Librarything.com: Thing 23

When it comes to organizing a large personal library collection, online sites like LibraryThing are a great resource. With over 200 books in my personal collection organization has become essential. Number 11 on the list of 23 Things recommends exploring LibraryThing.com. LibraryThing is a online personal cataloging program an with additional social network opportunities. Below is a link for Diverseshelving’s personal library example.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Diverseshelving

After creating an account registered members can upload books by searching title, ISB number, or author. The program searches the Library of Congress, Amazon.com, or Overcat.  Once the book is located the member clicks on the correct edition. However, if the book is not part of the available databases then the member can create a unique catalog record by filling in the available record form. As an aspiring librarian the catalog program is a wonderful tool for learning the basics behind card cataloging.

Other fun features available on the website include funny statistical analysis of member’s library collection, such as male and female ratios of authors. The site is full of fun oddities for evaluating the content of personal libraries.  The site also incorporates blogs, chat forums, and local social events with fellow book lovers.

Librarything can be a great site for patrons looking for a simple and free catalog program to organize small personal collections. While there are many different electronic cataloging programs available online, Librarything remains one of the top free programs available to users.

Image Generators: Thing 10

Thing number 10 on the list of 23Things, reviews and explores online image generation programs. Mr. Squirrel has kindly volunteered to assist with demonstrating some of the fun online image generation programs. Online image generators can be utilized to produce exciting poster art and fun badges for events such as summer reading programs. Other sites also provide fun photo manipulations for adults.

For the adult readers Mr.S started with visiting http://www.tatmash.com/

Once there he was able to try on all sorts of tattoos with out having one done. Tatmash has a huge database of tattoos which users can choose from. After picking a tattoo, such as the love heart with “MOM,” the user then uploads a personal image. The tattoo image can then be place over the personal image to achieved the desired effect.

After reviewing several sites available free online Mr.S choose http://bighugelabs.com/, which has the largest collect of of image generation programs. Big Huge Labs has over a dozen different programs for making poster art, magazine covers, IDs, and lots of other fun activities. The BHLs website uses an easy to read interface. For example, creating a new library ID badge for Mr. Squirrel was  simple, with the fill in the blank layout.  First choose the photo, then pick the ID layout, and fill in the blanks. When ready click create.

Turning photos into works of bead art is as simple as uploading an image, pick the back drop color, then bead size, and click “create.”

The online image generators are lots of fun with the right website. Several other less than easy programs also came up during searching, however, it is important to note not all image generator sites are easy to use.

The best site Mr. Squirrel visited was http://bighugelabs.com/, which had the largest collect of of image generation programs

Learning YouTube: Thing 20

YouTube is one of the major online internet video sharing sites which networks the world at the speed of uploading. Learning YouTube is thing number 20 on the 23Things list. YouTube is know for free stream short videos, however, the site also includes networking, view tallies, rating, and other links within the site. YouTube can be viewed without an account with limited features. Creating a registered account will grant the user full site access. If the user already has a Gmail account, then YouTube can also be accessed through iGoogle. For users without a Gmail account, any working email account will work. After creating an account, the user then can search YouTube for favorites or start uploading clips. In addition to video sharing, YouTube also has an internal messaging system, customizable profile page, and allows for subscription access to favorite users. Subscriptions notify users when new video posts are made by watched or favorite users. In addition to public online video publications, some commercial industries also use YouTube for advertising. YouTube is free to use as long as users do not violate the user agreement by posting copyrighted materials without permission.

One of the new great ways libraries are teaching and reaching out to the community is through fun new video clips. Librarian’s gather to create musical tunes about libraries or display catchy activities to showcase the libraries availability. Below are two of DS’s favorite picks.

Learn about web 2.0 at a glance as one smart user demonstrates the 23Things list while typing.

Geo-Tagging: Thing 6

For activity number 6 of the 23 Things list, includes exploring Geo-Tagging photos using Flickr and mapr. Photo geo-tagging involves tagging photos on maps which reference the location the photos were taken. Geo-Tagging is a great way to catalog personal travel. Photo maps can be displayed publicly or used privately. To get started, Flickr provides access to a geo-tagging program called mapr. After logging in click on the “organize and create” tab. Select  the group of photos to tag. Click on the map tab next and adjust the map to the area of geographical interest. Then choose the photo to tag. Click and drag the selected image to the location. A dot with a number will then appear in the desired location. The number inside the dot will changed based on the zoom level of the map. The number denotes the image counter when zoomed out while when zoomed it the number helps separate the photos location. The first image displays the user’s view when making geo-tagging a map. The second image is an example of the public wide angle view of geo-tagged images using Flickr. Mapr can be zoomed in for closer detailed tagging over particular streets or towns.

Below is a link for the video tutorial provided by Flickr for any additional questions.

http://www.flickr.com/help/screencasts/vol1

Geo-Tagging has many benefits for libraries which range from low cost for addition storage to easy visual organization of photo collections. For example, libraries can share archived photo collections though geographical tags which reference origin or location.  The public can more easily locate photos in reference to location than photography or photo serial numbers when searching historical photos of buildings structures.

Exploring Flickr: Thing 5

Photography and photo collections are a common past time, but what comes next? As technology advances new opportunities create additional avenues of expression. Thing number 5 on the 23Things program asks participants to explore photo imaginary programs online such as Flickr.com. Many patrons and libraries can benefit from free open source programs.

Getting to know web 2.0 photo hosting websites, such as Flickr .

First and foremost, Flickr is a yahoo.com program which requires creating or having a yahoo account. After signing up, members then are able to set up a personal flickr account.  Next, fill out the blanks in the profile page then up load photos. The photos are loaded into the “photostream” to be organized into slide collections. Within minutes photos can be accesses anywhere online through the flickr account. Flickr allows users to mark photos for private or public access. Each photo can then be tagged with key words for easy reference. Flickr has also incorporated social features allowing members to connect with friends and family. Individuals in photos can also be “tagged” which labels individuals or objects in photos and allows members to know when photos are tagged by other users. Other fun features include a “Make Stuff” section which allows users to print posters, mugs, and lots of other printable materials.

Various web hosting sites also allow for direct display of photo collections stored on flickr, such as blogging websites like WordPress, Blogger, and Facebook. At the bottom of the blog, readers can directly access the test account created for the DS blog.

Life long learning: Thing 2

Thing number 2 of the 23Things emphasizes the importance of developing life long learning habits as professionals. The life long learning presentation on “7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners” reviewed the basic tools found in  successful people. The short audio presentation uses simple outlines and visual images for the audiences’ viewing pleasure. The entire presentation takes approximately 5 minutes. Of the 7 1/2 habits, my favorite was habit 6; which emphasized the importance of continued education with technology. Poor technological skills with computer programs can decrease professional productivity. The habits presentation is easily relatable and fun for user; for example, the 1/2 habit of play is a skill that anyone can enjoy and achieve at any skill level. For those following along please feel free to leave comments sharing personal favorite habits.

7 ½ Successful Habits For Life Long Learners

1. Begin with an end in mind.
2. Take responsibility for personal learning.
3. View problems as challenges not obstacles
4. Be confident in personal learning abilities.
5. Make a tool box with all the tools for learning.
6. Use technology effectively
7. Mentor and teach others

½ . Have Fun! Play

Which of the 7 1/2 effective habbits of a life long learn is your favorite?

1. Begin with an end in mind.2. 1.Take responsibility for personal learning.3. View problems as challenges4. 1.Be confident in learning abilities.5. Make a tool box6. Using technology7. Mentor and teach others1/2. Play

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The slide presentation can be found at:

http://www.slideshare.net/LoriReed/7-12-habits-of–

Hello world and fellow librarians!

Greetings Fellow Aspiring Librarian Bloggers,

The “Diverse Shelving” blog has been created as a part the 23things program for an LIS 5020 class. The “DS” blog is my first blog and shall provide a public forum to explore the world of Web 2.o. Blogging is a growing form of expression and social networking, particularly for library professionals. Follow along with my journey as I learn the basics of web 2.0, and also attempt to tackle a few of the 23Things. More information on the 23Things Project can be found at:

http://plcmcl2-things.blogspot.com/