#23 THE BEGINNING

Though I've come to the end of CTLS 23 THINGS, it is really the beginning of my exploration of library2.0/web 2.0. This was a fantastic learning program that Kam put together for the central Texas libraries. I will be returning to some of the lessons and discovery exercises to spend more time on them.
I'm a part-time reference librarian at Westbank Community Library and did my 23 Things course from home. The library is too busy to be able to be able to complete it while at work.
Favorites: Exploring Google - There are so many options in Google that I didn't realize were available. I set up an IGoogle page for my husband who is legally blind and he really likes the eyes that follow the mouse around the screen. It is really great to able to use my google password to log onto other programs like Zoho Writer.
Podcasting - Surprisingly, I enjoyed learning about the many different types of podcasting that's available.
I actually learned something new in every discovery lesson that was presented and hope that you will continue to offer more discovery programs. I loved it!

#22 Audiobooks LibriVox

Examining LibriVox is our discovery exercise for activity 22. This resource is available through our library catalog and I've never taken the time to explore what it offered. Shame on me, because this is a really cool source for audiobooks. I've listened to "Kubla Khan" and started "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. My list to download includes some Edgar Allan Poe and since my father-in-law said he was raised as a "Little Lord Fauntleroy", I thought that I'd listen to that as well.

Downloading was easy though Kubla Khan went to ITunes and Persuasion opened in Windows Media Player. I just now realized why that happened....I saved Kubla Khan but only double-clicked on the Austen title?

#21 Podcasting

The podcasts that I first checked our were ones pertaining to the library. How cool is it for teens to be doing library podcasts like the ones in Seattle! I also liked the stories being podcast by Denver Public Library. Wow! I didn't know that CTLS was doing podcasts.

My next place to explore was Podcast.com and I really enjoyed that! First, I listened to some jazz music and interviews and then I heard a podcast of "AP on Broadway". Jane Waldman interviewed the 3 boys who share the title role in Billy Elliot. It was very great.

#20 YouTube

YouTube is a neat site to visit. I like the ability to search for videos and that's how I picked the one that I'm trying to embed in this blog. I really like doing storytime so I used that as my search term. There were several videos using flannel boards in storytime and several that were definitely not for children and then I discovered Mercer Mayer telling his "There's an Alligator Under My Bed."

I think that storytimes could be video taped and placed on a children's page. It would be great to use with children who are ill and can't make it to the library for storytimes.

Web 2.0

Revolution Health was the first place winner in the Web 2.0 health category.  The home page has lots of great features. You can simply begin a search for some health related topic from the search box, check out headlines and news, or explore of the other options listed on the page. Under "Start Your Revolution" there are options to 1)find and rate doctors and treatments; 2) Access and track your health; 3) Take control of your health records; and 4) Support people in need. There are numerous tools under each option.

This site would be a great addition to research web links.

There are so many great tools listed that I'll bookmark the Web 2.0 awards page for further  exploration. Here's the address  -   http://www.seomoz.org/web2.0/short

Zoho Writer

ZOHO WRITER

This was my first experience using this application and I'm so excited to learn about it! I wrote a small entry about our niece and then posted it on the blog. It has been so easy! Can't wait to share this site with others.


I had put a picture and a smileyface in this entry but when I published it to the blog, neither one appeared. So, I deleted the blog and returned to zoho writer where I removed the picture and the smiley face. 


 
 

Hawaii Trip

HAWAIIAN HAPPINESS

There was once a little girl named Leslie who brought lots of sunshine and happiness into our lives. She was beautiful, sweet, and yet quite competetive. We had lots of fun in our game competitions playing Trivial Pursuit, Catch Phrase,  and other board games.

Leslie has now grown up and will be getting married on May 30th in Maui. We have much to do to prepare for this upcoming trip.