Saturday, December 8, 2007

Virtually There

Amazing! It seems like a miracle to be able to just pick out a book and download it. I "checked out" an Elizabeth Peters title as I have enjoyed her mysteries. Can't wait to listen to it. It's really so easy.

I also checked out some of the recommended public library web sites....wondered why Skokie Public Library wasn't listed there. I did find some interesting things. On the Ann Arbor web site, I thought that their "Picture Ann Arbor" idea would be good for us with SkokieNet. I liked their blogs with links to recommended music---sampled YouTube videos of Habib Koite, a musician from Mali and Pauline Croze, a French singer I had not heard of. Her music is quite nice and to my liking. On the Morton Grove site, I liked the "Don't Click Here" warning. Of course, people will click on it and it turns out to be an ad by Proquest for online resources from the hidden web, available through your library. "And don't click here either" is a link to the actual databases Morton Grove subscribes to. A clever way to attract users. Humor always works online. Kansas City had a lot of author links and a nice events display with seven choices that each lead to screens such as we have on the plasmas.

All in all, I had a good time and have learned a lot from the 10 Things. You have to be willing to explore and try things. All it takes is a little time.........

Productivity

Well, I've finally gotten to Thing 9. I should have used Google docs ages ago. It operates a lot like a Wiki, but you can specify who can edit and contribute (collaborators) vs who can just view. It will be great for committee projects with ILA and PLA. Tobi and I were jointly working on a report for the Board and Google docs would have simplified things although I do use the edit features in Microsoft Word.

I used Google Earth to look at images of Madagascar where my niece will be in the Peace Corps. Also some of the amazing images from the Hubble telescope.

Lifehacker has some great tips! I signed up for a hassle me reminder for something that I need to do and never seem to get around to. I won't say what it is, but some of you who have been in my office might guess......