Thing 8

I used Lazybase to create a sample movie database. The basic template was already an option so I just had to populate it. I could see patrons using something like this to track and rate books they read. Seeing that you can import CSV files it would be easy to modify our library My Account page to provide a way for patrons to grab a CSV of checked out items for easy import to Lazybase.

I would recommend this to organizations who need to provide a method for multiple people to edit a database. This could also be a way for library volunteers working from home to log hours remotely.

Personally I've used Google Docs to share Microsoft Word document with other people to edit. This works very well.

Thing 7

Our library uses e-mail extensively to communicate with staff. I know we have recently begun using e-mail to notify patrons who opt in that a particular page on our site has been updated. We also send courtesy notices and pickup notices to those patron who opt in to receive these via e-mail. I know patrons really appreciate being notified 2 days before the item is due.

I think it is important for libraries to use the access method the patron is most comfortable with. I know that our reference desk makes librarians available via IM.

I use IM at home and on my phone. I also use SMS as well.

I've attended webinars to learn more about IT topics or product information. With dual monitors I find I can usually listen to the presentation and get work done at the same time!

Thing 6

I used the trading card creater to make river boat safety card. I could see a library creating some fun trading cards for Children's story characters who come to visit the library or even staff.

Thing 5

My creation
Originally uploaded by sbmosing

Some of these flickr tools are very fun and addicting. I could see a library uses these tools to create promotional material, create puzzles for kids to do.

I am careful about what I post online publicly. I mostly post privately and even then omit names that would fully identify the subject.

Thing 4

I already had a flickr account but never used it to create a blog post with it before. It was very easy to set up the blogger connection with flickr. I've used my flickr account to upload photos to share with friends and family. I will probably continue using flickr to share photos like I have been in the past.

Amuzing Race Thrivent Financial Team

Amuzing Race Thrivent Financial Team
Originally uploaded by sbmosing

My Wife's office sponsored a leg of the 2008 Amuzing race fund raiser for the Rochester Public Library. They had a lot of fun trying to figure out each challenge.

Thing 3 - RSS Feeds

I've known RSS feeds are there but never took the time to sit down and set up the RSS aggregater in Google. I sometimes run into helpful blogs when I Google a questions and always mean to come back and read more of the newly discovered blog. Adding the RSS feed to Google will remind me to read the posted content and save me time navigating to the blog in the first place.

There could be some possibilities in monitoring certain servers I manage which can post system health information to an RSS feed.

I think using the tool Google provides for searching RSS feeds was easy to use and already integrated with my RSS reader so I will probably continue to use it for searching new RSS feeds.