Mobile Thing #1: High Expectations

I fought getting a cell phone.  Didn't want one, didn't figure I needed one.  When circumstances finally dictated that I needed one, I started with a tracfone and didn't learn to text for over a year.

Now, I have an Android Smart phone.  I know about 10% of what it can do.

People who come into the library whip out their phones, tablets and ereaders with all kinds of questions.  So what am I hoping from this program?  I'm hoping to learn a little more about what my device (and theirs) can do.  I'm also curious about what has changed with some of the Things since my last trip through one of these programs.

Boom.  Let's go.

On the move...

Is it true that the third time's a charm?  I'm blogging again, for the purpose of library education.  This time, I'll be exploring Mobile apps with my smart phone.  So.  Let's get this registered and get going.

My Evaluation

I feel like this is an episode of Scrubs: My Evaluation.

I'm 23 Things wiser than I was at the beginning. Now, to be honest, some of these will never venture into the branch. At least not invited by me. But in my mind, I don't think this makes them "bad things". They just weren't in my area of interest (The Economy) or talent area (Flickr).

To each his own.

Part of what I have found to be so amazing about this experience is that everyone takes their own spin on the things and runs with it. This is good. And where is wasn't expanding on a strength or knowledge base of mine, the different things were at the very least exposing me to new ideas. This, too, is good.

I like learning. I'd do it again. In my own way, I will be doing it again. Online classes, digital reference training...the possibilities are out there, if I'm willing to look and take on the challenges.

I think I'm willing.

T46:WebJunction

That's right folks, I said Thing 46. According to my math, 23 + 23 = 46.

46 things on a stick. Who brought the marshmallows?

Of course, I have to actually blog about WebJunction Minnesota (which is fabulous, btw, and I never say fabulous). And there is the little matter of an evaluation which makes it technically 47 things. Not that I'm complaining.

WebJunction. Who knew? I never realized that was an entire online community for all of us Minnesota Library type people outside of the Things. My favorite part was scrolling through the catalog of courses. I'm a bit of a nerd that way. I've already found a couple that I'd like to take, but I'm going to take a little time to celebrate the finishing of this bloggy experience before I delve into another online education adventure.

I looked at the job bank, because who doesn't like to shop around. I found my branch listed in the directory. And then I puttered around, looking at some other stuff.

To top it off, I sent the link to my branch manager, who hasn't had time to start the 3 things, but who I think will really appreciate the services provided.

I plan to spend a lot more time looking around WebJunction Minnesota and getting familiar with the services. I think in terms of networking and training, this could be the best resource I've found throughout this multiple thing experience.

Coming soon to a blog near you: My Evaluation.

T45: Cloud Gazing

I work from home for my second job. I create documents, manage accounts and do my things mostly on the cloud. Without GoogleDocs, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't still be employed. I love the flexibility. Some of my coworkers think it is odd to get documents shared with them at 2 am or whenever else I manage to send them.

What I love about the cloud and what I try to express with patrons is that it makes it possible to access your information from anywhere with a live Internet connection. No worrying about compatibility with a browser or lost jump drives. Everything is right there.

My main cloud activities are GoogleDocs and hotmail, if hotmail is considered a part of it. I keep poking around, looking for more ideas and trying to find more ways to increase my productivity, but for now, these two are my stars.

T44: Economy, blah blah blah

I shouldn't be surprised that a thing about the Economy snuck into this round of 23 Things. The economy is a common topic of conversation, both in the branch and outside of the branch. and really, isn't a library a great place to go to help stretch the budget? Books, dvds, internet...all kinds of "luxuries"can be found for the taking.

I'm an economizer. I have been for years. Prior to working at the library, I was a full time stay at home mom and the only way to survive was to cut corners and costs. I know about managing accounts online, finding deals on Craig's List or Freecycle and downloading coupons. I've looked at GasBuddy for the cheapest gas, I've investigated the gardening sites and subscribed to a variety of thrifty blogs.

This is one Thing I think I have covered.

T43: Doing the Hulu

I'm not a big television watcher. I don't have cable. Up until this year, my husband would dutifully dig out the rabbit ears at the end of February so I could watch the Oscars. Other than that, there's not any Must-See-TV in our lives. When we want a fix of something, we check out a series from the library. Just like most of the books I read are things I find in the book drop, my movie/television watching is the same way: I check something in or out and add myself to the queue.

I have used Hulu before, to view a clip a friend sent me or to look up info for a devotion I'm working on. I use it like I use youtube: sporadically. I don't think it will change my television viewing habits, mostly because I'm not big on sitting in front of my computer and watching something. The convenience factor IS nice, knowing that wherever I am with a live Internet connection I have access.

I also don't think this will have a huge impact on television watching as a whole. With the onset of on demand movies, the ability to pause live tv through the miracle of TIVO and TIVO-type services, people are finding more ways to completely immerse themselves in their television at their own convenience. I remember how excited my mom was the first day she came home from work and was able to watch Days of Our Lives because the VCR had recorded it. Now the digital recording companion does it for her.

Rather, I view Hula and Hula type services as another option in finding the media you are looking for. Plus, I can watch movie trailers there. Woot.

PS-I now have my very own iPod shuffle. :)