Pjasinow's Weblog

Social Networking Web 2.0 #9

pjasinow — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:44:23 +0000

I set up a My Space account even after reading the descriptions for all the social networking options listed. I thought it would be a good idea to be able to connect with my daughters who currently frequent their My Space pages along with their Face Book pages. They easily share information between friends and family members and I would like to be a part of their network. They always seem to be the “first to know…” so I thought I would join.

Well, the account set up was pretty painless except for some of the personal questions, that I’m not used to answering, therefore I skipped some of them, and didn’t quite answer some of the others honestly.

Anyway, I’m tweaking my account here and there, but haven’t really done much else with it. At one point I searched and found my daughters. I invited them to be my friends. I’m sure they are thrilled! Oh, they haven’t answered yet, surprise!

#8 Web 2.0 OverDrive

pjasinow — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:18:59 +0000

Being a Mac user I decided to try uploading a book to my computer, even though I kind of knew that there might be issues, I quickly discovered after conferring with some of the Web 2.0 advisers, that the plug-ins are not Mac compatible…but did that stop me? NO…I continued to try different options, including ITunes, which I know doesn’t work. I concluded that yes, my advisers were correct.

So…I moved on to a PC laptop, where I encountered problems with the Adobe plug-in, but I just recently browsed through other staff member’s blogs to find some valuable information about the other plug-ins, so I will try again when I have a PC available.

I love the idea of up loadable books and want to be able to use this site. I’m using this troubleshooting experience to learn lots about the program, therefore I will be able to support patrons with their questions.

Instant Messaging Web 2.0

pjasinow — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:40:04 +0000

Since we in CS have had some experience and training in the workings of instant messaging through Meebo, most of the steps I have already done.

It was good to use it to ask a question of the Reference dept. I found out about passport office locations in Park Ridge. They were very helpful, prompt, and friendly. It’s a great way to get an answer fast.

I haven’t tried asking via email yet, but I will use that when I need to ask an in-depth question(s) on a subject which may need extensive researching. Also, I would use email when I didn’t need the answer immediately.

IMing is a tool I’ve personally been using more often then I thought I would, as I have been directed to it through my bank, my job of troubleshooting technology equipment, and once in a while with friends and family. Recently, I upgraded my Yahoo browser to allow me to automatically connect to my contacts while I’m checking my email.

I don’t use Meebo too much outside of the library desk, as I have a laptop, but I did introduce my daughter to it last week since she doesn’t have access to her personal computer these days.

In general I like having the ability of getting answers anytime of the day without picking up the phone and making a personal stop using the IM tool.

Web 2.0 #6 Wikis

pjasinow — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:18:24 +0000

Those YouTube videos are the greatest! They help me tremendously with understanding the reason behind the creation of Web 2.0 and especially Wikis.

My webblog includes various topics, but one I like to share is my trip to Madrid.

Using Wikipedia I could create a Wiki with information about the places I visited in Spain and have the tags link to other articles within Wikipedia.

Using Wikihow, I could find information on how afford to visit again, by reading “Madrid on a Budget” and then add some information on saving money from my own traveling experiences.

Using WetPaint, I wasn’t as successful with searching. It seems for me less organized and not as specific. I don’t know if I would use it and if I did, I would probably never add information, but time will tell. I’ll keep trying. I created an account and added their RSS to my Bloglines.

Wikipedia hits are usually the firsts in my Google searches, but due to some doubts, I usually would choose not to use them. I will start to use them and practice my skills with Wikipedia context.

Wikihow is exciting. I’ll be using it for sure.

Wetpaint is ok. I’ll check out the RSS when it comes in to help understand it better.

Weblog updates

pjasinow — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:04:48 +0000

I have fun adding a few widgets to my sidebar today. Please check it out if you get a chance.

#5 Web 2.0 One Stop Search

pjasinow — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:17:43 +0000

I tried searching Seattle Washington for some facts. I searched Children’s databases only and came up with 145 hits. Then I narrowed the search by choosing only specific databases, and I also sorted by date. I arrived at a reasonable amount of hits.

Now that I’ve practiced in One Stop Search and have become a little more comfortable with the searching, I know I’ll be using it for those challenging reference subjects when school projects are presented.

All Wired Up Step #4 RSS con’t

pjasinow — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:31:06 +0000

I’m making a practice of checking Bloglines a few times a week to check on RSS feeds being sent to my account.

What I like about RSS feeds is that you keep up with the latest information from the time it’s posted on the site. I like using an aggregator instead of just having them sent to your email account. Aggregators keep us organized.

I recommend http://www.foodnetwork.com/. It’s fun to look for dinner ideas every day.

I also like reading the updates @ http://www.kidsatrandomhouse.co.uk/ for info on children’s books.

http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com/ for gaining more information about the ever changing library world.

Subscribe if you like

All Wired Up Step #4 RSS

pjasinow — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:14:10 +0000

The informative Common Craft video and Debbie’s PowerPoint really helped me to finally understand RSS feeds.

Now that I’ve grasped the idea of RSS, it’s easy to understand how Bloglines is a great site for organizing RSS feeds.

I’ve choosen news, food, and health sites to date, but I will continue to add feeds as I continue to build my Bloglines.

For my library use, I plan to find children book sites to keep constant on what’s popular, especially with series and characters.

I’m not hooked yet, but stayed tuned…

All Wired Up Step #3 YouTube con’t

pjasinow — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:32:39 +0000

Ok, I have choosen two favorites and shared them. Check ‘em out when you have the chance.

Madrid, Spain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc6kiriG73k

Saint Louis Univeristy Madrid Flamenco Fall 2007 – Rumba

All Wired Up Step #3 YouTube

pjasinow — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:45:19 +0000

As of today, I’ve created my account and have visited the site. I was able to add one favorite, but I’m waiting until I’m off desk and on a computer with sound before adding additional favorites.

It’s a fun site and it’s amazing the amount of info you can obtain through the video clips.

I haven’t had enough of this site yet, I have lots to learn and explore.