Starting Again!

So I got my template back but I lost all the fun stuff and of course my links. What a pain in the b#@. Now I have to do it all over again.GREAT!

HELP!

OK so I've stuffed up my blog. I was trying to put a Christmas template on, then I didn't like it and I tried to put teh original which I saved on my computer like it told me too. guess what couldn't do it could I! Now I have lost all my links. Oh great I guess I need ANDREW again. Must find him!

FUN

So there goes the diet. I havent even been back to the site but I still think its good for serious health fanatics. Now Ive found Meez this is a site to have fun with my favourite thing! You can create your own animation and put it on your blog. It took a while to load though and I thought it wasn't working so I ended up posting it twice. Oh well at least it worked. if your interested go to the link. Im getting this stuff from Learning 2.1.

More things

Ive been looking at NutriDiary just to see what it was about of course. It was actually pretty good. Its for people wanting to lose weight. It tells you all the information you need you log your daily food intake and daily exercise. If you want to lose weight it gives you the information you need such as how much you are eating of course and the calories you have taken daily. So far (today) i have not gone over the daily amount I should be having to lose weight. Maybe I cheated and didnt tell them the truth. I like lying to myself it feels great. I new I wasnt overweight I think the mirror has been lying to me! If I was serious about losing weight this site is pretty good, When it starts telling me I have gone over my daily allowance I think I'll give it up. With the Weightloss industry being so rich Im surprised this site is free to use. Of course you can sign up for the deluxe version and pay but I want need that of course! Anyway Ill see how long I can be botherd with this.

Learning 2.1. There's More!

Ive been looking at more stuff. There's LOLCat which was ok but I'm not into cats, then theres zamzar which is excellent for converting files. I just hope I'll remember this when I need it! Then theres making a newsletter at Letterpop which had nice Christmassy newsletters. This is good if you don't want to or dont have the time to create your own template.

There'll be a list of links for people interested in this extra stuff. the best part of all this is its FREE! The bad part is I'm spending way too much time playing!

Technology Compatibility

Why why why isn't all tehcnology compatible? Its driving me crazy. As i've been ranting on Christians blog I am getting veeeerrrryyyy frustrated with this stuff. I bought a new mobile phone with bluetooth. I wanted to connect this to my computer so I bought a bluetooth dongle (I love saying that funny word!) OF course nothing works. I feel like I need to be a computer programmer to figure out this stuff. Im a simple girl with simple needs. I have a new computer with Vista. I got Vista so I wouldn''t have to upgrade in a years time (which seems to be what you have to do these days to keep up). Now I've already had a problem I had to spend 1 1/2 hours on the phone with a dell technician to fix this. It worked but the things he took me through on the computer I didn't even know existed. This was all because I installed a program. I thought thats what computers were for!

Now I am hesitant to install anything I worry everytime, will it stuff things up this time. Surely technology is supposed to make things easier not more complicated. I thought having a new computer would be better. My old one didn't stuff up so much.

I have spent so much time on the internet trying to figure out things, I have actually been looking at alot of wikipedia sights, they are very helpful and I actually trust it. ( who would have thought I would use this learning 2.0 stuff!)

I will be looking at Learning 2.1 as Webgurl mentioned. I need to learn as much as I can. I have also been looking at doing an IT course. This is so I can learn what is going on with these computers. One day I will build my own(Oops that was just me dreaming)

Enough rambling from me.

Star Signs

Well there goes my theory, as shown by the poll. I thought there were many Virgos working in libraries, we being anal and all. Though where I work there are many virgos, but no we are not anal, well maybe a little....Ok its just me!

Fun Generator's

Here is a link to the generator I used for my Hollywood sign for the people interested. There are many more fun things to do on this.

http://generatorblog.blogspot.com/

More on Library Changes

Thank you very much everyone who has expressed their opinions. It is very interesting to hear others views on this topic.

I have been noticing that the staff who actually deal with the public and are experiencing these changes are weary of these changes taking place, namely training the public in serving themselves. As we are dealing with the public daily we are seeing the possible impact this could have on our image as a customer service friendly environment. It is very difficult to approach people and direct them in serving themselves when this has been our job up to now. I do appreciate others who have expressed their opinions but I must say that if you are not in customer service then it is hard for you to understand the difficulty in implementing these changes and therefore seeing these changes in a positive light.

I would recommend others who have not tried this new approach in customer sevice spend a week doing this. I do not mean this in a negative way but to give everyone the oportunity to try this approach, then we could have many more opinions and maybe many more ideas in implementing these changes.

I feel this particular topic is very important because if all libraries are to consider these changes, a change I consider to be very BIG and very important on the impact it could have on libraries then as much research and thought needs to go into these changes. I feel customer service and our approach to customers is our main duty, therefore we need to get this right in order to go forward in a positive way.

More opinions please!

Change in the workplace

I love the uniform idea Christian, but I don't know about pink I dont want to blind people!

Now I would like to talk about change in the workplace. Things are changing in the library industry which is a good thing. I always thought I was not the typical person who feared change. As i get bored pretty easily I thought I would welcome change. Lately I have been thinking about this and I have realised I havent given these current changes a chance. It has only been a couple of weeks that these changes have been implemented and I am already looking at the negatives. Initially I was wiling to try these changes as I welcomed something different but then I slowly started to question things. Questioning is a good thing but I think I need to give it at least a few months before I can have an opinion on these changes.

I will be open again to see how things turn out, then I will give an opinion! (Must have an opinion!)

I have realised that I am like many others who fear change to a degree. I need to remember that this is normal and as I question things this too is ok as long as I remain open minded. There will be differences of opinion and a bit of confusion in the beginning but this is normal and expected. I must remember my training and put this to use. I have found talking to my coworkers and finding out their views is opening my mind up again to the possibilities. I still think that everyone should have their opinions and should be able to voice these in an open manner. This of course is being done but I think some people fear voicing their opinions. THis is what i am enjoying about this blog I can voice my opinion and get feedback from others. Hmmm I wonder if we can use this format in the workplace somehow so others can voice their opinions when change comes about.

So bring on the Pink Uniform!

More Library Issues

Thanks for your comments guys, even though I like everyone to always agree with me(joking) I appreciate your feedback.

One problem with this method of walking around is it sounds great in theory but very difficult to put into practise. Do I stand near the self check out to help patrons or do I walk around. I cant be in two places at once. Patrons would have to run around looking for me while I'm walking around chatting to everyone. If I was at the desk they know where I am and what I'm there for (for them!).

I understand what you guys have in mind but it isn't feeling right at the moment, there's something that just isn't working.(Maybe it's just me)

I don't think libraries should work as a business, we are not sales assistants trying to flog a product and that is what it's feeling like at the moment. One thing I would love done is to survey the public and see what they think of this.

Remember Web 4.0 back to the good old library where people go to get away from all this impersonal technology.

PS Yes Harriet the Bank analogy is appropriate. Who likes banks? The worst image problem ever!

Some thoughts on Technology and maybe a little controversy!

Now I have been thinking a lot about technology in Libraries and in particular Public Libraries. First of all I would like to say I do like technology and I believe it has a place in public libraries. With all the new stuff out there I think libraries should have all we can get. That said I have been reading others blogs and I have thought about the impact this technology can have on libraries. Good and Bad.

Good - If public libraries can stay updated with new techno stuff then the public will know we are a place to go to for help and guidance. We can be the place to be!

Bad/not so good - I think as someone said (cant remember who) that just because the technology is there doesn't mean we should use it. I agree with this. I work in a public library that has more computers than books (it is a library that is focusing on technology) now I was really excited to be a part of this new library. I think its a great place and we have had very positive feed back from the public.We also have self checkout machines.

Now my worry is if public libraries are supposed to be community meeting places(with that personal touch) how do we balance the two, that being technology which is impersonal (you can't deny that), and staff who are supposed to be serving the community(with self checkouts they do this themselves)Now I know staff are still there to help the public but if we are not doing the basics by checking their books out and in the process getting to know them and having a little chat then can this be considered community serving.

I have been finding lately that I am not interacting as much with the public as I did which is sad as this is the part of the job I love (I'm a library officer). The patrons are becoming self sufficient which is great but I feel we are losing the personal touch. Sure we can offer services but haven't libraries always been more than that. I hope we do not go too far with this technology and lose the best part of libraries, the community feel. We are about people and serving and that should always be our aim. Technology is great but it should not replace the interaction the staff and public have with each other. Just because everything is becoming automated doesn't mean we need to nessecerily do the same. Society is becoming very impersonal as it is with this automated stuff do we really need to follow and become another impersonal place where you go and do your stuff and then leave without much interaction.

An example of this is with our regulars. Now I enjoy seeing them and serving them and having a chat but now I have been just passing through as I practically wave a greating as they check out their books.

Libraries have always had their unique character which people have always relied on. I hope we can continue to move forward but still retain our unique flavour. I myself have gotten a little caught up in this technology and thought we needed to keep up but now I am wondering if this is really needed. I never for one moment thought I would feel this way, as I said I like technology. But seeing people come and go from the library without a hello or goodbye is sad and strange. Maybe I'm just feeling lonely myself and miss the interaction even with the cheeky ones who were very challenging!(yes this was a big surprise but they made the day very interesting!). But this is why I wanted to work in libraries, for the personal touch we could give.

Oh well enough rambling from me, for now anyway!

I would love others to blog about their views it would be very intersting to read.

PS And no I haven't been drinking, maybe I should!

PSS Ive just realised something else. Now when I am serving people it is usually when there is a problem. Will the public then associate staff/problems in their minds in a negative way, as in oh no I have to see a staff member theres a problem again! What do you think?

IIIIII'mmmmm Baaaaaack!

I am going to blog about new web applications I have found. Yes riveting stuff but I figured I still want to learn more so since I have this blog I will use it as an excuse to learn more about technology and I hope Andrew and Christian will continue to read my blog and offer suggestions.

Christian I fon't know waht you mean about that picture thing or were you just joking. Anyway I have found one thing I like its Google Suggest. This is like normal google but when you type something it will give you options. eg. type in 'blog' and it will give you a list such as blogger, blogspot etc. this is just as good as 'Did you mean'. So are you impressed Andrew!

Stay tuned for more if your interested.

# 23 The End/ The Beginning

So I've come to the end. Or is this the beginning. This program has opened my eyes to the many tools available on the Internet. First of all I will mention my favourite things:

1. Creating my blog was exciting. It was scary also because I was afraid of putting anything personal or being known by others (funny since my blog has my name in it!) but I saw too many Oprah shows exploring the abuse that can happen on the net. I didn't realise it could be fun too. I wanted to do this program because I knew things were changing constantly and that I needed to keep up. I also wanted to show my teenage nieces and nephews that I knew things too. Also if I wanted to continue working in the library industry I needed to learn the new stuff out there.

2. I of course loved putting pictures and funny stuff on my blog. It was fun seeing how I could play around with this stuff.

3. The best one was the web applications and tools (widgets!). This was the easiest and there were more options. Funny how I just love the fun stuff but I was also learning.

4. Just learning what was out there on offer and for free such as the web applications, library stuff(Library Thing), rollyo (very convenient for someone doing many searches). Knowing the many options available to the public has opened my eyes to the many possibilities for the future. This is why I know I will need to continue to keep my eyes open and my brain ready for more stuff to come.

Another thing this program has pushed me to do is buy a new computer so I could stay updated. I did have an old one and I thougtht this would do me but since I wanted to do this course I realised I needed to upgrade not just for this but for future needs. No more staying in the dark ages for me. Next I may even get broadband. Right now shock, horror I am using pre-paid dial up. I thought I could control my usage this way but its not working. I am spending more than if I were to use Broadband. Oh well we live, we learn.

Because of this program I have actually started reading computer books. I never thought I would see myself doing this, They're not exactly riveting reading! I can't ever recall doing this before unless I had to for whatever course I was doing. Now I am interested in learning more. I do not want to be someone that just accepts that it is beyond me or past my time. This program has shown me that I can learn these things, it might just take a little longer to get my brain around things, but I do eventually grasp these concepts and anyone else can too.

This program has reminded me to aways look for new learning experiences whether work related or otherwise.

An improvement on this progeam might be to add more instructions on the more difficult parts such as Flickr and Rss feeds, though I suppose helping each other was also part of the training. Actually because my co-workers needed my help sometimes it did make me go over the stuff I had already completed and made me think more about it. The rest was great.

Lastly I would like to thank the learning 2.0 people (especially Lynette)for offering me this opportunity. I can't imagine any other place that could show us all these different tools in one place. The large workload must feel overwhelming to these poor ladies having to check all this stuff. I hope you know this has been an invaluable experience for me. And it was FREE! It can't get better than that.

Three Cheers to Life Long Learning!

Can't Wait for Learning 3.0 SIGN ME UP!

# 22 E Books

I have been looking at Worldebookfair. It is very interesting. These books seem old, I'm assuming this is because the copyright has expired. I don't see current authors allowing their books on there which is a pity. Though these boolks would be hard to get a hold of and the yearly membership is low. Great idea! I can see using the mp3 format will be the future for talking books. What a great way to listen to a book. I myself prefer the paper version but when I am too old to see properly I hope this form is available. By then I will be able to use an mp3 player.

Imagine in your old age being able to buy a book online and put it on your mp3. No large cd players to handle just a small device. With shopping at your fingertips and having many books to choose from without having to trek long distances to your local library. I wouldn't have to leave the house for much. I may turn into an eccentric, cat loving lady but I would have my books and that would make me happy. And all just a click away. The older generation would benefit enourmously with this technology. I can see using this format and podcast(in mp3 format) for teachers also. They could put their lectures on them and lazy students that don't go to lectures could listen to them on their mp3's.

I'll have to keep up with new technology to prepare for my old age!

# 21 Podcasts

I put a podcast on my bloglines account, its just a pity I havent been able to listen to it. I thought I could do this at work but the work computers are just as bad as my home one. How frustrating. I couldn't look at any videos because it took forever and forget about podcasts (didn't work at all). That said I think podccasts would be great for training purposes. If we had online tutorials for the public to use such as computer training, email training, they could do this at their own pace. Just wack some headphones on them and away they go.

Of course the internet would have to work properly for this as we would have people throwing the computers around which is what I would like to do with them right now.

#20 You Tube cont.

Well I didn't know you could do that. Put html in a new post that is. You Tube would be fun if I could view the video's better, it kept stopping which was really frustrating, I nearly gave up. I assume it's my internet connection. I chose Conan the Librarian because it was funny and it was easier to view. I suppose thats because it was a small file, the other videos were larger and I didn't have the patients to wait for it. I also looked at google and yahoo video which I didn't know existed. You Tube seems to have more videos to look at. I know it is more well known and has been around longer even the politicians are using it (weird).

This would be good for libraries because we could show funny stuff like this to show the public we have a sense of humor. We could also advertise our services in a different way. It might catch the public's attention. I just wish my computer would view videos better because I would be looking at more funny videos. Its amazing that people would put themselves on there. I guess everyone whats their 15 minutes of fame.

#20 You Tube - Conan The Librarian

#19 Online Applications and Tools (and FUN!)

From the many tools available I chose a fun widget( before this training I didn't even know what a widget was). You can get all kinds of things to put on your blog or website. Since so many are too serious for me, by that I mean they are good for work purposes but I wanted to have fun as usual. I chose Einstein quotes, I don't even know if they are real but they sounded good.

It was easy to do I just had to copy the html code. I must be learning something because I would never have said the word easy before when trying to put something on my blog. I think these tools are made to be easily accessible for the public (thank god). As for the library setting there are so many tools and they are free I wouldn't begin to know which ones to use for a library. One idea is to put a list of the free tools on library websites for the public to choose from. I'm sure there are many people out there who have no idea of whats out there freely available on the Internet. If libraries made this information available I think we would look pretty cool and knowledgeable as a source of freebies!

I may even use some more fun widgets!

#18 Web-based Applications

I've tried zoho and I guess its good for people doing a lot of paper work and presentations who are on the move a lot. This way if they have their stuff on zoho and they forget something at the office on their way to an important meeting then they can access it. As for replacing Microsoft office and not having the problem of software compatibility I'm all for that!

It was a bit confusing especially since I didn't know which item to use. I chose a presentation which I had to make public in order to put it on my blog. That was a bit embarrassing but I may have stoped it from becoming completely public. I have no idea. Anyway the more web applications the better. If we can have everything at our fingertips the better.

#17 More Wiki

I've added my blog to the Wiki and I found it a little daunting. I was a little embarrased that others could see my mistakes and I did make some! I added a page not really realising what I was doing and it took me a while to figure out how to delete it. I then added a heading with Brimbank blogs (the ones who are up to this lesson) and I felt like I was doing something naughty. Oh well if someone doesn't like it, it can be taken off, but then I may be offended. This is weird stuff.

I realised with this wiki that someone who had the time would need to go in and fix it up. At the moment it is a little long, if someone made it more reader friendly with the favourites lists being ordered, it would make it more appealing. I did find this fun and interesting though.

#16 Wikis

I think wikis are ok I just wouldn't encourage anyone to use it such as kids. you really need to be careful and check who is behind it. I suppose it is policed by other users so it can be okay but as a source of information I would want to double check in a more reliable source. It just doesn't seem right to get information from a place that is so open to mistakes. That said I have read wiki entries lately when googling and because there are so many wiki entries it is hard not to go there.

In one sense it sounds pretty good to have anyone that is able to make entries. This way you can get information from many sources. Its funny because when I first heard about it it sounded ridiculous but now that I am getting used to the idea it is sounding better. I just can't believe people can be bothered making entries as a lot of the information is so in depth. I guess for professonals it is helping others. As for libraries I like the idea of something like adding books and anyone being able to make a comment, and for other information where the public can get involved.

So now I'll try Sandbox wiki, whatever that is!

#15 Library 2.0 and Web 2.0

Hmmm.

This is very interesting. Its also exciting, weird, confusing, scary, silly and fun! I love the ideas about the future of Libraries. Im just glad I'm not a Librarian. They may need to be not only information experts but technology experts as well. Its hard enough keeping up with so much information that is available now but trying to keep up with the ever changing technology will be difficult. It would be great to see all these technologies available for the public to use and in an easily accesible way but you would need many staff to be continuously updating their skills to keep up with this. I do believe this needs to be done.

I think Library courses need to change NOW to reflect what future libraries need to be. Potential library workers need to be informed of what skills will be needed.

I think this involves GREAT customer service. Without this people will not come in no matter the great technology on offer. Staff need to be open to continual change, we must be willing to make lifelong learning a part of our life (Oh so thats what this is about. I thought it was about the prizes. Just kidding! I get it now!).

This will be harder than it sounds. I myself thought I was always open to change because I get bored pretty easily, but when those changes happen it can throw you a bit. Our first instinct is to reject it because it is not the way things were done in the past. All it takes is some getting used to I guess then it becomes normal. But our initial reaction is to reject it. Things are changing so quickly that I believe libraries must keep up in order to remain significant. By that I don't mean just a few bits of technology here and there but complete availability of all new technologies. This is where staff will need to have their finger on the pulse, daily, weekly, monthly to attract patrons and to keep them interested.

That said I still believe books have a place in there but this must be one aspect of what the library of the future must be.

So now there's 3d and web 4.0. This could happen faster than we realise. It could all turn around pretty quickly. I can't wait for web 4.0, back to enjoying a good book without all the gadgets. Technology is fun but it makes my head spin. As I'm pretty new to the library industry I am curious to know what others who have been around longer think (Librarians, Technicians, Officers) I'll be asking my co-workers where they think we're headed as I can only speculate. I know that bringing in more cd's and especially dvd's has brought in more people that otherwise would not use the library( I have had patrons tell me this.) and while there they have been educated on the other services on offer which has surprised and interested them. I wonder what else will bring in more new users.

So again I am excited, confused, scared, intrigued and can't wait for the fun to begin! Bring it on!

#14 Technorati

Im not sure I like it. I don't understand why the popular Blogs are popular. I don't understand top searches, they seem pointless and I can't understand why these search terms are used. As for the popular blogs you've got to be kidding, what I saw was not good.

The only good thing I can see is if you want to see what other people are doing and their thoughts on things such as new technology. You would want to make sure they knew what they were talking about. Since you don't need to be an expert on anything to have a blog I would not want to look much at others blogs. I suppose I would look at other library blogs but thats about it.

If I was searching for some info on the internet I would still go to google. Call me old fashioned but I still think google is way out there technology wise as it has everything you need. It will bring up blogs and whatever else your looking for.

#13 Delicious

So I've managed to create a Delicious account quite easily. Now this is pretty good but I've realised that I just prefer a normal link on one single page. I suppose it is good if your studying so you can look at what others are bookmarking. For personal use it is ok.

There are so many ways to find information. It is really useful to know all these options which I didn't know about before this so I guess I am learning something. I am also getting a little overwhelmed with all these options. If I am looking for information do I go to my Rss feeds, Delicious, blog with all my links or just the plain old web. I think its just a matter of getting used to thinking in this way. Anyway its great to have all these options I just have to remember that they're there.

#12 Rollyo

I've managed to create a searchroll using Rollyo. My subject is technology. It wasn't too hard setting up. Still it takes my brain a while to process these new technologies. I guess it is good to have actually its excellent since you can choose your own sites to search what you need. This would take a lot of the crap away when searching the internet. It is useful for library sites because the easier you can make searching for the public the better. This would take away the not so good sites for people when searching for authentic information.

Since I've started this course I have realised the need to keep up to date with the latest tech news hence my tech. subject on Rollyo. It is not a good idea to be working in libraries and not know at least the basics of whats out there and especially what the younger kids are doing and using. I dont think its good enough to say "Oh well the younger generation have grown up with this stuff. Its easy for them" As library workers we should be keeping up with these things even if we don't use it. We can't let the kids think we're old and ancient. We need to keep up with the times and change the view of libraries and especially library workers as being just about boring old books (even though I love Books!)

Imagine how much more younger kids (especially teenagers) would use our services if they new they could come into a library for techno. help instead of just to do their boring old homework. Librarians can become cool!

And yes I do like to see teenagers coming in to the library even if its just to play and make a lot of noise. I like noise.

Anyway this Rollyo is beneficial I just wish someone else would do the work of setting it up for me. Thats what Librarians should be doing for the public cause people like myself are too lazy to do it. I'll only do it when I have to. Library thing, Rollyo etc. should be all in one place (such as the library catalogue) where you just click on which ever search you need. Most of the public do not think too hard and will only use whats in front of them. (Im talking about myself of course)

So enough blabbling from me for now.

Cheers

Zoya

RSS Feeds Help

Now I will try to help you with RSS Feeds. I found this a bit hard, so here goes.

Create an account with Bloglines

You need to create an account with bloglines . Do this here Bloglines

Adding Rss Feeds

1. Once you have signed up you need to add Rss Feeds.
2. Find a website that you like and search for the icon feed, it usually says rss feed either on the bottom/top/side of page (You will need to open another window for this)
3. Once you have clicked on the websites feed it will give you an address with xml or rss feed at the end of the address.
4. Copy this address by highlighting the address then right clicking your mouse and clicking copy.
5. Then go to "Feeds' on the Left hand side of the bloglines website (you must be logged in)
6. Then click on 'Add' this will bring up a small address bar.
7. Right click and paste your address feed here.
8. Click 'Subscribe'
9. This will bring up how you would like your feeds to appear, such as in a new folder.
10. Scroll down and and click 'Subscribe'

Adding RSS Feeds to your Blog

1. First you must go to your profile and allow sharing.
2. Then click on 'Share' at the bottom on the left hand side of bloglines.
3. In 'Link Target' type in your blogger address eg. http://zoyasstuff.blogspot.com
4. Click on 'Generate html'. This will give you a Html code
5. Copy this then go to your blog.
6. Add a page element with the Html/Java element
7. Copy this
8. You should now have a link to the websites you have Feeds to.

Viewing Updates

1. To view your feeds you need to go to Bloglines and sign in, it will bring up the websites you have subscribed to with numbers next to them.
2. These are the new items you haven't read. This is where you view updates, not from your blog.

Adding Blogrolls (your sharing Bloglines account) to your blog is so that you can show others what you have subscribed to. If you click on the website from your blog it will take you to the website but not show only updates. The updated items can only be viewed through your bloglines account.

Editing Websites

1. To change your website feeds such as Delete, Create Folders etc. you need to click on Edit.
2. This will bring up what you want such as Folders, Delete sort Alphabetically etc.

I hope this makes sense

Flickr Help

So I'm going to try to help others who are having trouble. Just follow the steps below. Here goes.

1. You need to create a Flickr account. To do this go to - http://www.flickr.com/ follow the steps to create your own account , yes you need a yahoo email account.

Putting Pictures on Flickr

1. Search for a picture you like on flickr.
2. Right click your mouse over the picture
3. Choose 'save picture as' (this will save it to your computer)
4. Go to 'You' on flickr
5. Go to 'Upload' at the bottom of the screen
6. Click on 'Choose Photo'
7. Choose your picture, then double click or open picture
8. Save picture
9. You can add a tag if you like, this will help to organise you photos

Putting Flickr pictures on your blog

1. Look for pictures on flickr you like or from your own flickr pictures.
2. Click on the picture
3. You will then notice a small icon on the top of the picture that says 'Blog this'. Click on this and it will ask you for your blog
4. Follow the steps to allow Flickr to access your blog
5. Add a title or post with this picture.
6. Click on view blog to see your picture

More Flickr Tools

1. Go to this link Flickr Tools for more options.
2. Remember a lot of these tools require you to copy the html and add this script to your new page element.
3. The page element needs to be the Html/Java script element.

I hope this has helped

#11 Library Thing

I have been looking at Library Thing. Its pretty interesting. I have been using it as a way to find books in my favourite genre. What a great tool! I was going to add books that I have read but then I realised I can add books I would like to read on my account. This way I can go to my account when I need some ideas.

I am not a cataloguer so I don't need all the cataloguers info I just need the title and author. I also find the reader comments very useful.

I will continue to look at this site to get more familiar with it. I'm sure there's more you can do I just haven't figured it out yet. Stay tuned...

# Image Generators cont..

Now I found one that I like. There is a link below for others to look at. This site is safer and has some pretty fun ways to make photos. I may start using a digital camera and taking my own pictures and seeing what I can do with them. Once my new computer is delivered I'll be playing around a lot. There's a lot of fun to be had with family photos!

Cheers for now

Zoya

# Image Generators

I have been looking at some of these Image generators and the first one I got wouldn't work on the work computers. So it was back to the drawing board. Also I think it was a bit weird. I did an Emo image but when I went to create a link it didn't seem to take me to an appropriate site. It had gambling and stuff like that on it which is not something I want to encourage so I guess you really need to look at the website creating these generators.

That said it is pretty funny, so I'll be playing around alot.

Here is a link to the sign I did. glassgiant

# 9 Finding Feeds

I have tried Bloglines and Topix. Bloglines is easier for me as I am now getting used to it and the screen is now familiar. Topix was pretty good as you could choose feeds just in Australia. As for Technorati, I don't think I would want to use a search tool just for searching blogs. Maybe others blogs can be good to look at but if I was searching for information I would not look at blogs but an authentic site. Technorati also looks pretty complicated for my old brain.

PS CONGRATULATIONS to Laura and Kristin. Sydenham staff are either pretty interested in Technology or we just like to play alot. Hee Hee

Cheers

Zoya

#8 RSS cont. some more

So now I've figured out how to put blogs in folders. Well ok Christian helped me and he said I have to say how wonderful and helpful he was. Well I said it. Is that enough Christian?

Ok he was helpful and I couldn't have done it on my own, I actually lost my feeds and Christian had to help me bring them back. Lucky he was here! Well I have them back so I'll have to see what other mistakes I can make!

Cheers for now.

Zoya

#RSS cont.....

So I'm still looking at this RSS stuff and I'm sort of understanding it. I suppose its a good thing for people who are looking at different web sites a lot. Its a one stop shop I guess. Now I have realised to get only the updated stuff you need to go the the Bloglines website. So far so good.

#8 RSS Feeds etc.

So I've been reading about this RSS and news feeds stuff and I'm still trying to get my head around it. I guess it is just a link to your favourite websites. But so far I'm having trouble understanding the part about not having to go through the whole site to find updates on the things you want.

I will need to figure out how to do feeds. I did one accidentally and I can't remember how I did it. I'm also glad you can add the Bloglines to my Blog because it would be annoying if I had to go to Bloglines all the time.

I think it is a great idea for people always on the Internet and people who need information such as outdoorsy types who want to know the weather etc. Also I wonder if you can get daily newspapers this way. This would be convenient. Though I still prefer the old paper with ink and all.

I've just been informed that you can get the newspaper if they have an RSS Feed. Well isnt that interesting.

As I'm still trying to figure this stuff out I'll have to get back when I know more. I might take a while.

PS
I think a problem with all this technology is having to buy all the latest gadgets. This is costly and it goes out of date very quickly so you feel you have to keep up. Right now I'm looking at buying a new computer. To buy something worthwhile involves lots of money and I'm sure in a couple of years (if that) it will be out of date. Anyway thats my whinge.

Cheers

Zoya

#7 Google Lab

HI Everyone

I've been playing around withmy blog a lot. I can't stop. I also keep stuffing up and having to get poor Andrew to fix my mistakes. Oh well.

I will post about something Technology related. As I couldn't find anything of interest I had to ask Andrew again for help. If you remember Andrew is the IT person. Without him I would be lost but enough about him, he'll get a big head. Oh yeah he already has one. Ha Ha!

Well back to this techno business. Andrew told me about Google Lab. This is an experimental site where google is trying out new search tools. Its pretty interesting. It has Timeline search which tells you the information in a timeline with a graph across the top, also map search. Well if your interested there will be a link for you. I guess I'll need Andrew again for that one. Just joking I think I've figured it out myself.

Anyway this google stuff is pretty good considering everyone uses google. Its pretty good to see all the new search options coming up. You can also give feed back which would be good for you Librarians out there.

Cheers for now.

PS

Yes I had to call Andrew to help me with a`link. To do this for you guys that are as computer illiterate as me there is a button up top that says link, you then type the address and presto you get a link. Thisstuff is pretty cool when it works.

Zoya

Flickr Badge

Ok So I've managed to create a Flickr badge. Thanks to Kristin's blog.

You can do this on the link above or through my blog. Just click on the "What's this" line. This will take you to Flickr badge. You will then be taken through the steps. After you have copied the script go to your blog and customise by clicking on page element. Then choose html/javascript to add the Flickr script. Save your changes. I hope I've explained it clearly.

Altenitavely as I've just figured it out you can go to the link I took forever to create. This will also take you to the Flickr Badge page.

Feel free to make a comment if you are confused cause I know I was.

Cheers

Zoya

I think I'm obsessed!

I can't get away from this blog. I keep playing around with it, as you can see I've changed a few things just cause I can.

I'm still trying to figure out Flickr. I gave up on Pictobrowser for now. I need to wait till I get my hands on the IT guys. They seem to have disappeared. I hope they haven't taken annual leave just to get away from me! Don't worry I'll find them.

Anyway Pictobrowser which I found on Flickr is a slideshow of pictures you take from your flickr photos and add to your blog. As I can't figure that one out yet, I'm going to try Flickr Badge. This is similar to Pictobrowser. It shows your pictures from Flickr like a slide show the good thing is others can get it from each others blogs as there is a link for them to do it instead of going to Flickr.

If you don't see it on my blog then you know I'm still trying to figure that one out too. My colleauge Kristin is helping me. Bless her. But I think I've forgotten, not to worry I can go to her blog and get it from there. Much easier!

Cheers for now.

#6 More Flickr Fun (I don't know about that!)

This Flickr is hard. There is so much to do I just wish I knew how. I suppose it will just take me longer than the Blog exercise.

I liked the PictoBrowser I used but again I just need to learn how to use it. Don't ask me what I did and exactly what it is because I am just playing around at the moment. I hope I can fugure this stuff out. But I've always got my trusty IT co-workers to help me.

Zoya

# 5 Flickr (Yes I want to win more prizes!)

Congratulations to me!

I won! I won! This learning is better than I thought. I've never won anything in my life. I'd keep going for ever if there were more prizes!

Thanks to Web 2.0 and everyone involved.

Now for this Flickr stuff. Its really fun knowing all I can do with it, now I just need to figure out how to do it. Andrew and Vi I need YOU! Don't worry I'll find you.

Flickr is pretty good but I'm not sure if I should be taking other peoples photos, I guess thats why its there, but I feel uncomfortable taking photos that have people on them. There's my computer photos but I don't have that many photos on there, at least not ones I would want to put on the internet even though I know I can make them private and only for friends and family to see.

Anyway I'll see how I go.

I don't seem to be able to find any funny pictures on Flickr but don't worry I'll figure it out.

Cheers

Zoya

This is what I would like to do to computers sometimes, well often actually.

As you can see I'm learning to do pictures, now I can't stop!

Monday Morning

Its Monday and I'm at work. Its it bit busy for a Monday morning but I've still found time to get to my blog.

I see other staff are getting theirs up and running. This training is a pretty good idea because we are helping each other out. Well I'm not helping but ASKING for a lot of help. My IT co-workers are getting sick of me but I don't care thats what their there for. Ha Ha.

Cheers for now.

Zoya

The Weekend and Still at Work!

I'm still enjoying this blogging I just need more time. Thanks Crissy for helping me with the photos!

Cheers

Beautiful libraries from around the world

Vatican Library, Vatican City, Rome
















State Library, Victoria, Australia

Waldsassen Abbey Library, Bavaria, Germany










Abbey Library St. Gallen, Switzerland



















Kremsmuenster Abbey Library, Kremsmünster, Upper Austria.













Library of Congress, Washington, DC, USA














Real Gabinete Portugues De Leitura Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Possibly the most beautiful library of them all.)















St. Florian Monastery-Library, Austria















Library of Parliament, Ottawa, Canada












Hereford Cathedral Chained Library, Hereford, England (Rare books were once kept chained to the bookshelf to prevent stealing.)

OMG and LOL OH DOH!

Oh Yeah and I do know net speak I'm not that ignorant. You show - off!

Still Going!

Here is another post.

Yes I do work hard Andrew I just feel I need to familiarise myself with this new and innovative technology so I can say Ha Ha I know too!

See how I managed to change the time myself I don't need you all the time Andrew. Just when I make mistakes and I need you to fix it. Hee Hee!

Still Excited!

Well I'm still enjoying this. I just can't wait to learn more. I'll have to harrass my IT colleage to show me more things to do with this. Yes you ANDREW!

Well I don't know what else to say just that I hope everyone else is having as much fun as I am. I just hope no one is getting as confused as I am.

Cheers

Zoya

Day 2

Well another day another blog. I think this is pretty exciting at the moment. I don' t know how long it will last. I also hope I get some comments cause its pretty cool. But I don't know if I want Andrew responding! Hee Hee.

Cheers for now.

My first blog

Hi Everyone

This is my first post. I'm not sure what I'm doing. Stay tuned for more mistakes, mistypes and silly comments.

Cheers

Zoya