Thursday 9 September 2010
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Continued blogging?
Cheers 23 Thingers! I might even keep this blog going.
That didn't quite happen then did it?
That didn't quite happen then did it?
Friday 9 April 2010
Thing 23 - the END!
So, what have I got out of taking part in the 23 Things?
My first blog post said this:
Have I got to know Web 2.o any better? I’ve been really surprised at how many of the Web 2.0 bits and bobs I already use, and have been using for a while. I wouldn’t say I was particularly computer savvy (in other words, despite being a librarian I’m not a total geek), but I’ve been happily using almost every Thing we’ve looked at.
The most valuable aspect for me though has been looking at how the other OULS/Bodleian Libraries incorporate Twitter etc into the way they communicate with their users.
Here at HCL we don’t use a lot of these techniques, but I think we should explore them a bit further.
Taking part in the 23 Things has let me have a look at some of the ways we can get our message out to users, and potential users. I was pleased that in many cases i was already familiar with them. It’s also highlighted how I can make better use of resources that I already utilise (Twitter, Linkedin, tags in Delicious) to help my own practice and CPD.
I’ve enjoyed taking part, reading the other participants blogs, and would like to have a follow up Things in the future to see what else is out there.
What would I have done differently? Next time I’ll try not to move house and give myself a bit more time. I should be a bit tidier with my labels on the blog (Thing, thing).
Cheers 23 Thingers! I might even keep this blog going.
My first blog post said this:
“I’m taking part in this to get to know web 2.0 a bit better. I use a lot of this stuff already (Facebook, Twitter, customised homepages) but I don’t really know how they work. Which in day to day life, is fine.
However, from a professional point of view, understanding how they work will help me use them in a better way”
Have I got to know Web 2.o any better? I’ve been really surprised at how many of the Web 2.0 bits and bobs I already use, and have been using for a while. I wouldn’t say I was particularly computer savvy (in other words, despite being a librarian I’m not a total geek), but I’ve been happily using almost every Thing we’ve looked at.
The most valuable aspect for me though has been looking at how the other OULS/Bodleian Libraries incorporate Twitter etc into the way they communicate with their users.
Here at HCL we don’t use a lot of these techniques, but I think we should explore them a bit further.
Taking part in the 23 Things has let me have a look at some of the ways we can get our message out to users, and potential users. I was pleased that in many cases i was already familiar with them. It’s also highlighted how I can make better use of resources that I already utilise (Twitter, Linkedin, tags in Delicious) to help my own practice and CPD.
I’ve enjoyed taking part, reading the other participants blogs, and would like to have a follow up Things in the future to see what else is out there.
What would I have done differently? Next time I’ll try not to move house and give myself a bit more time. I should be a bit tidier with my labels on the blog (Thing, thing).
Cheers 23 Thingers! I might even keep this blog going.
Gadgets and Widgets
I removed the Jackson Pollock widget, which I liked but I wasn’t keen on the advertising. I know that somehow you have to pay for ‘free’ stuff, but I still didn’t like it. So I swapped it, in a not very rebellious move, for my Picasa Photostream rather than my Flickr one. Yeah I know, crazy huh?
It was actually really easy to do, and shows how you can customise this kind of site very easily. An important point if you are going to use these applications for library purposes – ease of use means that any one can keep the site updated.
I also added my Delicious bookmarks to my iGoogle page, there should be a screen shot somewhere down the bottom of this post.
Again, this was really easy. I’ve been involved in updating our library webpage, which doesn’t use this kind of widget. This definitely hasn’t been easy.
I suppose the main thing I’ll take from looking at Widgets is how simple they are to use, and how they can (if used carefully) improve the look of your site, and easily personalise then too.
Office 2.0 (I like these Things!)
Office 2.0 eh? I’m amazed, and for some reason slightly embarrassed, to admit that this next Thing is another one that I’ve come across. And actually use.
I’ve been using Google Docs for a while, mostly because I couldn’t get my copy of Office (the untrendy Microsoft one) to install on my laptop at home. I needed something for txt docs etc, and seeing as this was free I thought I’d give it a go.
It is a bit more limited than MS Office applications, but for my home usage it’s fine. I also find the Gears bit handy so I can work offline too. I’m not so sure I’d want to compose large documents or reports on it, but basically I think it’s great.
I know that some people have issues around the privacy, or potential lack of it, but if they really want to see what my to-do list of DIY jobs for the next month is then they’re welcome to it. Especially if they offer to help.
Like a few of the other 23 Things participants I found ThinkFree Office a bit slow. I’m also fairly happy with Google Docs, so a bit disinclined to use it.
Overall, I’m a supporter of these applications. I know some people have reservations about the security and long term stability of cloud computing and document storage, but as long as you’re sensible and don’t save your list of bank account numbers and PIN no.s I reckon it’ll be fine.
The ability to access your documents from anywhere will only increase in importance as we increase the amount of work we do from netbooks, smartphones etc. Big thumbs up for these Things from me.
I’ve been using Google Docs for a while, mostly because I couldn’t get my copy of Office (the untrendy Microsoft one) to install on my laptop at home. I needed something for txt docs etc, and seeing as this was free I thought I’d give it a go.
It is a bit more limited than MS Office applications, but for my home usage it’s fine. I also find the Gears bit handy so I can work offline too. I’m not so sure I’d want to compose large documents or reports on it, but basically I think it’s great.
I know that some people have issues around the privacy, or potential lack of it, but if they really want to see what my to-do list of DIY jobs for the next month is then they’re welcome to it. Especially if they offer to help.
Like a few of the other 23 Things participants I found ThinkFree Office a bit slow. I’m also fairly happy with Google Docs, so a bit disinclined to use it.
Overall, I’m a supporter of these applications. I know some people have reservations about the security and long term stability of cloud computing and document storage, but as long as you’re sensible and don’t save your list of bank account numbers and PIN no.s I reckon it’ll be fine.
The ability to access your documents from anywhere will only increase in importance as we increase the amount of work we do from netbooks, smartphones etc. Big thumbs up for these Things from me.
Wikis, especially Wikipedia
I had a look at the Oxford web2.0 wiki, and first impression is that its a really useful resource (I must try and find another way of saying 'useful' on this blog). I had a play with Wetpaint (also in my previous role) and it seems fairly easy to use. My experience of wikis has been limited, but positive. They are a great way to work on collaborative projects, especially if you’re isolated “up the hill” like we are at HCL. They also make life much easier than having to email countless drafts for comment. What a great way to make the most out of the collective brainpower of our colleagues.
Which brings me on to Wikipedia. When I was at library school it was instilled into me that Wikipedia was pretty much the reliable-information-antichrist, and if you referenced it in an assignment, well I shudder to think what would happen.
However, since then in my professional role I have found myself using it more and more. I carry out literature searches on (to me) unfamiliar medical topics. Wikipedia will often provide me with an easy overview, allowing me to then move on to more “trusted” resources. I wouldn't rely on it to provide me with evidence based information, but it is a handy (avoided useful there) way to check things quickly.
Outside of work – I use it a lot.
Loads in fact. One of the favourite games in our house is ‘how old do you they reckon they are’ whilst watching TV. I also use it to decide whether I’ll like a film, or band , or book.
It’s ace.
Which brings me on to Wikipedia. When I was at library school it was instilled into me that Wikipedia was pretty much the reliable-information-antichrist, and if you referenced it in an assignment, well I shudder to think what would happen.
However, since then in my professional role I have found myself using it more and more. I carry out literature searches on (to me) unfamiliar medical topics. Wikipedia will often provide me with an easy overview, allowing me to then move on to more “trusted” resources. I wouldn't rely on it to provide me with evidence based information, but it is a handy (avoided useful there) way to check things quickly.
Outside of work – I use it a lot.
Loads in fact. One of the favourite games in our house is ‘how old do you they reckon they are’ whilst watching TV. I also use it to decide whether I’ll like a film, or band , or book.
It’s ace.
Thursday 8 April 2010
Wow, I'm so Web 2.0!
Well, I already use Twitter, does that count? My unimaginative username is ocoxall.
A quick look at my account shows that I've tweeted 82 times, follow 61 and have 37 followers.
I use Twitter in a number of ways. I follow a mix of people I know, some professional Twitterers (CEBM, Cochrane Library), and some stuff that I'm interested in (bands etc). Oh, and I've tweeted with a #ox23. Actually I was surprised how many tweets I'd, um, tweeted.
A few of the people/organisations I follow use Twitter to announce updates to their websites. I prefer this to RSS feeds, probably because I'm used to Twitter and so can scan the Tweets quickly.
I think that a Library Twitter account, probably linked to our RSS newsfeed, could be worth investigating. Well, I'd like it.
Well, I already use Twitter, does that count? My unimaginative username is ocoxall.
A quick look at my account shows that I've tweeted 82 times, follow 61 and have 37 followers.
I use Twitter in a number of ways. I follow a mix of people I know, some professional Twitterers (CEBM, Cochrane Library), and some stuff that I'm interested in (bands etc). Oh, and I've tweeted with a #ox23. Actually I was surprised how many tweets I'd, um, tweeted.
A few of the people/organisations I follow use Twitter to announce updates to their websites. I prefer this to RSS feeds, probably because I'm used to Twitter and so can scan the Tweets quickly.
I think that a Library Twitter account, probably linked to our RSS newsfeed, could be worth investigating. Well, I'd like it.
Social Networking and Libraries
I'm not sure where I stand on this topic.
There's a range of opinions on social networking, from "what's the point?", through "meh, whatever" to "I can't live without it!".
I'm pretty keen on it, and Facebook is a good way for me to stay in touch with friends and family. It's just another way of communicating with people.
For me in my professional role, I don't know how I feel about Linkedin. I can see it's potential but I need to explore it in a bit more depth.
How useful is it for libraries? I'm not so sure. I guess it could be a way of engaging with users, but I suppose you need to assess if your audience will be interested.
In our library? Well, it's free so that's good. But I don't know if our users are ready for it. Maybe not yet. But it's good to keep an open mind.
There's a range of opinions on social networking, from "what's the point?", through "meh, whatever" to "I can't live without it!".
I'm pretty keen on it, and Facebook is a good way for me to stay in touch with friends and family. It's just another way of communicating with people.
For me in my professional role, I don't know how I feel about Linkedin. I can see it's potential but I need to explore it in a bit more depth.
How useful is it for libraries? I'm not so sure. I guess it could be a way of engaging with users, but I suppose you need to assess if your audience will be interested.
In our library? Well, it's free so that's good. But I don't know if our users are ready for it. Maybe not yet. But it's good to keep an open mind.
I've had a Linkedin account for a little while.
My connections so far have been a few friends and someone who was on a course I attended.
Have I used it much? Not really.
It's something which I can see the potential in, but I've not really pursued it. It could be useful if you were a lone librarian or didn't have much professional support in your workplace, but luckily these don't apply to me.
My connections so far have been a few friends and someone who was on a course I attended.
Have I used it much? Not really.
It's something which I can see the potential in, but I've not really pursued it. It could be useful if you were a lone librarian or didn't have much professional support in your workplace, but luckily these don't apply to me.
facebook, and Libraries. Hmmmmm....................
I've been using Facebook for a while.
It's interesting that some of my friend's don't, and think it's a complete waste of time. I guess it's something you like (or 'get') or don't.
I like it. I use it to stay in touch with friends, family, and the other randoms (see - I'm down with the 'Facebook generation') who asked to be my friend. I like getting message through it. as Dara O'Briain said, it's like having a butler deliver your emails.
I looked at some of the Library Facebook pages, and I'm not convinced. We have a medical library journal club, and examined this paper, Use of Facebook in academic health sciences libraries. We didn't come to a favourable conclusion for using it I'm afraid.
I think the big thing is that it's not appropriate for our users (including our students). A lot of them are on Facebook, but they use it for their social life, not work.
I think that social network sites could be useful in engaging users, but they're maybe not for us at HCL.
It's interesting that some of my friend's don't, and think it's a complete waste of time. I guess it's something you like (or 'get') or don't.
I like it. I use it to stay in touch with friends, family, and the other randoms (see - I'm down with the 'Facebook generation') who asked to be my friend. I like getting message through it. as Dara O'Briain said, it's like having a butler deliver your emails.
I looked at some of the Library Facebook pages, and I'm not convinced. We have a medical library journal club, and examined this paper, Use of Facebook in academic health sciences libraries. We didn't come to a favourable conclusion for using it I'm afraid.
I think the big thing is that it's not appropriate for our users (including our students). A lot of them are on Facebook, but they use it for their social life, not work.
I think that social network sites could be useful in engaging users, but they're maybe not for us at HCL.
YouTube
I think that YouTube is one of the greatest things to emerge from the Internet. And one of the worst.
I've used it to look at how to do DIY jobs (changing locks, upholstering chairs), examples of interview techniques, and watched lectures. For fun.
I've also wasted hours watching music videos from my youth, and watched loads of people fall over/get punched/dance badly etc.
I suppose it's one of those site's that really demonstrates how people just incorporate technology into their lives, without really thinking. Not too long ago the idea of broadcasting your video was fairly impossible unless you had access to TV equipment (or filmed it and sent it to You've Been Framed). Now you film it (on your phone) and post it for everyone to see in minutes. It has had a real impact on how people experience and share what's happening in the world. Along with video of their cat, dancing.
I think in an educational setting it will be more and more valuable, especially for distance learners. In our Library we have a number of users who have limited access to us due to their working hours/location, so a podcast of our training sessions could be useful.
Definitely something to explore further.
I've used it to look at how to do DIY jobs (changing locks, upholstering chairs), examples of interview techniques, and watched lectures. For fun.
I've also wasted hours watching music videos from my youth, and watched loads of people fall over/get punched/dance badly etc.
I suppose it's one of those site's that really demonstrates how people just incorporate technology into their lives, without really thinking. Not too long ago the idea of broadcasting your video was fairly impossible unless you had access to TV equipment (or filmed it and sent it to You've Been Framed). Now you film it (on your phone) and post it for everyone to see in minutes. It has had a real impact on how people experience and share what's happening in the world. Along with video of their cat, dancing.
I think in an educational setting it will be more and more valuable, especially for distance learners. In our Library we have a number of users who have limited access to us due to their working hours/location, so a podcast of our training sessions could be useful.
Definitely something to explore further.
Podcasts
Another Thing, and I'm pleased to say it's another one I'm familiar with.
I've been downloading podcasts on iTunes for a while, and have a noticed a trend towards Radio 4, which is a bit disturbing. I must be getting older.
I attended a session on how to make a podcast in December. It seemed pretty easy, and we're considering how we can use them to promote the library. The most likely way will be to improve database tutorials etc.
Being a bit more, errr, enthusiastic (deluded?), I came up with an idea of producing a 60 second rundown of hot topics each day. Or maybe What's New in 2 minutes every week. A kind of round up of big journal articles or new resources. Which I still think is a good idea, but it's a commitment - you'd really need to keep it going to get people subscribing.
I think it's also important to bear in mind that you'd have to produce something that isn't shonky. For it to be successful it would need good content, and be professionally made (or at least sound it). This kind of resource would be competing for people's time with all the other podcasts that are available, so there better be a USP. If we do produce a library podcast it's going to need a fair bit of planning.
I like podcasts.
I've been downloading podcasts on iTunes for a while, and have a noticed a trend towards Radio 4, which is a bit disturbing. I must be getting older.
I attended a session on how to make a podcast in December. It seemed pretty easy, and we're considering how we can use them to promote the library. The most likely way will be to improve database tutorials etc.
Being a bit more, errr, enthusiastic (deluded?), I came up with an idea of producing a 60 second rundown of hot topics each day. Or maybe What's New in 2 minutes every week. A kind of round up of big journal articles or new resources. Which I still think is a good idea, but it's a commitment - you'd really need to keep it going to get people subscribing.
I think it's also important to bear in mind that you'd have to produce something that isn't shonky. For it to be successful it would need good content, and be professionally made (or at least sound it). This kind of resource would be competing for people's time with all the other podcasts that are available, so there better be a USP. If we do produce a library podcast it's going to need a fair bit of planning.
I like podcasts.
Social Bookmarking
Social Bookmarking sounds like it should be the punchline to a really bad library joke.
But it's not, and I'm a fan. I use Delicious a lot, and have the toolbar installed on all the computers I use. Web access to it means I can get to my links whatever computer I'm at, which is also great.
Looking at Delicious for 23 things has made me realise that although I use it, I don't use it in the most efficient way. I tend to just look at my most visited or recent views to find my bookmarks. Going back and looking at thse tags has made me have a think - I really should organise my links, there were one's on there I'd forgotten about!
Also, adding tags will make them more useful to other people searching Delicious.
Out of the web2.0 stuff we've looked at I think this is one of the best. Professionally, it means I never forget a link in a training session, and personally as it means I can access my favourite sites wherever I am.
Searching other people's favourite sites is pretty interesting too, and it fits in with my vague notion of Web 2.0 being about user generated content.
Delicious and social bookmarking gets a thumbs up from me.
But it's not, and I'm a fan. I use Delicious a lot, and have the toolbar installed on all the computers I use. Web access to it means I can get to my links whatever computer I'm at, which is also great.
Looking at Delicious for 23 things has made me realise that although I use it, I don't use it in the most efficient way. I tend to just look at my most visited or recent views to find my bookmarks. Going back and looking at thse tags has made me have a think - I really should organise my links, there were one's on there I'd forgotten about!
Also, adding tags will make them more useful to other people searching Delicious.
Out of the web2.0 stuff we've looked at I think this is one of the best. Professionally, it means I never forget a link in a training session, and personally as it means I can access my favourite sites wherever I am.
Searching other people's favourite sites is pretty interesting too, and it fits in with my vague notion of Web 2.0 being about user generated content.
Delicious and social bookmarking gets a thumbs up from me.
Images, Flickr, and Picnik.
You may have noticed a bit of a gap since my previous post. Let's carry on as if nothing happened eh?
So, Flickr. I thought it was OK. I guess I'm used to Picasa, which I use already, so I'm not really that bothered with Flickr. It was easy enough to use, and I've posted a few photos, but I probably won't use it again.
Picnik is ace though. I'd used it a while ago, but hadn't bothered for a few months. However, the ability to edit photos and save them to my Picasa account is great, and something I'll definitely make use of in the future.
Anyway, the image at the top is one I edited with Picnik. It's a bit sombre, but then I killed this bike so I think it suits my memories of it.
Friday 12 February 2010
Week 4, Photos
I'm a bit behind with my things, so Week 4 is likely to run into Week 5.
I don't want to disapoint you dear reader, so here's a link to my Picasa web pages.
PHOTOS
I'll transfer some photos to my new Flickr account as per 23 Things instructions.
And I know it's becoming a bit of a theme with this blog, but stay tuned for more progress.
I don't want to disapoint you dear reader, so here's a link to my Picasa web pages.
PHOTOS
I'll transfer some photos to my new Flickr account as per 23 Things instructions.
And I know it's becoming a bit of a theme with this blog, but stay tuned for more progress.
RSS feeds
Well, here's my Google Reader page:
I've signed up to some fellow 23 Thing-ers blogs, a couple of non-work blogs (a podcast and a bike blog)in a fun folder, and some work related blogs.
I follow a few blogs but have never really bothered with using RSS feeds. I've got a fairly systematic way of browsing the net (librarian in doing things a certain way shocker) so tend to have a set routine of checking them. I also have email alerts and follow blogs on Twitter.
So personally I'm a bit ambivalent about RSS feeds. i can see their usefulness but they’re not for me. However, Google reader is pretty simple to set up and use, and I would definitely recommend it to my users, many of whom don’t have access to their own PC or such regular work patterns (and PC useage).
I've signed up to some fellow 23 Thing-ers blogs, a couple of non-work blogs (a podcast and a bike blog)in a fun folder, and some work related blogs.
I follow a few blogs but have never really bothered with using RSS feeds. I've got a fairly systematic way of browsing the net (librarian in doing things a certain way shocker) so tend to have a set routine of checking them. I also have email alerts and follow blogs on Twitter.
So personally I'm a bit ambivalent about RSS feeds. i can see their usefulness but they’re not for me. However, Google reader is pretty simple to set up and use, and I would definitely recommend it to my users, many of whom don’t have access to their own PC or such regular work patterns (and PC useage).
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Blogging on the bus
This might have been a bit too ambitious, however checking up on the blogs I'm following has meant this journey is going quicker than usual!
23 Things update when I get home, promise.
23 Things update when I get home, promise.
Thursday 4 February 2010
A quick update
Just a quick update.
I've had a look at some of the other 23 things blogs, and have decided to get stuck in to the important bit.
Which obviuosly is how my blog looks.
The pink is staying, and I've added a Jackson pollock gadget, so that avid readers can create works of art whilst staying up to date with my progress.
And speaking of progress, better get the next Things done. Stay tuned.
I've had a look at some of the other 23 things blogs, and have decided to get stuck in to the important bit.
Which obviuosly is how my blog looks.
The pink is staying, and I've added a Jackson pollock gadget, so that avid readers can create works of art whilst staying up to date with my progress.
And speaking of progress, better get the next Things done. Stay tuned.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Blogs. Hmmmmm.
What a busy little blogger I am. Well, today anyway.
This is my first blog. It's not something I've done before because I've never really felt that I had anything of any interest to share with the world. I'm still not convinced that I have.
But I don't have a negative view of blogs though. I quite enjoy reading other peoples thoughts, and can see how they could be used in interesting ways.
So whilst blogging hasn't been for me, I'm approaching this with my "information professional hat" on (please note, this isn’t an actual hat), and I’m looking forward to seeing where 23 things takes me.
This is my first blog. It's not something I've done before because I've never really felt that I had anything of any interest to share with the world. I'm still not convinced that I have.
But I don't have a negative view of blogs though. I quite enjoy reading other peoples thoughts, and can see how they could be used in interesting ways.
So whilst blogging hasn't been for me, I'm approaching this with my "information professional hat" on (please note, this isn’t an actual hat), and I’m looking forward to seeing where 23 things takes me.
igoogle
The first part of the 23 things program was to create an igoogle account.
This is something which I've been using for a while as my homepage in my browser.
I think its great, mine is pretty simple but its got the main things that I use a lot:
Google calendar
Google search bar
My gmail account
My hotmail account
Wikipedia (always need to know who was in what band, and how old whatsit off the telly is)
The other bits I don't use as much, but they're handy to have.
Oh, and my current theme is a fake Banksy. Mostly as it's fairly unnoticable.
Generally I'd say that customised start pages are pretty good, as they're tailored to what you want/need, not what someone else thinks. They're especially useful if you use a number of computers, as you don't need to rely on browser bookmarks.
The main downside? You miss the intersting facts and interpretations of the Google homepage. Can't have it all I guess.
23 things: the start
Well, hello blogosphere – anyone listening? This is my 23 things blog, pretty obvious if you’re reading this as it says it up there ↑↑.
I’m taking part in this to get to know web 2.0 a bit better. I use a lot of this stuff already (Facebook, Twitter, customised homepages) but I don’t really know how they work. Which in day to day life, is fine.
However, from a professional point of view, understanding how they work will help me use them in a better way. I’m involved in running the library website, and it would be nice to use some of these features; but not just tacking them on because there’s a vague feeling that you “should” have them. I guess it’s easy to be caught up in some of the hype (we should have a Facebook site – everyone else has!) but really I’d like to know how to use web 2.0 technology a bit more creatively, especially as a means of communication.
I’m taking part in this to get to know web 2.0 a bit better. I use a lot of this stuff already (Facebook, Twitter, customised homepages) but I don’t really know how they work. Which in day to day life, is fine.
However, from a professional point of view, understanding how they work will help me use them in a better way. I’m involved in running the library website, and it would be nice to use some of these features; but not just tacking them on because there’s a vague feeling that you “should” have them. I guess it’s easy to be caught up in some of the hype (we should have a Facebook site – everyone else has!) but really I’d like to know how to use web 2.0 technology a bit more creatively, especially as a means of communication.
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