Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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!!!***

Sunday, July 24, 2011

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.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

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.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

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.