Sunday, March 22, 2009

Podcasts

"Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is to go where they can find you."

This was the first time that I started my adventure into exploring Podcasts. I will admit that I was a bit confused at the beginning. Luckily, I have an expert in the building and went directly to "Boss Lady Debbie" and started asking questions. I do have to say that it is comforting to have her tell me that she had confusion at the beginning of this exercise as well. She even went back to our directions and made the verbiage clearer. I thank her for that.

I started searching around and was amazed at all the variety of options of Podcasts that are available. I found a Podcast on TruMix.com that really made my evening. Recently, Stephen Sondheim was in Richmond at the Landmark Theatre talking about his book, "The Story So Far." Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. On TruMix, I found that the forum discussion about his book had been recorded, just not necessarily recorded in Richmond. I just wanted to hear what he had to say about his triumphs and failures in his career in theatre.

I am glad that this topic was covered in our training. I don't think that I would have been aware of this feature offered.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Twitter

"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy worlds like 'What about lunch?'''

I have been intrigued with Twitter, because I have heard many people talk about it and was interested in finding out what it was all about. The first thing that sort of threw me for a loop was that you could only post 140 character updates. That for me would be a challenge. I tried to come up with ideas as to why I personally would be using this tool and decided that I don’t believe that I am a person that would actually use this tool very often. I can understand why people use and like Twitter, but it is not part of my personality (and I am sure that there are many who would strongly agree with this!).

This week’s class gave me a better understanding of this tool, which is good. I can see the library system using this tool as a way to let people know that their “Holds” are available. It could also be used to let Patrons know their “Pin”. Maybe even announce “New Books” that have been added to the collection. Announcements of special programs could work very nicely, as well. With the character count restriction, it would not work for most e-Ref questions.

Monday, March 9, 2009

RSS Feed

"Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.”

I am a little bit behind with my Discovery Excerices, due to the fact that the flu got in my way last week. I did read and watch the video last week, but did not have time to really get started. So, that is the goal for today. I have decided that I am not a fan of the RSS Feed. I set up my account and then only had confusion trying to place my subsciptions. I do not find it easy and I am looking forward to having Katherine back in the office to answer my questions. I do not feel as if this will be a tool I will use very often, even though I understand how it is a great way to consolidate information into one place opposed to always going in and typing the web address of the different newspapers that I like to peruse every day. I will continue to play with it some more and maybe I will change my opinion of this tool.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Blogging: It's All About Me

"Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known."

Folks have been asking me when I will be posting my blog. I keep saying soon. There are things that I want to do with my page, before posting it for the first time. I have been constantly reminded that it is "a work in progress" and to go ahead and post it already! I have finally decided that I am ready to post and I can continue to make changes, as I learn more. For instance, I will add Shelfari later on. This is, after all, a 13 week project.

I have decided that this is a project that is "All About Me!" And I really want my page to represent me. Everyone seems to know that I like to wear costumes, so I felt that a slide show of me in different attires would be appropriate.

My undergrade degree is in Fine Arts Management with a concentration in Theatre. Theatre will always be my first love. I really felt as if I needed to include something to represent this element. I have attached two videos at this time for your enjoyment. My best friend Martha graduated from Virginia Union University with a Master's of Divinity last year. I was asked to do a presentation about Martha at her graduation party. A show that I really like is entitled Altar Boyz. A song that really represents the show is "The Calling." I included this video in Martha's presentation. Most folks at the party were not aquainted with this show. After watching the clip, they could not stop talking about it and how much they would love to see the entire show. So, put on your headset, sit back, and relax as Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham enlighten you. As a side note, two theatres in town are presenting this show this Spring. Word definitely got around.

The Tony Awards will be coming up soon and one of the new shows that has opened up, and I would not be surprised if it nominated for many awards, is Shrek. I decided that I needed to include a clip about Shrek: The Musical, as well.

This is my start!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

In the beginning...

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

Starting this blog has been a major challenge for me. First, I wanted to have been the one to discover this technology, get excited about it, and then actually start creating. Instead, I was told about it and that I HAD to do it. Then, people started posting their blogs and many have been very creative and very intimidating. I didn't want to do it. Finally, I just had to start and see where it was going to lead me. This is a project that co-workers have been excited about helping you accomplish your goals. If it is a tool that they have already used, they are more than happy to show you how they were able to use it, their mistakes and their surprise findings. If they have not used a particular tool before, they become excited to see how this new gadget works. If they hit an obstacle, they are ready to figure it out. This has been an excellent idea of a project that inspires creativity, individuality and team work. Since I have started working on the blog and ideas are becoming real, I find myself excited and proud.