Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

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.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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 :)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

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 :)