Thing #11 - Shelfari

Since I began with Shelfari a few weeks ago - I am using this instead of LibraryThing. I think it looks nicer too - esp. the different options for bookshelf stains. Anyway - I had a few tech issues with Shelfari - partially due to user error. I started adding books to my shelf from my reading log notebook and then linked to my blog... but somehow, I then deleted my original account. So I reopened and started again. Cataloging and adding titles has been a good RA exercise - jogging my memory about titles read and reviewing the synopsis for titles I couldn't remember. Also a bit emotional - since doing this brought back feelings about what was going on in my life at the time when I read a particular book. As I've always known, reading is quite a personal experience and books and characters have great meaning in our lives. So far, I have about 350 titles added and I still have more to do. I began keeping a log in 1990 - with a gap of a couple years in the mid-nineties. So far this has been my favorite "thing."

Thing # 10 - Image Generator

Okay.. so I couldn't resist trying out the Read poster image generator. I used a family photo from our Disney World visit in 2004. I thought the layout and colors would fit. And it did! As for this exercise, I can tell there is soooo much to try with images and pictures .. I spent a little time looking at some of the other sites. Speaking of time... as I've mentioned before -- time is the biggest issue/challenge I have with our learn and play project ... I just don't have enough of it!

Thing #9 - Finding Feeds (Not for me!)

I used the search tool on Bloglines with term Hurrican Ike... loads of results of course. I guess I am wondering why I just wouldn't go to any search engine i.e Google News for this..? I found Bloglines confusing to use.. not very intuitive at all. I suscribe to PW Daily, USA Today Books and a few other book related e-mail alert listservs subscriptions .. and even though they do fill up my e-mail box, I prefer the reminder I receive in my e-mail box during my work day. (I do delete them every day.) I realize that I can set up notifications on Bloglines.. but I found it very confusing and I don't have the time to spare to explore. Also tried to add feeds from the Dispatch as recommended by discovery exercise, but kept getting error message. That's okay... I check the print copy of of the paper every day with my morning coffee! ;-)

Favorite CML Technology for 2008 - Thing #7

We've been asked to blog about anything technology related that interests us. How 'bout AquaBrowser? http://catalog.columbuslibrary.org/ The changes that this new catalog has made in the way we help customers has been remarkable. Yes.. it just took a bit of getting used to...but I can't imagine how we ever were able to juggle transactions with all the time it took with DP's keyword searching, figuring out subject headings and spelling the author's name correctly, etc. The ability to go from those broad searches and then step-by-step narrow them down so easily ... the way a customer who can't remember exactly what that book was they had a few weeks ago, can look at the thumbnail, etc... I could go on and on. It certainly has made our lives on the public service floor easier. And.. I confess.. I ignore the cloud, and tell customers to do so as well. Aquabrowser - my favorite technology for 2008!

Venetian Jigsaw Puzzle

My creation
Originally uploaded by mkelly294

Ok.. this is for #6 - Flickr fun and 3rd party sites... created this puzzle with a third party site. I am doing this at home - with a photo from our trip to Italy a few years ago. I uploaded from my home pc.. not my Flickr photstream. It's very cool, but frankly, it is taking way too much time and I am not able to do it at work. I do love playing with our digital photos, but just can't spare the time at the branch. Also.. having some technical issues going in through CMLsi at home. The Smart Filter keeps popping up and I am unable to unblock on my home pc... very wierd. Anyway... love the jigsaw! When I have a little time... I'll come back and try something else.

New Patio August, 2008

New Patio August, 2008
Originally uploaded by mkelly294

After seventeen years, we finally have a backyard space to enjoy!!

Gondola on Canal, Venice, Italy

Gondola on Canal, Venice, Italy
Originally uploaded by DragonWoman

Well... now I'm learning how to play around with Flickr. I've set up an account... and really hope I can remember all these paswords ;-) I uploaded a few of our pictures. And I've searched for some of my very favorites spots. And here is one.. ah....Venice. To be back.. but when?