cdp23..."thing 23"

Our final "thing", WOW, I made it. Not that I ever doubted myself but I will admit some weeks were a little harder then others. All in all, this entire process was very rewarding and informative. Besides the obvious new technology I learned along the way, I also took a personal journey that taught me much more. Having to blog each week helped me grow as a writer (well not really, I still don't think I'm very good at expressing myself, but at least I am not as fearful of writing as I use to be).

In addition to that, I now view myself as more of a professional then I did before. That may sound strange but taking a program that is designed for librarians when you are not, can be a bit intimidating. However, it gave me an opportunity to mingle and learn right along with them. While taking steps needed to complete various "things" I found I was evaluating myself and my position in the library. What I discovered is although I am just a library clerk, I share the same passions and desires as librarians. My knowledge may be more self taught then book learned but it is just as prevalent. I look forward to using SMART in order to keep growing and setting both professional and personal goals for myself.

In closing I would like to thank all those responsible for this program and to say no matter what position a person holds in the library world being an advocate for them is the utmost importance.

cdp23..."thing 22"

Volunteering is truly a wonderful thing, and I have done plenty in my lifetime but I have never worked unpaid to further my career. However, when I think about it, indirectly perhaps I have. When my kids were younger I helped out at their schools on many occasions. From chaperoning on trips, to class and lunch room "helper", to assisting with holiday craft projects, all of these activities stayed with me and I find myself drawing upon them at my current job in the Children's Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Other volunteering ventures I've done, soup kitchen, Girl Scout Leader, etc...also have added to the "foundation" of experience I've built over the years.

I believe all aspects of volunteering is a very good thing and it is in no way devaluing our profession or any other for that matter. It is something that should be encouarged for people of ages to participate in. The lessons learned are invalueable.

cdp23..."thing 21"

Strengths of mine in the workplace...relate well with others and always strive to have a positive attitude, (whether it's working with the public or other staff members), a very quick study and enjoy learning new things, (which is the main reasons I am partaking in this course), have a strong computer knowledge, enjoy working with the public, (especially children), can easily adapt to change, and am very creative.

Outside of work...I am a self taught seamstress and have turned that hobby into freelance work. Plus, I am a mom of four and that alone has brought out talents I never even knew I had.

Bringing my home "talents" to work is something I do without even trying. My creative and compassionate side come through and I am fortunate that my employers are open to new ideas.

Interviewing tips...This past week I had the opportunity at work to be on an interviewing committee to decide which of three candidates our library would hire to be the new human resource manager. The entire process taught me a lot about what an employer looks for in an applicant. If experience and schooling are similar among them, often times it is the little things, eye contact or lack there of, body language, how you handle certain questions, etc. that may help to tilt the scales in your favor.

In closing I would like to say do I love the feeling of satisfaction I get after I complete something I've worked on. Since I try to put my all into whatever I do, either at work or at home, I get that feeling often. When our committee came to a final decision on who to hire today, it was so satisfying knowing I worked and collaborated with my peers to select the right person for the job.
And when I go home tonight and finish the dress I am making or help my daughter complete her college essay, the same sense of satisfaction will roll over me.

All I can say is try to find a job where that is something you feel and will continue to experience and then you'll know you are doing the right job.

side note: I plan on a HUGE sense of accompleshment when I finish all my 23 "things"!!!

cdp23...thing "19"

As my not in numerical order "things" reflect, I am behind. Simple reason for that...thing "19" doesn't require exploring or learning any new technology so I have been avoiding it. Don't get me wrong, I see the benefit of reflecting on what I've gained from the program so far and how I might use what I've learned but...writing and I are like water and oil. The two just don't mix. With that said, I have improved. Making myself blog each week has opened me up so if I only gain that from this program I feel I'm ahead of the game.

But I won't stop there. I have absorbed so much more. I now use my RSS daily, I love my personalized igoogle, prezi is a blast (I am hoping to create something to highlight some of our children's programs that might even be put up on our website), adding a link to my blog on a wiki was very exciting, evernote and google docs are super helpful tools I am glad to know how to use, and I always have and always will be an advocate for mine and all libraries. Twitter I am still not a big fan of, although I do admit I haven't given it that much of a chance. However, I feel like Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" because by far the single most important "thing" I have learned so far is something I have known all along. That I completely enjoy working and collaborating with others. Even though this program is basically designed for individuals to participate on their own, if anyone out there has read any of my posts they will know my co-worker Laura and I are taking this "journey" together. I look forward each week to the one evening we both work together on this week's "thing". We have even dubbed that day "Tech Thursday". We don't plan to stop when this program ends. We have both been inspired to keeping growing and exploring the technical world and trying to utilize it at our wonderful library.

cdp23..."thing 20"

I am embarrassed to admit that adding my blog to a wiki and therefore opening it up for even more people to read, frightens me. Writing has never been a strong suit of mine. Putting my thoughts into words is one thing but writing them down is another. However, I am trying to improve myself and grow by participating in this “23 things for professional development” program. So I will push forward and“talk” about my library roots/routes, and who knows, maybe someone out there in the “wiki” world will find it interesting and “reading” worthy.


In some ways I feel I’m at a total disadvantage in this program and perhaps don’t belong here at all. I am not a librarian so I can not blog first hand about my education. However, I do work at a library. I am a clerk in the Children's Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library, which is in upstate New York. In some ways I feel I am qualified to be a librarian but not because of schooling or degrees but because of my work experience. I have many job duties and am often called upon to handle reference questions of all types. I have a very good knowledge of books, in particular children's literature, both old and new. I know our stacks inside and out. I can help patrons sometimes quicker than our librarians can. I know that life experiences don’t hold the weight formal education does but often times I wish it would.
Being a single mom my first thought in getting my current job was finding a way to support my family. About 6 years ago my local public library needed someone to shelve books a few hours in the morning. All of my four children were now school age and I was looking for employment. I have always loved libraries so I was hoping this job would be a good fit. Once I began working there I knew it is where I was meant to be. It wasn’t long before I moved to part time library clerk and eventually full time clerk. Since I work in the children’s room my duties are not very clerical but rather more dealing with the public, both kids and adults through programming, etc. I feel in some ways my “route” to librarianship is just beginning. With that thought in mind, I always jump at the chance to broaden my horizons and learn more. I have considered going back to school to get my degree and hopefully one day I will become a librarian. Being a part of this program and getting to "meet" other librarians gives me hope and incentive that one day that may come true. Thanks!

cdp23...thing 17

Below is Laura and my first attempt at Prezi...

Parent Child Workshop on Prezi

cdp23...thing 18

Screen capturing... Laura, my partner in crime, I mean my co-worker and fellow cdp23 participant, and I, were excited to explore the possibilties of thing 18. We had to wait until "Tech Thursday" (the one evening we both work together and it is slow enough to break away from normal duties and work on a special new project). I was pleased to read that an alternative was given this time for those in the program that have work computers that downloading programs is not an option. We used screencast o-matic, which was very basic and easy to navigate through. Laura had the great idea of making an instructional video explaining driving directions to our library. We each recorded a video demonstrating on a map. We attempted to include sound but that was unsuccessful. We plan on checking with our computer staff and hopefully the next screencast will also have us talking.

In the mean time, below is our humble first try at screen capturing.

cdp23...thing 16

Libraries are definitely something I am very passionate about. My love of them started as a child. My mom, an avid reader and lover of books, was and still is a weekly library patron. Living in the northeast region of the U.S., winters can be pretty rough, but no matter what the conditions, our weekly journey to the library was always a must.

Working at a library, especially one as wonderful as mine , is a dream job. Being an advocate for my library is something that I do without even thinking about it. Besides the usual, like speaking highly of it wherever and whenever I can, I have also tried to combine some of our children's programs with community groups or events. IE. my daughter's ballet company performs a story ballet every spring. The last two years our library has invited the company to perform excerpts of the ballet while dressed in full costume after a librarian reads the story aloud to the audience. This small act is a step in the direction of blending my library with my community. The more effort that is put towards this I believe the more residents will realize the value of public libraries.

As Laura mentioned in her blog, being called the "library lady" when patrons, especially kids see me outside of work, is my badge of honor. I love being associated with my library and gladly take on the role as an advocate whenever possible.

cdp23...thing 15

My professional events experience...Once again I find myself at a loss of much experience to share. I have not attended many library many conferences. I have however, been involved with organizing some events in my library. Most recently an around the world program we held following our summer reading theme of "One World, Many Stories". I've also been on staff day committees, etc... What I found works the best is, first and foremost, relating to your target audience. With our children's programs obviously the kids are number one but at the same time we keep in mind that adults are also attending, and with that in mind, having crafts or presenters that involve parents working and enjoying with their children works the best.

On a side note...programs with perks, or incentives are also something I've discovered brings in an audience. Laura (my cdp23 partner) and I attended a local library conference. Going from booth to booth we stopped and talked with many vendors. Through this process we discovered new software, the best bindings for books, exciting new library furniture, etc... But what we also found out was how much we liked collecting all the free items at each table. By the time we circled the room we both felt like a kid that just finished going around the block on Halloween.

What would I like to do in the future??? I would like to attend conferences that are dedicated more towards children's literature and needs since I work in the Children's Room at my library. I enjoy brainstorming with fellow colleagues and would prefer to do that rather then actually talk on a topic by myself.

cdp23...thing 14

Working as a clerk in the children's room at my library I am not sure any of the mentioned thing 14 "products" is something I would have a need to use. I did look into all of them and I do plan on passing on the info to two of my daughters that are soon to be college age. Also, although our department caters only to children up to sixth grade, I may find a child that this info would be helpful for them in their school work or library research. Having knowledge of different products that we can share with our patrons is just another way of serving the public. So learning about them is always a good thing.

cdp23...thing 13

Google docs...now this is something I have been wanting to try. It was so easy to get started since I already have a google account. I quickly created a simple word doc and listed Laura, my co-worker and fellow cdp23 participate, as someone who can share and edit. I am anxious for her to get email notification and hopefully we can begin working together on a shared document. I think this has many possibilities. Of course, we work in the same department, but this is still a great way for many people from other locations to share and contribute to the same doc, etc.

Drop Box...once again, this is something I have heard fellow employees talk about using in their off time but I have not used it first hand yet.

Wikis...I think wikis sound like they are the best of all the above programs put together. Who hasn't called upon wikipedia to do a quick search. There is a nice sense of community knowing the information there has been placed and updated by many different people from all over.

cdp23...thing 12 (b)

As a side note...social networking, facebook in particular, I feel is the best way to spread news to teens. Case in point, our library held a teen tie dye program. After the first session I took pictures and posted them on my teenage daughter's facebook page with a brief caption explaining the program and where to call to register. I plan to find out at the next sessions how many of the teens attending found out about the program through facebook.

cdp23...thing 12

Of course with everything in life there are advantages and disadvantages. The same holds true for social networking.

On one hand, it is wonderful to have the ability to connect with fellow professionals literally from around the world with just the click of a button (or mouse). I was beyond excited to receive an email from a new librarian in England that read and commented on my blog a few weeks ago.

However, on the down side, sometimes it feels like social networking has no bounderies and privacy rules are out the window. The sense that "big brother" is watching my every internet move creeps up on me. My facebook profile is very basic, not telling much about myself at all, but still sommehow I get ads plugging items that is completely tailored to my interests and hobbies. How do they know this info? By somehow following the sites I go to and who I am in contact with. Like I said...it's like having someone looking over your shoulder that you just can't shake.

cpd23...thing 11

Mentoring...This year one of my daughters was accepted into a scholarship program at her school and the one thing she is excited about the most is she will be given a mentor. Soon she will have another adult in her life that is willing to help guide her through her high school years. What wonderful giving and taking takes place through mentoring.

In the department I work in there are two full time librarians that I have always admired. Both of them have been at my library for many years and I have learned so much from them. I have considered them my unofficial mentors since I began working at SSPL. Their knowledge, compassion and willingness to pass on information to a fellow co-worker makes each day for me a learning opportunity.

One of the above mentioned co-workers is also participating in "cdp23things". I received an email from her today asking me if I would be her mentor!!! I can not describe how honored I am. Not only she a librarian (and I a lowly clerk, lol) but she is also my senior by ten+ years. Her wanting to learn from me just shows that mentoring holds no boundaries of age, education, etc...what a wonderful "thing"!!!

cdp23...thing 10

This weeks "thing" has me at a total disadvantage. I am not a librarian so I can not blog first hand about my education. However, I do work at a library. I am a clerk in the Children's Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library, which is in upstate New York. In some ways I feel I am qualified to be a librarian but not because of schooling or degrees but because of my work experience. I have many job duties and am often called upon to handle reference questions of all types. I have a very good knowledge of books, in particular children's literature, both old and new. I know our stacks inside and out. I can help patrons sometimes quicker then our librarians can. I know that life experiences doesn't not hold the weight formal education does. Being a single mom my first thought in getting my current job was this is a way to support my family. But the more I work at my library the more I love what I do. With that thought in mind, I always jump at the chance to broaden my horizons and learn more. I have considered going back to school to get my degree and hopefully one day I will become a librarian. Being a part of this program and getting to "meet" other librarians gives me hope and incentive. Thanks!

cdp23...thing 9

I am not allowed to download programs on my work computer. Even if I tried, my computer is blocked from permitting any new programs unless in administrator mode.

I would consider trying Evernote on my home computer but I'm fearful, due to the fact I have a 12 year old desk top computer that is on it's last leg. I did read up on Evernote and it does seem to be a very useful device. I am hoping to persuade my employers to make an exception and allow this new program. Especially if it will help me to be more productive in my job.

So, to coin a phrase from an old old TV show...to be continued...come back tomorrow...same bat time...same bat channel

cdp23...thing 8

Google calendar...I set up my calendar, added it to my igoogle page and even shared my calendar with a co-worker. I'm looking forward to being more organized with this handy new addition to my life, just hope the time spent adding events doesn't take away from the benefit of using it.

cdp23...thing 7

I have a feeling I fall into the minority category as far as being a part of professional organizations is concerned. This is an avenue I have not traveled much. Why haven't I???...mostly because I haven't really given them much thought until now. I guess being self motivated, and usually working on my own, joining a professional group just didn't seem necessary. However, after reading up on them in thing 7 and doing some research, I think I will reconsider my original perception of them. Especially, when I think about how they can benefit me in my job.

This whole thing got me thinking...I remember way back when I was on our high school cheerleading squad. I loved being part of a team. Many separate people joining together as one for the good of something...that sounds kinda corny but that is how I look at organizations. I look forward to exploring more professional organizations and joining forces with some that not only will help me but also where I too can help make a difference with my input as well.

***thing "7" has so inspired me, I plan to do some research and perhaps join a group on my off time, that involves my hobby (and sometimes part time job)...sewing!!!***

cdp23...thing 6

Facebook...this site I've had the most experience with due to the fact that I have four children and "facebooking" for them is almost a way of life. That is what got me started, but I quickly learned the value of social networking in a professional level. It is a very effective way to share information with a large population. My library, Saratoga Springs Public Library, has been using facebook for a while. We started with a page for teens, with the mindset that it was mostly teens that use facebook, but we soon realized facebook has no age limitations. Now all of our programs and upcoming events are "advertised" on our facebook page as well as posting pictures and sharing interesting library stories and news. I think that facebook reaches a larger audience as far as our local patrons are concerned.

LinkedIn...I have not used this before so I took a look around. I do see the need for a place for professionals to share information with each other. The old expression, "learn from your mistakes" can be brought to a whole new level when others can learn from your experiences, both good and bad.

Google+...this was also something new to me so I did some research. Do I think there is room for new networks?...definitely. I think, "the more, the merrier",because that helps to keep just one from becoming the monopoly.

cdp23..."Thing 5"

Hmmm...refecting...it is a wonderful thing and something I do often. It helps me learn from my mistakes, makes me stop to admire and enjoy my surrounding, sometimes it even gets me through the day. Unfortunately, my way of reflecting is more in the way of personal thought, not putting into words for others to read. I think that is the part I struggle with most in this learning "23 things" process. I look forward each week to learn something new but get stuck when I have to blog about it. I realize that blogging is the perfect way to join all participates together and allow us to share our experiences. The more I am forced to write, hopefully the easier it will come. Doubt I will ever be completely comfortable blogging but I am open to the possibility and am thankful for programs such as this.

cdp23..."thing 4"

Twitter...My kids have been nagging me for sometime now to allow them to use twitter and I have resisted mostly because I wanted to find out more about it first. Looks like now I will get that chance. Setting up the account was very easy and I found several different accounts that I think will be interesting to follow. Being so new to the twitter world I will definitely have to give several weeks of following along before I form an opinion. I can however see it is just another way of transferring information and I am glad to know how now.

RSS...I already have an RSS account due to another learning "thing adventure". At first I didn't think it would be very useful but the more I use it the more I am sold. My work place is so busy especially during certain times of the year (summer is completely crazy) so having my chosen sites and updates of fellow bloggers come to me is very time saving.

Pushnote...This is something I had not heard of before. I am not that sure I would use it much but was willing to give it a try. Unfortunately, my work computer is set up not to allow staff to download programs themselves. So I think I will forgo pushnoting for now.

cpd23..."thing 3"

Branding...I think subconsciously I had that in mind when I set up my blog. I work in the Children's Room of a public library. It is a beautiful library that I am proud to work at and wanted others to see that when they go to my blog. I selected a picture I took looking into our "storytime/activity room". On the wall outside the room is a mural painted by a local children's book author and illustrator, Bruce Hiscock. As far as posting a picture of myself...I do tend to be kind of camera shy (I love taking pictures, just not that happy being in them). I will search for a shot of myself and once found, will put one on my blog.

Google searching myself...since I recently returned to my maiden name (after getting divorced), I decided to search both past and present names, Patricia Raftery and Tibbatts. It did not turn up much...mostly people with the same name that are not me. I did several attempts using Patricia, Patty, and Pat. I guess this indicates a few things. One, that my attempt at keeping my life private has been successful and second, that my life perhaps has not been very news worthy, lol. Either way it was strange searching for myself and felt very invasive knowing that others can do this and find out my age, address and phone number very easily. My thoughts are with technology comes informative...whether we want it available to others or not. Sort of like "Big Brother" is out there watching.

cpd23...thing 2

First let me start by saying that "Delicious bookmarks" really are delicious. I have not encountered such a great sorting system like that before. Nice to already be learning and experiencing new things.

Now to chat about the real reason for "thing 2"... Being from the US and never traveling very far from home, I was excited to check out blogs from different countries. My first stop was Germany (since I am half German). With only one participate from Germany my choice was easy. "Sabine's 23 Things" blog was informative and intersting. My next stop was Ireland (you guessed it, besides German, my other half is Irish on my Dad's side). Here I had a few more choices but decided to go with someone that also worked at a public library. Once again I was intrigued to read about library happenings from another land. After my "world tour" I poked around a little at blogs closer to home and mostly fellow public library people.

Since I work in the Children's Room and my library has a wonderful summer reading program, this time of year is super busy. I love it and time flies by but having extra time to complete any additional tasks is hard to come by. With that in mind, I have decided to stick with following just a few blogs each week and hopefully will be able to comment and communicate with them.

cpd23 things..."Thing 1"

After recently finishing with "Polly's 10 Things" program, myself and a co-worker decided to keep it going and jump right into "23" more things. I am a library clerk at the Saratoga Springs Public library. I consider myself fairly computer savvy but that is only due to keeping an opened mind (and ear)at all times. I strive to be a sponge and absorb what I can to stay current with new technology where computers are concerned. I am hoping that this program will broaden my knowledge of the techno world and help me to not only be more effective and efficient in the workplace but in other aspects of my life as well.

Thing "10"

Seems like I anticipated what the final “thing” would be and already started discussing it in “thing 9”. In my last post I praised my library (SSPL) for trying to stay on the cutting edge of technology and finding ways to keep the staff current and informed as well. I do see libraries in general taking on different roles to better serve their communities. As patron’s needs change so should the institutions that are designed to help them. Libraries in the future will hopefully develop and always be able to meet the needs of its patrons. However, I don’t ever see books becoming obsolete regardless of how convenient, small, cheap, easy, etc…ereaders may become. I feel some people will always desire the actual feel of a real book in their hands and the satisfaction of reading it the way man has for centuries.

I would like to thank you Polly for the very interesting and informative time I had each week as I followed along from “thing” to “thing”. I hope to use what I learned to move forward in the tech world along with my library and continue to serve the public the best way I can.

Thing "9"...ebooks

Several months ago SSPL purchased one of almost all types of eBooks so staff would have the opportunity to experience them first hand. I attended a staff computer class to learn more about them and afterwards was able to sign them out, one at a time, for a night. So far I have used a Kindle and an iPod. I plan to try them all so besides learning the obvious, like how to download and read books, I can also learn lots of things I never would have if not actually using them personally. I would like to feel comfortable answering all types of questions, ie: which is the heaviest, which eBooks have backlights, is one easier to use then the other? I am very proud that my library realizes the need to educate its staff with the ever changing technology so we can better serve the public.

thing 8

Making movies...this actually is something I have done in very small spurts thanks to my cell phone and it's 3 minute record feature. At least that was the case up until just recently. This past week I branched out in a big way.

Here at SSPL the Children's Room is once again incubating eggs in the hopes patrons will get an opportunity to watch them hatch. This year we decided to take it to the next level and install a live webcam on the incubator. Most of our staff, including me, missed the first chicken hatch due to an untimely meeting. That made me even more determined to capture a hatching not only live for everyone watching online but to record it as well. I got my chance the very next day. Pecking your way out of an egg is a very slow process...it can be compared to watching grass grow, lol...but once the final stages were upon us, I grabbed the webcam, to offer patrons watching online the perfect view and also started the record feature. The result is a bird's eye view (pun intended)of a baby chick emerging from its egg. I wanted to put the video up on my blog but for some reason every time I try I get an error. Haven't figured what's the problem yet so in the mean time, if anyone would like to see my video go to the following link:
(you might have to copy and paste it into your browser)

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14631513

FYI ... our webcam experiment so far has been a huge success. With tons of positive feedback and to date over 15,000 views!!!

Thing "#7"

I am always striving at work to find ways to do things more efficiently. Learning about new tools that might help me reach this goal was perfect. I briefly read up on most of the tools on the list. I liked the idea of an online calendar. The google calendar, I'm not using at work yet, but have started using it on my home computer. I find it very useful for keeping track of the many events, appointments, etc for myself and my four kids.

For my second tool I decided to try something totally different. I played around with "markup". It is a tool used to write on a web page and then it enables you to save it and share with others. Not a tool that I would use a lot but kind of neat having it there when the need would arise.

Thing "6"

Ever since I first heard about webinars I have wondered what sitting in on one would be like. I was hoping to sit in on a live one but time didn't allow it. Instead I went to an archived one. It was okay but disappointing because I couldn't participate. I am still planning on trying to set up one myself with a few fellow employees. We tossed around a few different topics...(trying to keep it somewhat library related) favorite books, movies and then we got it...movies based on books. Anyway, I will blog more about it once its completed...wish us luck :)

Thing "5"

After reading last week's Thing"5" assignment was dedicated to catching up on the first four things, and since I was caught up, I completely put it out of my mind until Thing "6" email snapped me back. Silly me...now I'm playing catch up on last week's blogging.

Oh well...such is life...now to reflect on the program so far. I already admitted signing up originally at the request of a co-worker that wanted a program "buddy" in the event she needed some help. I wasn't sure what I was getting into or how the program would work but I am so glad to be a part of it. I've already learned so much. I enjoy working independently and at my own pace. A nice sense of satisfaction and new computer knowledge is my reward after each "thing" is completed.
That's the upside...now the downside...it does get a little frustrating working on "things" while working. I consider myself an excellent multitasker but when new territory gets into the equation it adds complications that probably wouldn't be there if the "thing" was approached while not doing other tasks. Also, I would love to read more blogs and therefore learn from others in the group but finding the time for that is also a challenge. I have used my new found knowledge from Thing "2" to help me keep on top of some blogs by putting all my fellow employee's blogs on my RSS. I'm happy to report I find myself wondering about what I'll learn next and look forward to each new "thing". As a reader who often falls in love with certain characters and doesn't want to say good bye to them...I'm already hoping for a "sequel" to this program so it to will continue on :)

Thing 4...Online Communities

While doing our "Thing 4" assignment, I found myself once again in a familiar place. Having four kids, ages ranging from 14 to 26, learning social networking turned into a necessity. Luckily they all agreed to accept me as their facebook "friend" and it has become a great way to share photos, news, etc. It is simple to see how easily information can be shared with patrons through a library facebook. We are fortunate here at SSPL that not only is our library on facebook but our teen room has it's own page as well. Programs, pictures and library news of interest are all shared daily.

Thing 3

I enjoyed this assignment but have to admit I was trending on familiar waters. I set up a flickr account for the childrens room at SSPL several years ago and have been managing it ever since. We have three display cases here that children use to show their collections. I started our flickr account so I could put up pictures of these collections. It enables not only patrons that visit the library to see the collections but anyone that goes to our website as well. Our free flickr allows us a total of two sets. One I use solely for our display cases and the other I change to highlight different programs or events in the Children's Room. I am currently showcasing pictures from last years chick hatching in anticipation of this years eggs arriving soon. Click the link below to visit our Children's Room photo gallery. Don't forget to look at both sets, the chicks are so cute :) http://www.sspl.org/children/gallery/

sewwhatpatty's photostream

sewwhatpatty's photostream on Flickr.

Here's some pictures of my four beautiful children :)

thing "2" RSS

This week I found thing "2" a little more difficult for me but part of that could be because of how busy it's been at SSPL. Trying to learn something new while mulit-tasking several other duties at the same time can be frustrating. Anyway, with that said, I did find this assignment very informative. I have heard of RSS but wasn't exactly sure what they were, nor did I think I would use one. However, now that I have set one up, I think I will find it useful and have already set my igoogle as my homepage (at home, not work, lol)...thanks Polly :) Now I'm off to thing "3"

Check it out

I decided to do a little playing around with my blog to personalize it. I'm sure some of you will recognize the background picture...thought it would be nice having my blog come from our storytime room.

first blog

Hey everyone...this is my first attempt at blogging so bear with me. I was a little hesitant about signing up for all of this but a fellow employee encouraged me...well, actually it was more like begged me, to do this with her. She has a wonderful flair for writing which I do not. So reading her blog I am sure will be much more enjoyable, lol. Although I do have some basic computer knowledge I am always happy to learn new things. Especially if it helps me with my job. So with that said...so far, so good :)