Libraries using Flickr

Of the libraries I read about in the most recent issue of American Libraries (September 2007, p. 42) I was most impressed with The Clemens and Alcuin libraries. I love the "On This Day in American History" Theme, and the best part is that when you click on one of the books in one of their photos it links to the current availability of the book in the library catalog - the is a very cool, practical application. I also enjoyed looking at the Pierce County Library System, which posts one picture each day for the 365 days of the year. Again - I think this is a cool theme and I could see doing something like this in my library. What a great way to allow people to see what's going on in your library.

Week 4 - Bloglines

Week 4 is kind of a quicky for me because I already have a Bloglines account. I opened the account shortly after starting library school (about 3 years ago). I used to read my feeds daily, but I have to admit that I rarely go to my Bloglines account anymore. There is just so much to read and so little time!! One of my Web 2.0 goals should be getting back into the habit of reading these.

I currently subscribe to quite a few library related feeds including: The Shifted Librarian, YALSA, PLA Blog, Library Web Chic, and, yes - Bonita Library Teen Space. I really need to get back into reading these, but who has the time? I share Ramona's sentiments that it is just so overwhelming (especially for something with "simple" in the title) Simple, and yet so extensive. Plus, Ramona gave a few more feeds that sound interesting to me in her recent post. How does one keep up?

Although it is a bit overwhelming I am really impressed with the power of aggregators (sp?) like Bloglines. They do so much of the work for us, even though one can only read so fast! When I was reading my feeds regularly on Bloglines I found that it really helped me keep up with goings on in the library profession. It is a very useful tool.

Here's a question worth looking into. How many people subscribe to library blogs?

Open mouth insert foot

Well it looks as if many libraries are using Flickr. In the latest issue of American Libraries there is an article titled "Pixels Worth 1,000 Words" where the author presents many libraries that are using Flickr. I will explore some of these - more to come later.

Week 3 - O.K. I'm a bit behind...

Well, Here I am running behind on my Web 2.0 lessons. Last week I did go to Flickr and I took the Flickr Tour. I even took notes on how to upload, organize, and share photos on Flickr. I opened my very own Flickr account. You can view pictures from my recent vacation at http://www.flickr.com/photos/smbeliveau/! What a great way to share photos with friends and family. However, they would have to be friends and family who are also into Flickr and Web 2.0 technology - like my brother in law, for instance: http://www.flickr.com/photos/obkimmer. Kim is constantly uploading pictures to Flickr straight from his camera phone.

I can't help but have my doubts about how Flickr can be used to promote a library. Anybody know of a specific library that utilizes Flickr? I, personally, am not that into digital photography and I don't see myself spending a lot of time playing on Flickr. And once you have a Flickr account, how do you get people to look at it? Kim has had his account for a very long time, and I just now have taken an interest, mostly because of these Web 2.0 lessons.

Learning about this stuff is fun, but how much can it really apply in the library world? I know - now I'm really gonna get it. Well, at least I'll now if anyone is reading. That's another thing - I don't think I'm interesting enough to have a blog that people will actually WANT to read. I think few people really are. O.k., now on to RSS feeds...

I've been on bloglines for a few years now, but do not have much time to keep up on my feeds. More on that in the next post.

Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

P1010047_1
Originally uploaded by smbeliveau

Just sharing a bit of scenic serenity as I practice uploading a photo from Flickr directly into my blog. This technology is really amazing!

WooHoo

I figured out how to change the background. This is a great site that Laura recommended http://www.glitter-graphics.com/ I bet you're wishing I chose something different - not to worry, I will not be striped forever. Changing the background is fun, not sure if I want to venture to change anything else yet.

I tried to the Maximum to get into "School's Out Forever," but to no avail

8/18 - School's Out--Forever by James Patterson

I just took this book off of my reading list. I know how popular these books are, but I just could not get into it at all. Maybe because I was listening to it, and not reading it? I really do try to give "boy" books a chance, but this was just boring and had no character development. Maybe I should have started with the first in the series?