Summary

I want to first say that I consider this to be the least amount I should know on these subjects. I am really appreciative of the opportunity to learn. I could never have found all of this on my own. Only our fearless leader knows how much work and thought went into formulating this program and pulling it off with great success.
The most unique thing I found is "Libraries in the News" hiding on WebJunction. It is updated weekly. Library Success is a Wiki I found directly because of this learning opportunity. This wiki will be on my list of favorites to continuously learn.
When you look at the Roselle Library website, so much has been added gradually, that sometimes we forget how much is really on there. Compared to any other library, Roselle is right up there at the top.
I think the pacing of Playtime 2.0 was appropriate and flexible enough to accommodate most schedules. When I first started, I thought I would never finish. I would definitely participate again in a self-directed program. I envision one new topic a year or quarterly (just a thought). Should Playtime 2.0 be considered training for all new employees? Thanks for this unique learning opportunity. Now excuse me, I am going back to learning !!!!!

Thing # 10: Roselle's Virtual Library

There were 550 entries for Roselle Library !!!!!!!
The first one was " Mark Your Calendar Things to do in DuPage County Today Tuesday"

There were two Abraham Lincoln entries. There was only one that was 51 and born in Kentucky.

NoveList and First Search were a few of the databases I looked at today. If you can't find a book on one of those, forget about it. First Search evens limits the search to the state of Illinois

NoveList should be the most popular. Thomas Register should be least because of its narrow focus. I was completely impressed with the website for the Library. What impressed me the most is how much has been added. "What's New" is just one example of how current things are. I have even seen all the book reviews!!!!!

Thing #9: Lifelong Learning

Trends in Children's Literature was the first course that I noticed.
Planning Story Time for Children will also be on my wish list
I could also benefit from Managing Difficult Patrons with Confidence.
I am definitely looking forward to Fundamentals of Exceptional Customer Service.

I think a group course would be great if it is a topic where we are not distracted. If it is a course where we can all stay on topic and keep up and support each other, that would be beneficial.

The added bonus from WebJunction is the Libraries in the News. It gives specific libraries and updates it weekly. I was impressed on the amount of articles there really is just for Illinois.

Thing #8 Online Apps

Google Doc appears to have a bigger screen. It has less choices for the fonts and font size. It is a plus that it adds a list on the left to itemize who is sharing the list (who also has access to edit).
I would definitely use Google Docs to make sure a big project in collaboration with other is saved.

Google Docs might be used to make sure everyone has read the document and all items have been added and corrected. You can use the hidden icon to attribute who added or corrected something and when they did it.

Thing #7 Wikis

I am impressed by how clean-cut the entries appear to be considering the number of people involved.
It really does have to be organized.
The concept of Wikis is amazing because of the infinite amount of information.
Roselle's entry on Wikipedia did not capture the essence of the people. The library was not included, but the mayor was. I found it fascinating that the exact coordinates of latitude and longitude were highlighted.
Schaumburg wiki was too intense, but isn't that a great way to involve the staff.
We beat Park Ridge in terms of time. Their wiki was more creative than Schaumburg; I feel that we are getting more out of this because we are covering all areas, not just one project.
The wikis work to their advantage because of the size of their libraries and because "recent activity" is right there on the first page
Library Success is the best wiki I found, It will take me a long time to get through it, but I saved it on my favorites.
I think we could use wikis for the parade, christmas party or any huge event that takes multiple input.

#6 IM

I had previously gone to the Library website to look at the IM.
I had never sent anything before.
It truly is instant. It even informed me of the status of the response. It let me know that they were typing. You can't get any more engaged than that.
I appreciate the efficiency of IM. However, both parties have to be in sync.
I think IM Reference is valuable to a large-size library (Staffing!!!!). It serves a need for the patron who is at a computer and does not want to talk to a librarian.
I big TY to L. D. for including the acronym dictionary. Does everyone have that memorized?

Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing

http://www.bloglines.com/emailthis?itemid=768&siteid=91930

This was interesting because Garrison Keillor highlights one book and adds a poem and a thought.
Podcasting is quick. The Adventures of Super Librarian was too short, but it was great that they added wind.
The Haunted Librarian was too dark
I was surprised to find out the popularity of MSNBC on Vodcasts (and Nova - great resource for adults) .
On YouTube I learned to stop the pictures by simply putting the cursor over the picture. The pictures had been flashing by too quickly to be useful.
Video sharing could used creatively with the teens (such as the wonderful Halloween video)
The book talks will be a great idea because favorites can be highlighted.

I added an RSS feed to my account