at a web-based word processing tool called Zoho Writer, create a simple document and then document your discoveries in your blog. If you're up to the challenge, you might even export your document as an HTML file or publish it through Zoho to your blog.
With Zoho and other web-based applications, the possibilities are endless.
Discovery Resources:
A short list of web-based productivity applications – Note: this list was authored in ZohoWriter and exported it as HTML.
Discovery Exercise:
OPTIONAL: If you're up for the challenge, try using Zoho’s "publish" options to post to your blog.
* NOTE: You can also explore Google Docs (formerly known as Writely), Google's online word processer, as an option for this exercise.
BTW: Here’s a document (viewable as a webpage) I mocked up in Zoho about some of the features I found beneficial.
One large benefit to web-based applications it that they eliminate the need to worry about different software versions or file types as you email documents or move from PC to PC. Another bonus is that they easily accommodate collaboration by allowing multiple users to edit the same file (with versioning) and provide users the ability to easily save and convert documents as multiple file types (including HTML and pdf). You can even use many of these tools, such as Zoho Writer and Google Docs, to author and publish posts to your blog. It’s this type of integration with other web 2.0 tools that also makes web-based apps so appealing.
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to take a look at a web-based word processing tool called Zoho Writer, create a simple document and then document your discoveries in your blog. If you're up to the challenge, you might even export your document as an HTML file or publish it through Zoho to your blog.
With Zoho and other web-based applications, the possibilities are endless.
Discovery Resources:
A short list of web-based productivity applications – Note: this list was authored in ZohoWriter and exported it as HTML.
Discovery Exercise:
- Create a free account for yourself in Zoho Writer.
- Explore the site and create a few test documents of two.
- Try out Zoho Writer’s features and create a blog post about your discoveries.
OPTIONAL: If you're up for the challenge, try using Zoho’s "publish" options to post to your blog.
* NOTE: You can also explore Google Docs (formerly known as Writely), Google's online word processer, as an option for this exercise.
BTW: Here’s a document (viewable as a webpage) I mocked up in Zoho about some of the features I found beneficial.
Internet Archive
The Internet changes every millisecond. We all use it, but who is archiving it?
In May 2007, California officially recognized the Internet Archive, established in 1996, as a library. The designation makes the online archive eligible to apply for several federal grant programs that are administered by the state of California. But even more importantly, says Brewster Kahle, Internet Archive founder and digital librarian, was the recognition that a digital library is on equal footing with a print material archive -- that the Internet is becoming "more a part of our real civic structure."
Click on the About IA link at the top of the Internet Archive website.
Find something that interests you on the Internet Archive and write a review about it.
Just like Internet Archive that records the World Wide Web, TSLA uses Archive-It to archive State documents. Check it out at Archive-It
In May 2007, California officially recognized the Internet Archive, established in 1996, as a library. The designation makes the online archive eligible to apply for several federal grant programs that are administered by the state of California. But even more importantly, says Brewster Kahle, Internet Archive founder and digital librarian, was the recognition that a digital library is on equal footing with a print material archive -- that the Internet is becoming "more a part of our real civic structure."
Click on the About IA link at the top of the Internet Archive website.
Find something that interests you on the Internet Archive and write a review about it.
Just like Internet Archive that records the World Wide Web, TSLA uses Archive-It to archive State documents. Check it out at Archive-It
Discovery Exercise:
- Choose our Institution and browse the information we have archived.
- Find something that you think may interest our patrons and make a blog entry about it.
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Wikis
A wiki is a collaborative website and authoring tool that allows users to easily add, remove and edit content. Wikipedia, the online open-community encyclopedia, is the largest and perhaps the most well known of these knowledge sharing tools. With the benefits that wikis provide the use and popularity of these tools is exploding.
Some of the benefits that make wikis so attractive are:
Some of the benefits that make wikis so attractive are:
- Anyone (registered or unregistered, if unrestricted) can add, edit or delete content.
- Tracking tools within wikis allow you to easily keep up on what been changed and by whom.
- Earlier versions of a page can be viewed and reinstated when needed.
- Users do not need to know HTML in order to apply styles to text or add and edit content.
In most cases simple syntax structure is used. As the use of wikis has grown over the last few years, libraries all over the country have begun to use them to collaborate and share knowledge. Among their applications are pathfinder or subject guide wikis, book review wikis, ALA conference wikis and even library best practices wikis.
Discovery Resources:
Use these resources to learn more aboout wikis:
- Wiki’s: A Beginner’s Look – an excellent short slide presentation that offers a short introduction and examples.
- What is a Wiki? – Library Success wiki presentation
- Using Wikis to Create Online Communities – a good overview of what a wiki is and how it can be used in libraries.
Discovery Exercise:
1. For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at some library wikis and blog about your finding.
Here’s a few examples to get you started:
Share your results of this exercise here!
Library 2.0
Library 2.0 is term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services.
The name, as you may guess, is an extension of Web 2.0 and shares many of its same philosophies and concepts including harnessing the user in both design and implementation of services, embracing constant change as a development cycle over the traditional notion of upgrades, and reworking library services to meet the users in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries).
Many have argued that the notion of Library 2.0 is more than just a term used to describe concepts that merely revolve around the use of technology; it also a term that can be used to describe both physical and mindset changes that are occurring within libraries to make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting.
Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. But no matter which side of the debate proponents fall, both sides agree that libraries of tomorrow, even five or ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today.
Discovery Resources:
The name, as you may guess, is an extension of Web 2.0 and shares many of its same philosophies and concepts including harnessing the user in both design and implementation of services, embracing constant change as a development cycle over the traditional notion of upgrades, and reworking library services to meet the users in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries).
Many have argued that the notion of Library 2.0 is more than just a term used to describe concepts that merely revolve around the use of technology; it also a term that can be used to describe both physical and mindset changes that are occurring within libraries to make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting.
Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. But no matter which side of the debate proponents fall, both sides agree that libraries of tomorrow, even five or ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today.
Discovery Resources:
- OCLC Next Space Newsletter – Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web take libraries?
Five Perspectives:
Away from Icebergs
Into a new world of librarianship
To more powerful ways to cooperate
To better bibliographic services
To a temporary place in time
Discovery Exercise:
- Read two or three of the perspectives on Library 2.0 from the list above.
- Create a blog post about your thoughts on any one of these perspectives. Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does "Library 2.0" mean to you?
Share your results of this exercise here!
Technorati
So now that you’ve been blogging for awhile, you might be wondering just how big the blogosphere is.
Well, according to Technorati, the leading search tool and authority for blogs, the number of blogs doubles just about every 6 months with over 51 million blogs currently being tracked by the site. If the blogging trend continues, it is estimated that Technorati will have tracked its 100 millionth blog in just 5 months.
Yes, these numbers are astounding, but as you’ve already seen for yourselves, blogging is so easy that these publishing tools are being taken advantage of by almost every industry, including libraries.
So how does a person get their blog listed as part of the blogosphere and how can you tag your posts with keywords to make them more findable through a Technorati search? The answer to the first question is that your blog is probably already being captured by Technorati due to the fact that you're already using Blogger, the most popular blogging tool.
But if you want to join the party and have your blog officially listed on Technorati and also take advantage of the watchlist and other features, you’ll need to claim your blog yourself. As for tagging posts with Technorati tags? This is easy, too. All you need to do is add a little bit of HTML code to the bottom of your post (see my example below) and Technorati will pick up these tags when it spiders (or web crawls) your site.
There are a lot of new features that have been added to Technorati this past summer, including new ways to search for blogs. You can search for keywords in blog posts, search for entire blog posts that have been tagged with a certain keyword, or search for blogs that have been registered and tagged as whole blogs about a certain subject (like photography or libraries).
Discovery Resources:
Well, according to Technorati, the leading search tool and authority for blogs, the number of blogs doubles just about every 6 months with over 51 million blogs currently being tracked by the site. If the blogging trend continues, it is estimated that Technorati will have tracked its 100 millionth blog in just 5 months.
Yes, these numbers are astounding, but as you’ve already seen for yourselves, blogging is so easy that these publishing tools are being taken advantage of by almost every industry, including libraries.
So how does a person get their blog listed as part of the blogosphere and how can you tag your posts with keywords to make them more findable through a Technorati search? The answer to the first question is that your blog is probably already being captured by Technorati due to the fact that you're already using Blogger, the most popular blogging tool.
But if you want to join the party and have your blog officially listed on Technorati and also take advantage of the watchlist and other features, you’ll need to claim your blog yourself. As for tagging posts with Technorati tags? This is easy, too. All you need to do is add a little bit of HTML code to the bottom of your post (see my example below) and Technorati will pick up these tags when it spiders (or web crawls) your site.
There are a lot of new features that have been added to Technorati this past summer, including new ways to search for blogs. You can search for keywords in blog posts, search for entire blog posts that have been tagged with a certain keyword, or search for blogs that have been registered and tagged as whole blogs about a certain subject (like photography or libraries).
Discovery Resources:
- Technorati Tour – videocast of new features & new look
- Technorati Popular feature
Discovery Exercise:
- Take a look at Technorati and try doing a keyword search for “Learning 2.0” in Blog posts, in tags and in the Blog Directory. Are the results different?
- Explore popular blog, searches and tags. Is anything interesting or surprising in your results?
- Create a blog post about your discoveries on this site.
OPTIONAL: If you're up for a challenge, learn how to tag your posts by with Technorati tags so they can join tag searches. You may also want to consider claiming your blog and creating a watchlist.
NOTE: When adding HTML code, you'll want to make sure you're in Blogger's Edit HTML window.
Share your results of this exercise here!
Tagging
Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with online content (webpages, pictures & posts).
Unlike library subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines (e.g., Library of Congress subject headings), tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want.
In the past few weeks, we’ve already explored a few sites — Flickr and LibraryThing to name two — that allow users to take advantage of tagging.
This week, in addition to exploring Technorati tagging, we want to also take at popular social bookmarking site called Del.icio.us (typed in as http://del.icio.us/). Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks.
Many users find that the real power of Del.icio.us is in the social network aspect, which allows you to see how other users have tagged similar links and also discover other websites that may be of interest to you. You can think of it as peering into another users’ filing cabinet, but with this powerful bookmarking tool each user's filing cabinet helps to build an expansive knowledge network.
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at Del.icio.us and learn about this popular bookmarking tool.
Discovery Resources:
Unlike library subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines (e.g., Library of Congress subject headings), tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want.
In the past few weeks, we’ve already explored a few sites — Flickr and LibraryThing to name two — that allow users to take advantage of tagging.
This week, in addition to exploring Technorati tagging, we want to also take at popular social bookmarking site called Del.icio.us (typed in as http://del.icio.us/). Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks.
Many users find that the real power of Del.icio.us is in the social network aspect, which allows you to see how other users have tagged similar links and also discover other websites that may be of interest to you. You can think of it as peering into another users’ filing cabinet, but with this powerful bookmarking tool each user's filing cabinet helps to build an expansive knowledge network.
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at Del.icio.us and learn about this popular bookmarking tool.
Discovery Resources:
- Otter Group Del.icio.us tutorial (8 min video) - Highly recommended!!!
- Us.ef.ul: A beginners guide to Del.icio.us
- Several Habits of wildly successful Del.icio.us users
Discovery Exercise:
- View the 8 minute Del.icio.us tutorial to get a good overview of its features.
- Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool.
Can you see the potential of this tool for research assistance? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere?
OPTIONAL: If you’re up to the challenge, create a Del.icio.us account for yourself and discover how this useful bookmarking tool can replace your traditional browser bookmark list. You might even want to explore Del.icio.us’ latest addition, a network badge.
(Psst! see it over there at the end of the navigation sidebar)
NOTE: If you do setup a Del.icio.us account, here’s a quick word about the Del.icio.us Buttons. On PCs that have the toolbars locked down, these will install as options in your browser bookmarks. Use the “Post to my Del.icio.us” link to add the current webpage to your account (you may need to log in). Use the “My Del.icio.us” link to view your online account.
Share your results of this Exercise here!
LibraryThing
Are you book lover or cataloger at heart?
Or do you enjoy finding lost and forgotten gems on the shelf to read? Then LibraryThing may be just the tool for you.
Developed for booklovers, this online tool not only allows you to easily create an online catalog of your own it also connects you to other people who have similar libraries and reading tastes.
Add a book to your catalog by just entering the title -- It’s so easy that you don’t even need MARC record training to do it – or connect with other users through your similar reading tastes.
There are lots of ways to use LibraryThing. You can even view your books on a virtual shelf, add a widget to display titles that are in your catalog or install a LT Search box on your blog.
So why not join the ranks and create your own library online. With over 65,000 registered (BTW: LibraryThing also has group forum for librarians users and over 4.7 million cataloged books, you're bound to discover something new.
Or do you enjoy finding lost and forgotten gems on the shelf to read? Then LibraryThing may be just the tool for you.
Developed for booklovers, this online tool not only allows you to easily create an online catalog of your own it also connects you to other people who have similar libraries and reading tastes.
Add a book to your catalog by just entering the title -- It’s so easy that you don’t even need MARC record training to do it – or connect with other users through your similar reading tastes.
There are lots of ways to use LibraryThing. You can even view your books on a virtual shelf, add a widget to display titles that are in your catalog or install a LT Search box on your blog.
So why not join the ranks and create your own library online. With over 65,000 registered (BTW: LibraryThing also has group forum for librarians users and over 4.7 million cataloged books, you're bound to discover something new.
Discovery Resources:
- About LibraryThing
- Library Thing tour
- MoBuzzTV Review (3rd story in the 5 min broadcast)
- LibraryThing blog (updates & news)
Discovery Exercise:
- Take a look around LibraryThing and create an account.
- Add a least 5 books to your library.
- Blog about your findings and be sure to link to your LibraryThing catalog.
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Rollyo
Do you have a group of websites that are your favorites? Or a set of online resources that are similar that you frequently use to answer homework or reference questions?
Well Rollyo may be the tool for you. Rollyo allows you to create your own search tool for the just the websites you know and trust. Take a look at some of these search rolls that have already been created:
Public Domain e-Books Search
Rare Book Library Search
Free Photos
Quick Quotes
Explore other rolls here.
Discovery Exercise:
Well Rollyo may be the tool for you. Rollyo allows you to create your own search tool for the just the websites you know and trust. Take a look at some of these search rolls that have already been created:
Public Domain e-Books Search
Rare Book Library Search
Free Photos
Quick Quotes
Explore other rolls here.
Discovery Exercise:
- Explore Rollyo and create an account for yourself.
- Create a search roll for any subject you like.
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Finding Feeds
Now that you have a newsreader (your Bloglines account), you can begin adding other newsfeeds that interest you.
There are several ways you can locate newsfeeds:
When visiting your favorite websites -- look for news feed icons that indicate the website provides it. Often a feed icon will be displayed somewhere in the navigation bar of the site.
(Here's an image that contains a sampling of several feed icons).
Use Blogline's Search tool - Bloglines recently expanded search tool lets you search for news feeds in addition to posts, citations and the web. Use the Search for Feeds option to locate RSS feeds you might be interested in.
Other Search tools that can help you find feeds:
There are several ways you can locate newsfeeds:
When visiting your favorite websites -- look for news feed icons that indicate the website provides it. Often a feed icon will be displayed somewhere in the navigation bar of the site.
(Here's an image that contains a sampling of several feed icons).
Use Blogline's Search tool - Bloglines recently expanded search tool lets you search for news feeds in addition to posts, citations and the web. Use the Search for Feeds option to locate RSS feeds you might be interested in.
Other Search tools that can help you find feeds:
- Feedster - One of the largest collections of RSS feeds, Feedster lets you search for feeds in three categories: news, blogs & podcasts
- Topix.net - This search tool allows you to locate recent newsfeed items based upon keyword or phrase searching. The tool focuses specifically on news and media outlet RSS feeds for information, not weblogs.
- Syndic8.com - Syndic8 is an open directory of RSS feeds that contains thousands of RSS feeds that users have submitted.
- Technorati - Technorati is a popular blog finding tool that lets you search for blogs. Since RSS feeds are inherent to all blogging tools, Technorati Blog Search can help you find RSS feeds for topic specific blogs you may be interested in.
Additonal Resource: Technorati Tutorial on finding and adding your blog.
Discovery Excercise:
Explore some of the search tools noted above that can help you locate some news feeds.
Create a blog post about your experience. Don't know what to blog about? Here some questions to think about:
- Which method of finding feeds did you find easiest to use?
- Which Search tool was the easiest for you?
- Which was more confusing?
- What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels?
- Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? What other tools or ways did you find to locate newsfeeds?
Share your results of this Exercise here!
RSS and Blogs
You’ve heard of RSS?
You’ve seen those small funny tags on websites? You’ve heard co-workers and acquaintances swear by it, but still have no idea what RSS is?
Well don’t worry, according to a recent survey you’re still in the majority, but this is changing rapidly. In the information world, RSS is not only revolutionalizing the way news, media and content creators share information, but it also is swiftly changing the way everyday users are consuming information. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web.
Just think about the websites and news information sources you visit every day. It takes time to visit those sites and scour the ad-filled and image-heavy pages for just the text you want to read, doesn’t it?
Now imagine if you could visit all those information sources and web pages in just one place and all at the same time … without being bombarded with advertising… without having to search for new information on the page you’d already seen or read before… and without having to consume a lot of time visiting each site individually. Would that be valuable to you?
Well, it’s available now through a newsreader and RSS.
This week’s discovery exercises focus on learning about RSS news feeds and setting up a Bloglines account (a free online newsreader) for yourself to bring your feeds together.
You’ve seen those small funny tags on websites? You’ve heard co-workers and acquaintances swear by it, but still have no idea what RSS is?
Well don’t worry, according to a recent survey you’re still in the majority, but this is changing rapidly. In the information world, RSS is not only revolutionalizing the way news, media and content creators share information, but it also is swiftly changing the way everyday users are consuming information. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web.
Just think about the websites and news information sources you visit every day. It takes time to visit those sites and scour the ad-filled and image-heavy pages for just the text you want to read, doesn’t it?
Now imagine if you could visit all those information sources and web pages in just one place and all at the same time … without being bombarded with advertising… without having to search for new information on the page you’d already seen or read before… and without having to consume a lot of time visiting each site individually. Would that be valuable to you?
Well, it’s available now through a newsreader and RSS.
This week’s discovery exercises focus on learning about RSS news feeds and setting up a Bloglines account (a free online newsreader) for yourself to bring your feeds together.
Discovery Resources:
- CNET Video: RSS – Feel the Need for Feeds (3:32) – a good over view of what RSS is and the benefits to users.
- Feed Me: A gentle introduction to Internet feeds - a good tutorial from Palinet, a library cooperative
- RSS Feeds: Getting Started – This online tutorial (created by the Nashville Public Library) walks you through how to setup a Bloglines account and add RSS feeds.
Discovery Exercise:
Create a free online Bloglines account for yourself and subscribe to at least 10 newsfeeds to your reader.
Watch the RSS Feeds: Getting Started for information about setting up your Blogines account and adding feeds.
See Using Bloglines Tutorial steps 4 – 9 for how to subscribe to different types of feeds (podcasts, Flickr albums, etc)
Create a post in your blog listing some of your favorite blogs.
Some recommended blogs to read:
- LIS News
- Genealogy Librarian
- Free Range Librarian
- Cyndi's List of Blogs
- Stephen's Lighthouse
- The Shifted Librarian
- Tame the Web
- Unshelved
- The Practical Archivist
- Foldering
- Archival Ardor
Share your results of this Exercise here!
More Flickr Fun
Like many web 2.0 sites, Flickr has encouraged other people to build their own online applications using images found on the site.
Through the use of APIs (application programming interfaces), many people have created third party tools and mashups* that use Flickr images.
Here are just a sampling of a few …
Mappr - allows you to take Flickr images and paste them on a map
Flickr Color Pickr - lets you find public photos in Flickr that match a specific color.
Montagr – create a photo mosaic from photos found on Flickr. Discover more mashups, web apps, and Flickr tools.
Discovery Exercise:
Your discovery exercise for this “thing” is to:
Explore some of the fun Flickr mashups and 3rd party tools that are out there.
Create a blog post about one that intrigues you. Personally one of my very favorite tools is FD Toys’ Trading Card Maker. And there’s a ton of librarians out there that have created their own Librarian Trading Card. So have some fun discovering and exploring some neat little apps. And if you're up to the challenge while you’re at it, why not create a trading card of your own. :)
* Mashup Note: Wikipedia offers some great articles that explain mashups. Basically they are hybrid web applications that take features from one application (like Flickr) and mash it up with another (like a map). In this example, you get Mappr (http://mappr.com/).
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Through the use of APIs (application programming interfaces), many people have created third party tools and mashups* that use Flickr images.
Here are just a sampling of a few …
Mappr - allows you to take Flickr images and paste them on a map
Flickr Color Pickr - lets you find public photos in Flickr that match a specific color.
Montagr – create a photo mosaic from photos found on Flickr. Discover more mashups, web apps, and Flickr tools.
Discovery Exercise:
Your discovery exercise for this “thing” is to:
Explore some of the fun Flickr mashups and 3rd party tools that are out there.
Create a blog post about one that intrigues you. Personally one of my very favorite tools is FD Toys’ Trading Card Maker. And there’s a ton of librarians out there that have created their own Librarian Trading Card. So have some fun discovering and exploring some neat little apps. And if you're up to the challenge while you’re at it, why not create a trading card of your own. :)
* Mashup Note: Wikipedia offers some great articles that explain mashups. Basically they are hybrid web applications that take features from one application (like Flickr) and mash it up with another (like a map). In this example, you get Mappr (http://mappr.com/).
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Exploring Flickr
Photo sharing websites have been around since the 90s, but it took a small startup site called Flickr to catapult the idea of “sharing” into a full blown online community.
Within the past year, Flickr has become the fastest growing photo sharing site on the web and is known as one of the first websites to use keyword “tags” to create associations and connections between photos and users of the site.
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a good look at Flickr and discover what this site has to offer. Find out how tags work, what groups are, and all the neat things that people and other libraries are using Flickr for.
Discovery Resources:
Flickr Learn More tour (6 steps)
Mediamazine Flickr Tutorials
Flickr: Popular tags Interesting- Last 7 days
Flickr Services (3rd party applications & mashups) and let’s not forget to look at some other libraries on Flickr Discovery
Discovery Exercises:
In this discovery exercise, you have two options…
Option 1.
Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. Be sure to include either a link to the image or, if you create a Flickr account, you can use Flickr's blogging tool to add the image in your post. Another option you have for including images in your post is to use Blogger's photo upload tool.
-- OR --
Option 2.
If you're up to an easy challenge ... create a Free account in Flickr and use your location's digital camera to capture a few pictures of something in your branch. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “TSLA” and mark it public.
Then create a post in your blog about your photo and experience. Be sure to include the image in your post. Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for doing this: through Flickr's blogging tool or using Blogger's photo upload feature.
So go ahead, explore the site and have some Flickr photo fun and if you're interested in looking at some photo hosting sites, then why not check out Jamie's recommendations & this Wired story. (Thanks Jamie for the link).
PS: A quick word about photo posting etiquette - When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) is it advisable to get the person's permission before posting his or her photo in a publicly accessible place like Flickr.
Never upload pictures that weren't taken by you (unless you have the photographer's consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.
Share your results of this exercise here!
Within the past year, Flickr has become the fastest growing photo sharing site on the web and is known as one of the first websites to use keyword “tags” to create associations and connections between photos and users of the site.
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a good look at Flickr and discover what this site has to offer. Find out how tags work, what groups are, and all the neat things that people and other libraries are using Flickr for.
Discovery Resources:
Flickr Learn More tour (6 steps)
Mediamazine Flickr Tutorials
Flickr: Popular tags Interesting- Last 7 days
Flickr Services (3rd party applications & mashups) and let’s not forget to look at some other libraries on Flickr Discovery
Discovery Exercises:
In this discovery exercise, you have two options…
Option 1.
Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. Be sure to include either a link to the image or, if you create a Flickr account, you can use Flickr's blogging tool to add the image in your post. Another option you have for including images in your post is to use Blogger's photo upload tool.
-- OR --
Option 2.
If you're up to an easy challenge ... create a Free account in Flickr and use your location's digital camera to capture a few pictures of something in your branch. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “TSLA” and mark it public.
Then create a post in your blog about your photo and experience. Be sure to include the image in your post. Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for doing this: through Flickr's blogging tool or using Blogger's photo upload feature.
So go ahead, explore the site and have some Flickr photo fun and if you're interested in looking at some photo hosting sites, then why not check out Jamie's recommendations & this Wired story. (Thanks Jamie for the link).
PS: A quick word about photo posting etiquette - When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) is it advisable to get the person's permission before posting his or her photo in a publicly accessible place like Flickr.
Never upload pictures that weren't taken by you (unless you have the photographer's consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.
Share your results of this exercise here!
Blogging
Getting Started
It’s time to setup your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises in.
You may want to look at some of these local blogs My Life with Lola, Cake Magic, Make Art Everyday as well as others like Archives Hub Blog, ephemera, or Guided by History to get some ideas for your own!
Ready to Begin?
Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps
For this program, I recommend that you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use. Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:
Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger.
Add a test post or two.
Share the results of this exercise here!
It’s time to setup your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises in.
You may want to look at some of these local blogs My Life with Lola, Cake Magic, Make Art Everyday as well as others like Archives Hub Blog, ephemera, or Guided by History to get some ideas for your own!
Ready to Begin?
Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps
For this program, I recommend that you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use. Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:
- Create an account (view screenshot)
- Name your blog (view screenshot)
- Select your template. (view screenshot)
Still need help? Watch this quick tutorial about setting up your blog using Blogger.
Once you’ve created your blog here are two important things to know:
- To add posts: The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the step-up your blog is accessed online at http://www.blogger.com/ Be sure to write down your login and password.
- To view your blog: Your blog address is http://(xxxx).blogspot.com, (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2.
Be sure to also write down your blog address. If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here are some discovery resources you can use:
- Freevlog’s Quicktime Tutorial: Setup a Free Blogger Blog Note: Ignore the opening comments about downloading Firefox if your PC doesn’t have it. This will work in Explorer just fine.
- Blogger's Quick Tutorial
OK -- Now, it’s your turn...
Discovery Exercise:Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger.
Add a test post or two.
Share the results of this exercise here!
NOTE: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that is easiest and hardest for you & why. Try to aim for 150 to 200 words or four to five long sentences.
Have fun!!!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself. You may want to read this article - How to Blog Safely - which provides some helpful tips about how you can control the amount of information you reveal about yourself on your blog.
* Use of Blogger is only a recommendation. If there is another blog hosting site that you are more comfortable with, please feel free to use it.
Lifelong Learning
Listen to this podcast created by Helene Bowers:
powered by ODEO
[If the player above doesn't work, ask for help!]
Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of those core values we shelve our books by. So it makes sense that before we embark on this new online learning and discovery journey that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.
These habits, which we’ve called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.
As you watch and listen, think about which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest.You will use your personal blog (which you will set up next week) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.
Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner.
powered by ODEO
[If the player above doesn't work, ask for help!]
Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of those core values we shelve our books by. So it makes sense that before we embark on this new online learning and discovery journey that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.
These habits, which we’ve called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.
As you watch and listen, think about which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest.You will use your personal blog (which you will set up next week) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.
Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner.
Web 2.0 Tools
Throughout the course of this Learning 2.0 program we’ve explored just a small sampling of these new internet technologies and websites that are empowering users with the ability to create and share content. But given time there are so many more we could explore. Current estimates place the number of web 2.0 tools at somewhere between 300 & 500 with only a handful emerging as market dominators. And although time will only tell which of these new collaborative, social networking and information tools will remain on top, one
thing is for sure, they're not going to go away (at least anytime soon).
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to select any site from this list of Web 2.0 Awards nominees and explore it. With so many to choose from, it might be handy to first select a category that interests you (like Books or Personal Organization) and then simply select a tool/site to explore. Be careful to select a tool that is Free and that doesn't require a plug-in or download. The majority of these free, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Discovery Exercise:
thing is for sure, they're not going to go away (at least anytime soon).
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to select any site from this list of Web 2.0 Awards nominees and explore it. With so many to choose from, it might be handy to first select a category that interests you (like Books or Personal Organization) and then simply select a tool/site to explore. Be careful to select a tool that is Free and that doesn't require a plug-in or download. The majority of these free, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Discovery Exercise:
- Select any site/tool from the list of Web 2.0 Awards nominees. (If you prefer to select from just the winners, here’s a link to the short list.)
- Explore the site you selected.
- Create a post about your discovery. What did you like or dislike about the tool? What were the site’s useful features? Could you see any applications for its use in a library setting?
Web 2.0 – with so much to explore, just start with ONE. :)
Share your results of this Exercise here!
Welcome to TSLA's Learning 2.0 program & blog
Welcome to TSLA's Learning 2.0 program & blog.
Chances are if you've found your way here you're either:
- a member of TSLA's staff or a Regional library staff member who's participating in the Learning 2.0 Challenge.
- interested in learning about and playing around (yes, playing is allowed in libraries) with some new web 2.0 tools that will help you expand your information literacy toolbox.
Either way… I'm glad you're here!! Learning 2.0 is an online learning program that encourages staff to learn more about emerging technologies on the web that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.
Over the course of the next eight and a half weeks, this website will highlight “21 Things” and discovery exercises to help staff become familiar with blogging, RSS news feeds, tagging, wikis, podcasting, online applications, and video and image hosting sites. To familiarize yourself with this project, be sure to read the About page.
While the primary focus of this project is "play," you can check out how other libraries have used Web 2.0 technologies to enhance the delivery of their services to patrons:
- Denver Public Library's storytime podcast
- Sunnyvale Public Library's video podcast
- Fauquier County Public Library's Shelf Scene blog
- Plymouth District Public Library's Ancestor Research Log
- Autauga-Prattville (AL) Public Library's APPL Teen Blog
Still have questions about this program? The FAQs should answer most of your questions about the Learning 2.0 program. If not, then please add your question to the FAQ page as a comment.
So fasten your seat belts, grab your mouse and get ready for a discovery adventure… and remember, it's OK to play in the library and have fun!
Be sure to tune in next Monday for the next "thing" or discovery item.
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