CML is the best, in part, because it is structurally committed to product knowledge. Translating from jargon to English: CML consistently makes it a priority to give its employees the training and development they need to be successful. As the general public increasingly takes new communication technologies for granted, our customers will continue to need help navigating those technologies. For us to provide the kind of service our customers expect, we have to at least have some experiences to draw from. Giving us all the opportunity to play around with so much of web 2.0 prepares us for success.
One really cool off-shoot of Learn&Play has been the extent to which people have already started incorporating some of what they've learned in their day-to-day work at the library. We now have several staff wikis; I know of a number of people who have started Twittering because of the program. I think MOLDI use will be going up (if I can ever get it to work, I'll promote it more). On a personal level, I took a deep Luddite breath and got a Facebook account. That's something I can't really imagine having done if I hadn't already made the decision to try all the L&P 2.0 things.
2 Things I'd like to see (besides all the intended effects of the program): more updating on the 23 things, and a public program to get central Ohio more on-line. There are applications that have become more important as others have been relegated to second-division 2.0. I'd like to see Facebook or MySpace as one of the 23 things. At this point, Bloglines seems about done. There are other, better, more popular RSS readers out there. As for the public programs, I can't imagine a better 21st century literacy program than one that promotes computer literacy. Why not leverage CML's visibility and support into a program to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to become more technology savvy. (Admission: I'm a contrarian. So I can think of a couple of reasons. But I still think it would be a great idea).
A tip of the cap to CML for a GREAT program.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thing 22: MOLDI
You say "Learn," I say "OK...press Play...WTF!?...why can't I download this stuff on any of the staff PCs?"
I think MOLDI is a great service, and I expect it to become more popular in the future. It isn't what I would call user friendly though. In order to use it at the library, I had to use 3 different computers, download updates to Windows Media Player, Adobe, the digital media software (which I had to search for the actual "download" button for), and then struggle with various error messages and pop-up instructions. The process would have been much simpler on my home computer, I think; so if I were someone who enjoyed listening to audiobooks, or wanted streaming classical music it would be well worth the effort to make sure everything was set up properly on my computer.
As more of the audio books become available in MP3 format, I really expect the service to take off; and I'm glad to have had the exposure now.
I think MOLDI is a great service, and I expect it to become more popular in the future. It isn't what I would call user friendly though. In order to use it at the library, I had to use 3 different computers, download updates to Windows Media Player, Adobe, the digital media software (which I had to search for the actual "download" button for), and then struggle with various error messages and pop-up instructions. The process would have been much simpler on my home computer, I think; so if I were someone who enjoyed listening to audiobooks, or wanted streaming classical music it would be well worth the effort to make sure everything was set up properly on my computer.
As more of the audio books become available in MP3 format, I really expect the service to take off; and I'm glad to have had the exposure now.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thing 21: Podcasts
Of the two highlighted podcast directories, Podcast Alley was my favorite. I had to play with it a little to figure it out, but I generally liked the results. I also liked DigitalPodcast, a directory I found through Google's directory of podcast directories, although I wouldn't probably use it before Podcast Alley.
I generally think of podcasts as a nice extra from blogs I like rather than as a primary source of information. So I listen to podcasts from websites I visit regularly, but am surprised to learn that there are actually directories of them. I wonder how many of the podcasts in the directories are meant to be stand-alone rather than supplemental to other websites.
For the library, audio podcasts could be used to highlight some new or under-utilized services, webcast interviews with visitors and employees of interest, or provide commonly requested information or book reviews. Having said that, YouTube video podcasts strike me as being more useful to the library. They could be used to do all the things audio podcasts do, plus provide information that really needs visual aids, like help customers with common problems on the PCs and catalog computers.
I generally think of podcasts as a nice extra from blogs I like rather than as a primary source of information. So I listen to podcasts from websites I visit regularly, but am surprised to learn that there are actually directories of them. I wonder how many of the podcasts in the directories are meant to be stand-alone rather than supplemental to other websites.
For the library, audio podcasts could be used to highlight some new or under-utilized services, webcast interviews with visitors and employees of interest, or provide commonly requested information or book reviews. Having said that, YouTube video podcasts strike me as being more useful to the library. They could be used to do all the things audio podcasts do, plus provide information that really needs visual aids, like help customers with common problems on the PCs and catalog computers.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thing 20: You Tube
You Tube is great fun. I know I've killed lots of time this afternoon just hopping from video to video. You say learn...
One way I've already made use of YT at the library is in the Homework Help Center. Yourteacher.com has posted a number of their math lessons on You Tube. They are short (less than 5 minutes) instructional videos on specific topics in math. The video I've embedded here is about solving square roots, but there are hundreds of others. It's easy to direct a student to the appropriate page, kids like using the computer...magic! Warning: this may cause drowsiness.
I think I will start sending customers to CreativeCommons for computer instructions too. Good stuff.
As for official library usage, I think it would be a lovely thing to arrange a CML channel with instructional videos to answer common customer questions like how to use aquabrowser, how to print, how to save. It might also be a cheap and savvy way to do some marketing.
One way I've already made use of YT at the library is in the Homework Help Center. Yourteacher.com has posted a number of their math lessons on You Tube. They are short (less than 5 minutes) instructional videos on specific topics in math. The video I've embedded here is about solving square roots, but there are hundreds of others. It's easy to direct a student to the appropriate page, kids like using the computer...magic! Warning: this may cause drowsiness.
I think I will start sending customers to CreativeCommons for computer instructions too. Good stuff.
As for official library usage, I think it would be a lovely thing to arrange a CML channel with instructional videos to answer common customer questions like how to use aquabrowser, how to print, how to save. It might also be a cheap and savvy way to do some marketing.
Thing 19: CML Power Tools
I've had the toolbar on my computer at home since it came out a while ago, but haven't really played with it much since then. I do use it on a regular basis, but usually just to go to the CML front page. In learning more about it, I found that I really like the search bar's catalog, dictionary and encyclopedia options. I can see the My Account button as a useful tool. Someone who uses MOLDI would love the eMedia links. The buttons to the Events, Kids and Teens pages might be useful to people who use them.
My Dream CML Toolbar would look something like this: a search bar like the one already available, with additional searches for events and web search capabilities like Google, Ask, etc. Configurable RSS feeds. A My Account button. eMedia, Events, Kids and Teens buttons with pull-down lists to narrow the options. And a Reference button with a pulldown list of popular topics, like legal, medical, jounrals, etc.
My Dream CML Toolbar would look something like this: a search bar like the one already available, with additional searches for events and web search capabilities like Google, Ask, etc. Configurable RSS feeds. A My Account button. eMedia, Events, Kids and Teens buttons with pull-down lists to narrow the options. And a Reference button with a pulldown list of popular topics, like legal, medical, jounrals, etc.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thing 18: Web 2.0 Awards
I've played around with Pandora before, but never thought to compare it to other sites like it. The Web 2.0 Awards has Pandora ranked #2 in the music category, with lower ratings than winner Last FM in most categories.
Both sites start with the user declaring a favorite band or song, then branching out with recommendations. In Pandora, recommendations are based on the Music Genome Project, an analysis of more-or-less identifiable qualities of music (like major chord structures, tight harmonies, or repetitive rhythms). As the site plays a new song, you can indicate that you enjoy it or that it's not to your taste. The site adds that information to it's data, makes an adjustment, and suggests another song. You can create multiple "stations" based on artists or songs and can combine playlists so you don't end up listening to the same stuff over and over (and over and over).
Last FM, as I understand it, uses a different methodology. Rather than try to isolate what you like, they assume you'll like what other people who also like your picks like. You can still tell them you don't like a song, so you aren't chained to their playlist. Last FM is more keyed in to the Web 2.0 ethic, with space for comments and other feedback, links to concert calendars, videos... Last FM has a more robust website than Pandora, but I still like Pandora better.
Both sites promise to turn you on to music you might not have thought to try before, but Last FM assumes that you are - more or less - like everybody else. They pigeonhole you. Naturally, it works most of the time. Most people are like most people. But if it works as a way of identifying which group you belong to, it isn't likely to work as a means to introduce you to new music. If I actually fit in the group that predictably, the group isn't likely to have many musical interests I don't already have myself. Pandora's method actually makes more sense. If you like a sound, find out what it is about the sound that you like, then find other pieces of music with that quality in common. You aren't being stereotyped. You're being shown other ways of looking at the universe of music.
It's like Readers' Advisory. If someone said they love mystery books, I could run through a list of the most popular mysteries and probably give them something to read. But if I really wanted to give them a book that suits them, I would need to ask some questions: which are your favorites? What stand out to you about them? Do you prefer hard-boiled crime mysteries or cozies? Does the gender of the protagonist matter to you? and so on. The why is more important than the what in readers' advisory; and in listeners' advisory.
Both sites start with the user declaring a favorite band or song, then branching out with recommendations. In Pandora, recommendations are based on the Music Genome Project, an analysis of more-or-less identifiable qualities of music (like major chord structures, tight harmonies, or repetitive rhythms). As the site plays a new song, you can indicate that you enjoy it or that it's not to your taste. The site adds that information to it's data, makes an adjustment, and suggests another song. You can create multiple "stations" based on artists or songs and can combine playlists so you don't end up listening to the same stuff over and over (and over and over).
Last FM, as I understand it, uses a different methodology. Rather than try to isolate what you like, they assume you'll like what other people who also like your picks like. You can still tell them you don't like a song, so you aren't chained to their playlist. Last FM is more keyed in to the Web 2.0 ethic, with space for comments and other feedback, links to concert calendars, videos... Last FM has a more robust website than Pandora, but I still like Pandora better.
Both sites promise to turn you on to music you might not have thought to try before, but Last FM assumes that you are - more or less - like everybody else. They pigeonhole you. Naturally, it works most of the time. Most people are like most people. But if it works as a way of identifying which group you belong to, it isn't likely to work as a means to introduce you to new music. If I actually fit in the group that predictably, the group isn't likely to have many musical interests I don't already have myself. Pandora's method actually makes more sense. If you like a sound, find out what it is about the sound that you like, then find other pieces of music with that quality in common. You aren't being stereotyped. You're being shown other ways of looking at the universe of music.
It's like Readers' Advisory. If someone said they love mystery books, I could run through a list of the most popular mysteries and probably give them something to read. But if I really wanted to give them a book that suits them, I would need to ask some questions: which are your favorites? What stand out to you about them? Do you prefer hard-boiled crime mysteries or cozies? Does the gender of the protagonist matter to you? and so on. The why is more important than the what in readers' advisory; and in listeners' advisory.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thing 16: Wiki Sandbox
In addition to playing with the internet and ideas, I like to play with number order too. I bet you didn't know 16 could come after 17!
Editing the wiki was easy, and it was was fun to look at what other people have included. For instance, I enjoyed scrolling through the Favorite Books page. Library people have good taste in all kinds of books.
Editing the wiki was easy, and it was was fun to look at what other people have included. For instance, I enjoyed scrolling through the Favorite Books page. Library people have good taste in all kinds of books.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thing 17: Google Docs
Google Docs : wikis :: office software : web editing software
I can certainly see how having an online document could be more efficient for people who are working together on a project. It would be useful for committee work, preparing group presentations for conference and meetings or tracking budget information in a branch. I haven't been able to imagine useful applications for the general public in a library setting, unless we decided not to renew MS office and instead offered instructions for using cloud storage. There are better options there though: Open Office, for one, is more robust than Google Docs, and just as costly.
Cloud storage is a useful backup method for personal documents. I use it to back things up at home. I wouldn't want to have it me my primary method though (and I wouldn't be comfortable recommending it to others) because I would rather have control of my documents. I don't suppose Google's system is less reliable than my laptop or a flash drive, but if I were giving a presentation somewhere and the network or Google were down (it happens), that would be the end of the presentation (or at least the visual aids). If I'm simply using it for backup, the odds of something going wrong with my own device AND the cloud storage system are much lower.
I can certainly see how having an online document could be more efficient for people who are working together on a project. It would be useful for committee work, preparing group presentations for conference and meetings or tracking budget information in a branch. I haven't been able to imagine useful applications for the general public in a library setting, unless we decided not to renew MS office and instead offered instructions for using cloud storage. There are better options there though: Open Office, for one, is more robust than Google Docs, and just as costly.
Cloud storage is a useful backup method for personal documents. I use it to back things up at home. I wouldn't want to have it me my primary method though (and I wouldn't be comfortable recommending it to others) because I would rather have control of my documents. I don't suppose Google's system is less reliable than my laptop or a flash drive, but if I were giving a presentation somewhere and the network or Google were down (it happens), that would be the end of the presentation (or at least the visual aids). If I'm simply using it for backup, the odds of something going wrong with my own device AND the cloud storage system are much lower.
Thing 15: Wikis
In exploring a few library wikis, the thing I found most interesting was the degree to which different libraries allow their customers to edit the wikis. The St. Joseph County Public Library, for instance, seems to allow only library staff to edit the wiki. [full disclosure: the library I used as a child] Customers can call or email suggestions, but really it seems to be the SJCPL's reference site.
The Library of Stevens Co. (WA), on the other hand, looks to have an open wiki policy. Thier intent seems to be to have a community resource hosted (and perhaps monitored) by the public library, but with content provided by their customers.
SJCPL's approach has its benefits: I imagine any staff member could add or update the site, which would make the staff more invested in the library's web site. With more strict oversight, the possibility of malicious or even just careless activity is reduced too. But this restricted way of wikiing flies in the face of the idea of a wiki as I understand it. If the idea is to democratize the information on a website, I would think the LSC wiki is the way to go. Yes, there is a lack of control. But simply looking at the two sites makes the benifits of the wiki way apparent.
The LSC site is robust, with great reading lists and local information. I imagine that both library employees and customers enjoy being involved in a project together. The community is invested in the success of the library in a new way. The library's catalog is linked to book mentions, so it's easy to move from something useful on the wiki to something useful at the library. Wikis are social internet at its best.
The Library of Stevens Co. (WA), on the other hand, looks to have an open wiki policy. Thier intent seems to be to have a community resource hosted (and perhaps monitored) by the public library, but with content provided by their customers.
SJCPL's approach has its benefits: I imagine any staff member could add or update the site, which would make the staff more invested in the library's web site. With more strict oversight, the possibility of malicious or even just careless activity is reduced too. But this restricted way of wikiing flies in the face of the idea of a wiki as I understand it. If the idea is to democratize the information on a website, I would think the LSC wiki is the way to go. Yes, there is a lack of control. But simply looking at the two sites makes the benifits of the wiki way apparent.
The LSC site is robust, with great reading lists and local information. I imagine that both library employees and customers enjoy being involved in a project together. The community is invested in the success of the library in a new way. The library's catalog is linked to book mentions, so it's easy to move from something useful on the wiki to something useful at the library. Wikis are social internet at its best.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thing 14: Library 2.0 (beta)
I enjoyed reading all of the perspectives presented in the OCLC Nextspace Newsletter. One of the really astute things that most, if not all of the authors observed was that Library 2.0 is really about providing good customer service. Rick Anderson's piece, "Away From the Icebergs" pointed out the importance of recognizing ways of doing things that have become obsolete. In the case of libraries, we have to recognize that the flow of information has changed pretty radically over the past 15 years.
Libraries, which used to be a depository for knowledge and information, have quickly become an access point, one of many resources. Customers have made corresponding changes in their expectations of libraries. We need to be willing to make similar changes, and be insightful about everything those changes will entail. We need to regularly revisit our assumptions about how our resources -- financial, human, physical, and electronic -- can best be used, keeping in mind that they are all means to the end of customer service, not ends in themselves.
Michael Stephens' article, Into a New World of Librarianship, outlines what these changes can mean for the people who work at the Library 2.0, where content is user-driven and change happens quickly. Successfully operating a library like this will require transparency and flexibility, among other things.
Since flexibility will be at a premium, I'd like to think of us as a Library 2.0 (beta) -- constantly testing, improving, trying new things. Think Google, if Google were a brick-and-mortar library. [I'd like to take credit for the coinage, but I see that it was in use as long ago as 2005. Oh well, I still like it]
Libraries, which used to be a depository for knowledge and information, have quickly become an access point, one of many resources. Customers have made corresponding changes in their expectations of libraries. We need to be willing to make similar changes, and be insightful about everything those changes will entail. We need to regularly revisit our assumptions about how our resources -- financial, human, physical, and electronic -- can best be used, keeping in mind that they are all means to the end of customer service, not ends in themselves.
Michael Stephens' article, Into a New World of Librarianship, outlines what these changes can mean for the people who work at the Library 2.0, where content is user-driven and change happens quickly. Successfully operating a library like this will require transparency and flexibility, among other things.
Since flexibility will be at a premium, I'd like to think of us as a Library 2.0 (beta) -- constantly testing, improving, trying new things. Think Google, if Google were a brick-and-mortar library. [I'd like to take credit for the coinage, but I see that it was in use as long ago as 2005. Oh well, I still like it]
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thing 13: Delicious
This is seriously cool. I love having access to my bookmarks no matter where I am or what computer I'm on. I love being able to tag bookmarks. I love being able to see who else uses the same sites, and seeing how they catalog them. Great!
I'm looking forward to playing with clouds and tags some more.
I would love to be able to install the toolbar here at work (and have it stick). I think it would be incredibly useful.
I'm looking forward to playing with clouds and tags some more.
I would love to be able to install the toolbar here at work (and have it stick). I think it would be incredibly useful.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thing 12: Twitter
I might actually start using Twitter for library business. It would be a good way to let students know about availability at the HHC, to remind about upcoming gaming...just off the top of my head.
On a personal level though, I'm not sure I get it. I can imagine ways to use the service. It's a very efficient way to make announcements. But this seems like a prime example of finding ways to use a technology that nobody needs instead of developing a technology to meet an existing need. I've read blogs from a number of people who are very positive about Twitter. It seems like an acquired taste: about a month to really get into it and see the value. I don't think it's worth that much personal investment, outside of the social pressure to be that connected. My feeling is this: if I want to talk to friends, I'll call them and have a conversation. If I want to have a conversation with lots of friends, I'll have a party. I don't know the last time I thought to myself: I wish I could tell something to everyone I know right now.
On a personal level though, I'm not sure I get it. I can imagine ways to use the service. It's a very efficient way to make announcements. But this seems like a prime example of finding ways to use a technology that nobody needs instead of developing a technology to meet an existing need. I've read blogs from a number of people who are very positive about Twitter. It seems like an acquired taste: about a month to really get into it and see the value. I don't think it's worth that much personal investment, outside of the social pressure to be that connected. My feeling is this: if I want to talk to friends, I'll call them and have a conversation. If I want to have a conversation with lots of friends, I'll have a party. I don't know the last time I thought to myself: I wish I could tell something to everyone I know right now.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thing 11: LibraryThing
LibraryThing seems like a fun thing to play around with. While exploring, I ran into some thoughtful reviews and discussion threads. Useful stuff. And it's always interesting to see what other people with similar tastes are reading and recommending.
It would be fun to have something like this available through the library's website. We obviously wouldn't want to catalogue things automatically for customers (as they check things out, for instance), but it would be a nice feature to make available. I think a lot of people would enjoy posting their reading lists, wish lists, and reviews. There is apparently a large group of people who want to make connections based upon what they read in common, and a system like LibraryThing's could be really useful that way. Library 2.0: the library is always open online.
I noticed in the discussion thread that a couple of people use GoodReads instead. I'd be curious to hear preferences from people who have used both. What makes one better than the other? What distinguishes them?
It would be fun to have something like this available through the library's website. We obviously wouldn't want to catalogue things automatically for customers (as they check things out, for instance), but it would be a nice feature to make available. I think a lot of people would enjoy posting their reading lists, wish lists, and reviews. There is apparently a large group of people who want to make connections based upon what they read in common, and a system like LibraryThing's could be really useful that way. Library 2.0: the library is always open online.
I noticed in the discussion thread that a couple of people use GoodReads instead. I'd be curious to hear preferences from people who have used both. What makes one better than the other? What distinguishes them?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thing 10: Image Generators
This stuff is hilarious. My favorite so far is the IKEA name generator. My bad. It's a "Swedish Furniture Name Generator."
Here's my name:
I am "Matraek", a cheap, fashion-forward chair.
For fun, I tried a couple of others:
"Learn&Play" becomes "Slerndoerd", a minimalistic desk with handy storage features.
And "CML" yields KMML, a vaguely retro set of drawers. Vowels sold seperately Each are available in birch, beech, white or black laminate.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thing 9: Finding Feeds
I've enjoyed exploring both topix.net and technorati. My impression is that Topix is more useful as a news source since they appear to present more varied headlines. Technorati gives a really interesting overview of the blogosphere. I think their authority ratings are interesting and useful.
I still prefer to get my news from more traditional news sources, and I am likely to pick only a few blogs to follow as well. I normally find new blogs by following links from sites I already follow. This process more closely replicates recommendations from people I already trust. But I can imagine using Technorati as a good source for finding new blogs to follow if I want to catch up on some topic that isn't addressed by my regular reading, or if I want to be able to look at what other people are talking about.
The idea of using an authority score really intrigues me. I wonder if that's something we could use as we beef up social networking on the library's websites, as a way for people to evaluate the reviews of others, or to measure the popularity or influence of a title in the collection.
I still prefer to get my news from more traditional news sources, and I am likely to pick only a few blogs to follow as well. I normally find new blogs by following links from sites I already follow. This process more closely replicates recommendations from people I already trust. But I can imagine using Technorati as a good source for finding new blogs to follow if I want to catch up on some topic that isn't addressed by my regular reading, or if I want to be able to look at what other people are talking about.
The idea of using an authority score really intrigues me. I wonder if that's something we could use as we beef up social networking on the library's websites, as a way for people to evaluate the reviews of others, or to measure the popularity or influence of a title in the collection.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thing 8: RSS Feeds
RSS readers are great ways to keep up with online content from a centralized location. I have my reader at home as a pane in my iGoogle page, and rarely bother going to the actual blog sites anymore.
For the library, I know we already let people feed on our new acqusitions through the toolbar. It seems like a no-brainer. If you want to be aware of new holdings with particular keywords or by an author, why wouldn't you subscribe? If we were to add user accounts and let people review matierials, it would be nice to be able to feed particular reviewers' comments as well. Or maybe when a certain title become availabe at your local branch (for when you don't want it badly enough to request it, but want to look at it if it's around...). There are all kinds of useful things a library can do with RSS feeds!
I've been using the Google reader for a while, but thought I'd play with the Bloglines reader too for L&P.
Wow.
Bloglines is bad. Google's is much, much more intuitive and quick. I'll be transferring my Bloglines list to Reader ASAP. For the record though, my Blogline public account is linked here.
For the library, I know we already let people feed on our new acqusitions through the toolbar. It seems like a no-brainer. If you want to be aware of new holdings with particular keywords or by an author, why wouldn't you subscribe? If we were to add user accounts and let people review matierials, it would be nice to be able to feed particular reviewers' comments as well. Or maybe when a certain title become availabe at your local branch (for when you don't want it badly enough to request it, but want to look at it if it's around...). There are all kinds of useful things a library can do with RSS feeds!
I've been using the Google reader for a while, but thought I'd play with the Bloglines reader too for L&P.
Wow.
Bloglines is bad. Google's is much, much more intuitive and quick. I'll be transferring my Bloglines list to Reader ASAP. For the record though, my Blogline public account is linked here.
More on Technology
Via Library Stuff, an article on the effects of online searches on the aging brain in the New York Times. It dovetails nicely with the Atlantic Monthly article I linked to in the last post. If Google (or the web generally) eventually leads us to lose our ability to think in certain valuable ways, it also enhances our ability to think in other ways. The question is: does it make our lives or libraries better?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thing 7: Blog About Technology
I wonder sometimes if we have allowed ourselves to put the cart before the horse with our use of technology.
I just got back from a week largely spent without a computer or cell phone service. The last part of the week I was hanging with the Amish in Holmes County. Aside from a few initial pangs of feeling disconnected though, I would have to say that the experience of actually being disconnected was a positive one. As it turns out, the Amish aren't generally opposed to technology for its own sake. But they do take the adoption of new technologies seriously -- they think about the ramifications before they jump in. If a new device or method threatens to cause division within the family, they decide not to use it.
There are plenty of reasons to question whether electricity use is divisive. But my one-week tech-fast has really got me thinking about our "conveniences" and how they impact our relationships with other people. I spent several days actually spending uninterrupted time with family and friends, and another several days of uninterrupted time with my wife and strangers. I found that, without the expectation or temptation of phone calls or emails to respond to, without a television or the internet to distract me, without even a radio blaring at me, I was better able to focus on what I was doing and who I was with. My relationship to the world around me was more wonderous and less mediated.
The trip provided personal evidence for some ideas I have been running across in my reading lately. In a recent Atlantic Monthly article, Nicholas Carr looked at the relationship between how we think and the technologies we use. Wendell Berry writes prolifically about many things, one of which is why he refuses to buy a computer to write. In The Toyota Way, which describes the principles of Toyota's uniquely successful management practices, Jeffrey Liker explains how and why Toyota adopts new technologies in a deliberate process that might seem backward to many. In fact, it keeps the company focused on innovation and customer satisfaction (and ultimately the bottom line) in a way that other automakers have been unable to replicate.
I understand that libraries need to keep current with customer expectations for service. The computer makes gathering and sorting information more thorough and accurate. Many of the web 2.0 services are great for allowing us to make contact with people, information, and ideas that we otherwise wouldn't have access to. And increasingly these technologies are the way people want to communicate with each other. Not being fluent in the digital world would only serve to guarantee our obsolescence.
But I am concerned about our approach to technology. I think it is important to be able and willing to ask whether a particular technology actually helps us provide better service, or if it is a toy that distracts us from actually being a better library. What if the Amish are right more than we want to admit? What if discarding or refusing some of the available technologies would actually allow us to develop stronger relationships with our customers?
I just got back from a week largely spent without a computer or cell phone service. The last part of the week I was hanging with the Amish in Holmes County. Aside from a few initial pangs of feeling disconnected though, I would have to say that the experience of actually being disconnected was a positive one. As it turns out, the Amish aren't generally opposed to technology for its own sake. But they do take the adoption of new technologies seriously -- they think about the ramifications before they jump in. If a new device or method threatens to cause division within the family, they decide not to use it.
There are plenty of reasons to question whether electricity use is divisive. But my one-week tech-fast has really got me thinking about our "conveniences" and how they impact our relationships with other people. I spent several days actually spending uninterrupted time with family and friends, and another several days of uninterrupted time with my wife and strangers. I found that, without the expectation or temptation of phone calls or emails to respond to, without a television or the internet to distract me, without even a radio blaring at me, I was better able to focus on what I was doing and who I was with. My relationship to the world around me was more wonderous and less mediated.
The trip provided personal evidence for some ideas I have been running across in my reading lately. In a recent Atlantic Monthly article, Nicholas Carr looked at the relationship between how we think and the technologies we use. Wendell Berry writes prolifically about many things, one of which is why he refuses to buy a computer to write. In The Toyota Way, which describes the principles of Toyota's uniquely successful management practices, Jeffrey Liker explains how and why Toyota adopts new technologies in a deliberate process that might seem backward to many. In fact, it keeps the company focused on innovation and customer satisfaction (and ultimately the bottom line) in a way that other automakers have been unable to replicate.
I understand that libraries need to keep current with customer expectations for service. The computer makes gathering and sorting information more thorough and accurate. Many of the web 2.0 services are great for allowing us to make contact with people, information, and ideas that we otherwise wouldn't have access to. And increasingly these technologies are the way people want to communicate with each other. Not being fluent in the digital world would only serve to guarantee our obsolescence.
But I am concerned about our approach to technology. I think it is important to be able and willing to ask whether a particular technology actually helps us provide better service, or if it is a toy that distracts us from actually being a better library. What if the Amish are right more than we want to admit? What if discarding or refusing some of the available technologies would actually allow us to develop stronger relationships with our customers?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thing 6: Fun With Flickr -- Picture Association
My favorite Flickr mashup so far has been Retrievr. It's basically an application that searches Flickr for images that meet certain criteria. Doesn't sound like anything fancy, right
The catch is that Retrievr searches from image rather than text. It finds similarities between a picture that you either draw on a little pallet or upload from your computer or website. The search engine recognizes the shading and basic structure of the picture you give it, then gives you back a cornucopia of similar images on Flickr.
What you get back may not be what you're looking for. But that isn't really the point. The fun of Retrievr is exploring Flickr and finding images that you never would have seen before.
You can turn it into a game of association. I started by sketching a picture of a red book.
I didn't get any red books back, but the shapes and colors are similar. Clicking on an image takes you directly to the Flickr page. Mousing over an image pops up a magnifying glass which you can select to generate a new search starting with that image.
Now you're exploring (and having fun with Flickr).
The catch is that Retrievr searches from image rather than text. It finds similarities between a picture that you either draw on a little pallet or upload from your computer or website. The search engine recognizes the shading and basic structure of the picture you give it, then gives you back a cornucopia of similar images on Flickr.
What you get back may not be what you're looking for. But that isn't really the point. The fun of Retrievr is exploring Flickr and finding images that you never would have seen before.
You can turn it into a game of association. I started by sketching a picture of a red book.
I didn't get any red books back, but the shapes and colors are similar. Clicking on an image takes you directly to the Flickr page. Mousing over an image pops up a magnifying glass which you can select to generate a new search starting with that image.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Thing 5
I really enjoy photography. I think it's my favorite art-form. I could (and maybe did) just sift through Flickr for hours. As much as anything else, it's fascinating to see what has captured other people's attention, and what has struck other people as important enough to remember or share with others.
One of Flickr's features that I particularly enjoy is geotagging. Google does a similar thing with their maps (and I assume Picasa). Place is an important part of the context for some pictures, part of what gives them meaning, or significance.
These are just pictures I took in the library stacks. Nothing fancy, I just thought the coincidence of these particular books being placed next to each other on the shelf was funny.
One of Flickr's features that I particularly enjoy is geotagging. Google does a similar thing with their maps (and I assume Picasa). Place is an important part of the context for some pictures, part of what gives them meaning, or significance.
These are just pictures I took in the library stacks. Nothing fancy, I just thought the coincidence of these particular books being placed next to each other on the shelf was funny.
Shelf Messages 2
This is another of the coincidences on the shelf. The book to the right of this grouping is The Daring Book for Girls. Just as with the other shot, I'm not saying the shelf is right; just that it's got something funny to say.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thing 3: 7.5 Habits of Highly Effective Learners
I think the easiest habit for me will be either #4: "Have Confidence as a Competent, Effective Learner" or #7.5: "Play!" I already think of myself as a lifelong learner and player (well, maybe not so much), and have for a long time.
Learning, for me, is an end in and of itself. It's the process that I enjoy: feelings of progress, mastery, and discovery, WOW moments. In particular, being exposed to new ideas is exciting. It's easy to understand how you can play, tinker, and discover with new technologies and gadgets, and the same feelings are there, but I've always found that playing with ideas is most fun. The biggest wows come from finding out about a new or different way of looking at the world, and playing with the implications in the way you've always understood the world to be or to work.
Having said that, I think the hardest habit is #1: "Goals." It's important, when you are trying to learn how, to understand what it is you are trying to learn how to do, and to direct your learning to meet that goal. But for me, when I'm learning and playing, I'll be learning about. I'll be excitedly learning about Flickr (and maybe Picasa too), delic.io.us, feeds, and all the other interactive web media. And while I'm learning about these 23+ things, I'll be thinking about how they might be used in the library and what that means for the library.
Learning, for me, is an end in and of itself. It's the process that I enjoy: feelings of progress, mastery, and discovery, WOW moments. In particular, being exposed to new ideas is exciting. It's easy to understand how you can play, tinker, and discover with new technologies and gadgets, and the same feelings are there, but I've always found that playing with ideas is most fun. The biggest wows come from finding out about a new or different way of looking at the world, and playing with the implications in the way you've always understood the world to be or to work.
Having said that, I think the hardest habit is #1: "Goals." It's important, when you are trying to learn how, to understand what it is you are trying to learn how to do, and to direct your learning to meet that goal. But for me, when I'm learning and playing, I'll be learning about. I'll be excitedly learning about Flickr (and maybe Picasa too), delic.io.us, feeds, and all the other interactive web media. And while I'm learning about these 23+ things, I'll be thinking about how they might be used in the library and what that means for the library.
Playing @ Work
Like just about everyone else who is entering the blogosphere for the first time through Learn&Play, I'm really excited to be trying out all this "new" technology. I'm even more excited to be getting paid to do it. During my last job search, one of the really important things I was looking for was a playful place to work that would encourage learning and professional development. I don't know how it could get much better than this.
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