Thing #23: Wrap Up!

I have to say, the idea of doing the Web 2.0 Challenge was awesome! Kudos to everyone who thought up this challenge. Like I said in earlier posts, this was a wonderful way to get the staff associated with technology. I know that I've learned a lot. We did so much that I liked that it's hard for me to pick a favorite. Likewise, I had no problems with the challenge either. Now I just can't wait for my MP3 Player!!!!!!!!!!

Thing #22: ListenNJ

This is a great site for people who like books on tape/CD. As for me, I like the real deal. There's nothing better than having the weight of a book in my hands, feeling the pages, and being able to bring it with me wherever I go. However, I can see why ListenNJ is popular. The process of downloading a book is relatively easy for the general user. I can see this becoming a great part of the library world.

Thing #21: Podcasts

I decided to search through Podcast.com where I found a travel category. Being that I love to travel, I searched through some of these pods until I found one about Cairo, Egypt. The pod talks about the history of Cairo--very interesting. Here is a link:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/podcasts/travelcasts/2007/lpp-65-lonely-planet_cairo.mp3

Thing #20: Youtube and I

I have always been a fan of Youtube, even though I am not fully aware of how to use its potential. I decided to look up Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice (the Colin Firth rendition) and found a really great clip about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I am a huge fan, so this for me was great! Enjoy!


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Thing #19: And the Winner Is...

I was going through the Web 2.0 awards and noticed there was a mapping category. I love maps and geography so I decided to see who won this award. I was not surprised to see it was Google Maps. Google has come from a basic search engine to an incredible collaboration of all types of services. I am a big fan of Google, and I am familiar with Google Maps. I agree that Google should have won the award!!

Thing #18: Web Apps

I am a big fan of Google Docs. What's great about this web application is 1: It's free, 2: You can collaborate with other people, and 3: You can access it anywhere as long as you have Internet. I've always thought that a portable writing station would be a great idea for all kinds of people. As for me, I am in school and find that when it comes to projects and people working together on them this is a perfect application to use.

Thing #17: Playing in the Sand Box!

Well, I played around in the Sand Box. Got a little messy, but all in good fun! Hint: I'm the one who added the Brian Froud image.
I know--he's amazing.
I also went to OCL Webthings blogs and added a link to my blog to the list. I have to say, I really like the idea of the Sand Box. It gives everyone a chance to interact by showing off their different personalities. What a great idea!! I will be checking out the Sand Box often to see how many people change it over the course of this challenge.

Thing #16: Wiki Wiki!

I did not know that the Ocean County Library was on Wikipedia. Of course I should have, being that EVERYTHING seems to be on Wikipedia. I love that the individual branches are also on Wiki. I read a little about the wonderful Lacey Branch. Very cool!

Thing #15: Library 2.0

Tom Storey's article "Where will the next generation Web take libraries?" is insightful and very exciting. He writes, "Consider the roaring success of sites that embody Web 2.0 principles of simplicity, rich interactivity, user participation, collective intelligence, self-service, novel and remixed content—Flickr, MySpace, FaceBook, del.icio.us, YouTube, LibraryThing—to name a few."

It is very exciting to imagine libraries partaking and even leading in the innovation of Library 2.0 (Web 2.0). The idea of a virtual library is not only exciting in the sense of libraries being able to keep up with the advancements of technology, but also a little intimidating in terms of patrons not viewing the actual brick and mortar walls of the institution as a viable source of information. Will library buildings ever fade away in our ever changing future? I don't think so. The library is too much of a focal point within the community. However, we will have to construct a happy medium between library cyber-world and the actual library buildings. I foresee a great success in this endeavor!

Thing #14: Technorati

So, I took the liberty to explore this site and I have to say I was semi-impressed. Perhaps because I don't know how to really work the site, but I was able to type in Learning 2.0 and explore the results I received. I don't know what it is about the site that just didn't hit a user friendly note with me. Who knows. Although I can see why this site would be useful to bloggers.

Thing #13: Mm Mm Del.icio.us!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Del.icio.us!!!!!!!! This site provides a lot of great information, as well as easy access to the things you like. I was searching through del.icio.us and found a very interesting site about free programs that you can download on a flash drive! Here is some brief info about it and the link. You should definitely check this out!!!

"Do you want to take your favorite programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more wherever you go and use them on pretty much any computer? If so here are four free tools that can help you with that."

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/carry-your-pc-on-ipod-or-usb-thumbdrive/.

Thing #12: WorldCat

I decided to look up a non-fiction book about ferrets. (Being that I have three furry critters myself) Ferrets for Dummies seemed like the best choice! From the results we can see that the closest library that has Ferrets for Dummies is Monmouth County Public Library, which is 32 miles away. I have used WorldCat before and have always been a fan of its services.

If your local library does not have what you're looking for, have no fear! WorldCat is here!

Thing #12: NetLibrary Experience

Career As a Librarian, Public Libraries: Managing Knowledge and Information, Making It Available for Everyone
Careers ; No. 8; [Rev.].

Publication: Chicago, Ill Institute for Career Research, 2005.

I found this book in NetLibrary. It would be useful to me, being that I am in school to become a librarian. In the technological aspect of this, I would use this book to do research on library catalogs.

I am a firm believer that in order to compete with all the Barnes & Nobles, Starbucks (and yes, even the almighty Amazon), we need to upgrade our public library's catalog. Recently, I was reading about the Extensible Catalog Project. The project allows for friendlier user interface and easy access to all kinds of resources. What I particularly like about this project is that the library collections will become more web-accessible. By revealing them through web search engines the project is hitting on familiar ground that most people are already experienced with. The general public tends to like what they are already use to, so by making the collections more web accessible patrons will be able to have an easier time searching for materials.
I know we are already looking into modifying our library catalog. I absolutely can't wait to see what they come up with. How cool would it be to see the actual book covers (color and all!) on the library catalog? How wonderful is technology...

Thing #11: LibraryThaaang

This is the first time that I have discovered Library Thing, and I've got to say... HOW INCREDIBLY COOL!! This site is right up my alley, and I'm sure right up everyone's alley too. I provided a link so that my library can be viewed and also a link where you can search through LibraryThing. It is still a work in progress... I've got a lot more books to add!

Thing #10: Technology and me!

Well, first of all, since the OCL Web Challenge started I have become recently known as the Blog Master. I've spent a good deal of my work days helping my co-workers with the challenge. I'm so very proud of my Lacey gals and guys!!

I am in my Masters degree for Library Science and have decided to do it completely online. The shock, the horror, the many hours of laboring in front of a computer screen! I know--
However, I love technology and have found that completing my MLS online is not as bad- or as hard- as I had initially thought it was going to be. A once already computer savvy gal, I am now a full blown computer geek. I like the upgrade. It makes me feel smart! :)

Technology is extremely important in my professional field. Since we ALL know that the library is a catalyst for growth and change, and yes, we connect people and build community, it is our responsibility to be technologically adept. I think this challenge was brilliant. What a way to get people delving into the cyber world- a place that will eventually become more and more a part of every one's lives.

The gremlin who hides in the stacks (a.k.a Carol Baron-Michele)

Thing #8 and 9: I Heart RSS Feeds

The easiest method of finding feeds was searching through engines like Google. Also, I was able to find feeds via websites that I like. For this project I first used Bloglines (and subscribed to all kinds of different and interesting feeds!) to begin with and then journeyed to the library's website and uploaded the events calender as a RSS feed in my blog.
What I like about RSS and newsreaders is that they allow you to stay current with topics that are of interest to you. As a future librarian I think this kind of technology would allow me to keep abreast with current information about the wonderful world of library science. RSS feeds are very important for libraries when it comes to expanding their role in servicing and informing the community in this new age of technology.

Thing #7: Scanning one, two, three... scanning...

I decided to scan the cover of this book because it is a photograph of a painting from my favorite artist. And who is this incredibly talented artist you ask? His name is Brian Froud-- you might have heard of him already!!

I used my library's PCP scanner and uploaded the image via emial and sent it on its way to the team. Hope you like!!

Thing #6: Flickr Me 2!!

Here's some holiday spirit! What a hat boy... what a hat...

Look! The Easter Bunny came to the Lacey branch and left an egg in the parking lot. True story!

Here's Val starting a great day after our Easter break. Way to get those books, Val!

Thing #5: Flickr Me!

Although these two furry critters are not mine, I do have three ferrets whose names are Gizmo, Meeka, and Daisy May. They are my fur ball children and I love them very much! I thought this image is a great expression of that ferret love!

Thing #1, 2, 3, and 4: All about me!

Hello,

My name is Carly Coulter and I am a Librarian in Training working at the Lacey branch. I am excited about starting this blog!

The easiest habit out of the 7 1/2 that we learned is using technology to my advantage. One of the goals I would like to pursue is learning a new language. Learning as new language via the Internet is a step I am going to take. However, I'm not sure if learning a language only through the Internet is going to be the most effective way, so I would like to go to classes. Finding the time to sign up for training classes is the hardest habit out of the 7 1/2. My goal is to find this time and achieve learning a new language via the Internet and classes!

I will... I can... I do...!