An elderly patron just told me that my library is a good one, and that she should know because she comes from Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie started his public library efforts. Her grandmother came from the same town as him and often said: "He did all right for himself, for a blacksmith's son. Back in those days he couldn't afford a kilt, even if he had been entitled to wear one!" Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure what this means, but I love it when patrons share bits like this.
Monday, August 6, 2007
pretty good
An elderly patron just told me that my library is a good one, and that she should know because she comes from Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie started his public library efforts. Her grandmother came from the same town as him and often said: "He did all right for himself, for a blacksmith's son. Back in those days he couldn't afford a kilt, even if he had been entitled to wear one!" Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure what this means, but I love it when patrons share bits like this.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Reflecting on 27 Things
Looking back over the 27 Things excercise, my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. I've so appreciated having this little push to try out new technologies and things that I may have been curious about before, but often intimidated by. It has made me feel good, in that the system believes in the capabilities of its employees to learn and grow, and is encouraging us to think in new ways. It has sometimes made me feel breathless, at all the possibilities out there, and daunted thinking about what choices will have to be made to keep libraries relevant in this flood of new outlets and connection points.
My favorite part was looking at all these different technologies and coming up with creative ideas about how to use them with libraries. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of that, and look forward to finding ways to use these, not just in theory, in my work.
I would totally do this again, and hope to see simular programs in the future to update staff on what is new. Plus it is also really fun to connect with coworkers in a new way, by reading their blogs. I think it would be awesome of the staff directory had voluntary links to people's blogs, for those of us interested in building community. I kinda wish not so many people went annonmous, though I do understand why they did.
This was the most exciting and satisfying, plus intellectually stimulating thing we have been offered in a long time. I am glad I participated and that it was offered.
My favorite part was looking at all these different technologies and coming up with creative ideas about how to use them with libraries. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of that, and look forward to finding ways to use these, not just in theory, in my work.
I would totally do this again, and hope to see simular programs in the future to update staff on what is new. Plus it is also really fun to connect with coworkers in a new way, by reading their blogs. I think it would be awesome of the staff directory had voluntary links to people's blogs, for those of us interested in building community. I kinda wish not so many people went annonmous, though I do understand why they did.
This was the most exciting and satisfying, plus intellectually stimulating thing we have been offered in a long time. I am glad I participated and that it was offered.
some books on mp3 I plan to download!
Diamond Dogs by Alan Watt
Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Beginner's Guide To Meditation by Shinzen Young
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Twinkie, Deconstructed - My Journey to Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown, Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats by Steve Ettlinger
Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Beginner's Guide To Meditation by Shinzen Young
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Twinkie, Deconstructed - My Journey to Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown, Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats by Steve Ettlinger
Thinking about podcasting
I have some friends who love love love podcasts, and I have to admit, I am a skeptic. Partially this is because I am a very visual person, and while I can enjoy radio and audio things...for me there are best utilized when driving, when I have a limited number of things I can be doing at one time. And that time is usually filled up with audiobooks already!
Podcasts to me are one more layer of information, and personally I'm a bit overwhelmed already.
But on the plus side, it is a very personal direct way to share information and connect with others, which is very cool.
How could KCLS use this? I think the best use would be to have a series of interviews with various staff members about their jobs, what they do, or upcoming projects they are excited about. Stuff the public might find interesting, and would make us seem more transparent, and worthy of continuing support.
Video podcasts could be great for booktalks, storytimes, fingerplays, and special events, too!
Podcasts to me are one more layer of information, and personally I'm a bit overwhelmed already.
But on the plus side, it is a very personal direct way to share information and connect with others, which is very cool.
How could KCLS use this? I think the best use would be to have a series of interviews with various staff members about their jobs, what they do, or upcoming projects they are excited about. Stuff the public might find interesting, and would make us seem more transparent, and worthy of continuing support.
Video podcasts could be great for booktalks, storytimes, fingerplays, and special events, too!
Fly on the Wall - Booktalk
Here is an good example of how a booktalk could be shared online. Makes me think...I could do that!
Exploring YouTube
I've been a long time fan of YouTube, and am very excited by all the posibilities it has to offer. As someone who doesn't watch very much TV, but likes to stay in pop culture loops, it has proven invaluable for me to keep up with must-see events...such as Stephen Colbert's speech at the White House Correspondent's dinner, which I otherwise never would have seen.
My favorite thing to look up is music videos, such as the treadmill dance of OkOk and Christopher Walken dancing in Fatboy Slim's Weapon of Choice. Classic!
The one that has infected my brain the most, for the least reason is a pet store commercial for a place called Wet Pets. I love it!
How could YouTube be used at KCLS? The most obvious use to me, as a Teen Librarian, is for booktalking. Or special projects with teens. When I was a teen active in a library group, we made a short video of theatrical booktalks called 16 Minutes. To do this we had to enlist the help of a crew from the local PBS affilate. The only people who say these were kids in schools, and who knows where it is now. But today, it would be so easy to do that sort of project, with just a little equiptment and a few teens. So cool!
My favorite thing to look up is music videos, such as the treadmill dance of OkOk and Christopher Walken dancing in Fatboy Slim's Weapon of Choice. Classic!
The one that has infected my brain the most, for the least reason is a pet store commercial for a place called Wet Pets. I love it!
How could YouTube be used at KCLS? The most obvious use to me, as a Teen Librarian, is for booktalking. Or special projects with teens. When I was a teen active in a library group, we made a short video of theatrical booktalks called 16 Minutes. To do this we had to enlist the help of a crew from the local PBS affilate. The only people who say these were kids in schools, and who knows where it is now. But today, it would be so easy to do that sort of project, with just a little equiptment and a few teens. So cool!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
MTV discovers Wizard Rock!
Harry Potter Fandom Reaches Magical New Level Thanks To Wizard-Rock Bands
We had Harry and the Potters at Crossroads, and though I was skeptical going into it, they really won my over by the end of the show.
I love how this article talks about what good things can grow out of the books, ever after the series is over, and how these crazy little rock bands can help mobilize for positive change in the world, inspired by Harry Potter.
Don't forget...Harry and the Potters are at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center on July 8th!
We had Harry and the Potters at Crossroads, and though I was skeptical going into it, they really won my over by the end of the show.
I love how this article talks about what good things can grow out of the books, ever after the series is over, and how these crazy little rock bands can help mobilize for positive change in the world, inspired by Harry Potter.
Don't forget...Harry and the Potters are at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center on July 8th!
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