Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Thing #13: Google Docs, Wikis and Dropbox

Of course we are working on another Google item so obviously this makes me happy!  Oh how I do love Google.  Google docs for me is a very useful tool.  I don't use it to collaborate with other people on things, but I already use Google Docs for myself.  I use Google Docs so that I can work on my projects from work at home and then save my changes when I get back into the office.

For Example:  When I am not at work, and then I suddenly think of something I should have done or something I need to do, I add it to my Things to do list! Then when I return to work I can just check my list!

I have not signed up for the dropbox, but there is a reason.  I am unable to download this to my computer at work so, really this would be quite useless for me.

The Wiki however is a very useful tool for all of us here in the library.  We use a wiki almost everyday.  We keep alot of our information there so that if any of us would need this information we are able to access it.  For Example:  We keep instructions stored there for different operations here in the library.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Thing #12 Putting the social into social media

I have created a Facebook page for our library about a year ago.  It has gone rather well, but I would love to see more interaction.  It is definetely difficult sometimes to keep up on Facebook to keep it interesting and have people keep coming back!  Because of CPD23 I have definetely realized that I need to make as much outreach to other libraries, organizations, students, and staff to keep things going well.  I also decided to follow the Library Journal on my Twitter account to keep up-to-date on things.  I will definetely keep using social media, because come on it's free advertising, who wouldn't!  :)

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Thing #10 and #11: Routes into Librarianship and Mentoring

My experience as a Librarian thus far is amazing.  When I was young I remember wanting to grow up to be a librarian.  I think I lost sight of this goal through the years, but apparently it was the right choice. 

I am still in my twenties, so I think I may be considered a younger librarian.  I have been a librarian for just under a year.  I went to college and received a degree as an Administrative Assistant, only to become a bartender and waitress for the next 5 years at the VFW.  I moved up to a manager and managed the VFW for about one year.  After being there for 5 years and knowing the customers rather well, I started to get a lot of comments about how well I was doing, but questions along the lines of  "is this really where I wanted to be?"  It wasn't!  I wanted to work with computers, I wanted to work with students, I wanted to learn more, and to help others!  Therefore, I did something about these feelings and found that the college in my hometown was looking for a Librarian.  This was and is the BEST decision I have ever made!  I am now a Library Information Services Assistant.  My duties mostly consists of helping students with Microsoft Office Programs such as Word, Powerpoint, Excell, and Access since I am certified in Office Technology through my Administrative Assistant Degree Program.  I have many other tasks, but this is my favorite, when I am able to assisst students when needed.
I love my postion here in the library, and being younger than well pretty much everyone I work with, makes everyone my Mentor.  I feel that here in the library, every librarian has their own expertise.  Everyone has something to add to make this library run smoothly and successfully.  I am consistently learning new things from all my fellow librarians and it is my pleasure to return the favor whenever possible. 
 :)  :)   :)   :)  :)  :)

I really liked this thing, to be able to reflect on how wonderful it is to be a librarian!

Thing #8 and #9: Google Calendar and Evernote

Google calendar!  Yes Please!  As I have said before I love eveything Google Does.  I have used Google calendar for my boyfriends birthday party actually.  I made an event and sent out an invitation through my gmail.  It worked out quite well, but I did have a few problems.  One problem was that as much as I like google, not everyone else does, so not everyone had access to the calendar with the event.  Everyone still got the informatin, but it was much nicer for the people who already had google accounts, and yes fun was had by all!

I have had Evernote on my laptop for sometime and have only played around with it briefly a few times.  This has given me the opportunity to get more experience.  I like evernote!  I have found it very useful for projects I am working on.  I can create notes on all of the information I have found on a specific project I am working on and compile all the information I want to keep into one spot.  It eliminates having to print off multiple pages and then keep the useful things.  Great Thing everyone!

Thing #6 and #7:

This is all very interesting!  I liked all the information given on Linkedin and have considered creating an account, but I don't think I will.  From a professional stand point yes it is lovely, but I feel that in my postion here at the library, that I make professional connection in other ways that are working and I like.

Facebook obviously, yes I have a facebook account, and who doesn't?  Oh well I guess I can answer that with a lot of people I know don't have Facebook accounts, imagine that, but it's true.  Facebook is nice I can keep up with friends and family, but I am still very aware of the things I post. 

I will keep in mind the LISNPN, but I feel that the LAT and the CILIP is not up my alley.  It's great that there are so many ways to network with people who share your same intrests and professional positions, but don't we have enough passwords and logins as it is? 

The LISNPN is very appealing though because I am new to my position here in the library.  I have been here for alomost one year and love it, so I am definetely keeping the LISNPN on my list of things to do.

Oh, and on my last note, Google +  I am hurt!  I wanted to be an invited guests, because I love everything that Google does, I was not though, but I am and will be keeping my eyes and ears open!

Thing #7:  Face to Face Networking:
I am an INTROVERT!  There I said it!  I think a lot of people are.  The most popular fear among people is public speaking.  I have to admit I am not really good at networking.  I can see the professional gain from networking and think that it is a wonderful tool that must be used, but that doesn't make it any easier.  I do feel that I get a lot more out of small group work sessions.  I feel that large meetings or conventions can be overwhelming and lose my interest.  I am adding the book "Networking for people who hate Networking"  to my reading list though.  This could be of great assistance!