Web2.0, a never-ending battle for “truth, justice and the American Way”

Six weeks ago I hoped to find out what web2.0 terms (like Twitter and wiki and blogging) were all about.  Thanks to the patience of our fearless teacher, Kathy, I have a passing acquaintance with many Web2.0 sites.  I think that the biggest lesson I will take from the class is to keep on discovering.  This brave new world will change daily, and flexibility will become my new goal.  The tools I hope to use most as I move on are blogging, facebook and twitter.  I found LibraryThing  to be the least valuable tool, but my prejudice for LC subject headings may have colored my outlook.  Reaching outside the “library box” is a challenge for me, but I think that Kathy has done a wonderful job of encouraging me to move out of my comfort zone.  It has been quite a ride!

Fiddling around

About 3 years ago I decided that before I died, I wanted to learn to play the fiddle.  Now, I do mean a fiddle, not a violin.  They may be the same instrument but the sound is oh, so different.  I fell in love with “Bowfire”, a musical group that plays all kinds of stringed instruments.  It took me a long time to find a teacher, but when I did she was wonderful.  So now I spend every possible minute practicing, but only with the windows closed and the doors locked.  How thrilled I am to learn that I can improve (hopefully) my fiddle playing by learning from other experts in the field.  This video clip is by extert, David Kaynor.

3-D Images of the Solar System

On Monday, June 29th, the Somerset Public Library will kick off the Summer Reading Program, “Starship Adventure” with an amazing presentation of 3-D Images of the Solar System.   Mr. Gerald Dyck, a local amateur astronomer, will present this program at 1:00 p.m. sharp.  We’ll put on our 3-D glasses and view the solar system as never before.  Don’t miss this great program!

Saturn, the ringed planet, is my favorite

Wiki wacky wiki

I believe that one of the prerequisits for techy types is the ability to find very creative names for everyday things. Instead of “wiki”, I would have called this tool, “Collaborative Website Editing”. But then, everything about the computer is fast, faster, fastest, so “wiki” is, of course, the perfect, “quick” name. I hope I learn to use it in wiki wiki time.

Candidates for my very own wiki class

Kiss the Book

This week I was looking for reviews of a book series when I discovered a great blog:  Kiss the Book.  It is written by school librarians.  If you want a fun read, complete with great pictures of the book jackets, the website address is: www.kissthebook.blogspot.com     I loved it, and will be buying some of their recommendations.

Starship Adventure Poster

Starship Adventure Poster

Originally uploaded by sghughey26

Summer Reading Program is just around the corner. We have loads of “Out of this World” fun coming to the Somerset Public Library. I can’t wait for the adventure to begin!

Eye Lines

Eye Lines

Originally uploaded by Gregory Warran

I wish I could say this was my photo, but I owe this great view to Gregory Warran. I uploaded my first photos to Flickr this evening. I thought I would be displaying them on my blog, but there is a bit of a security wait…24-48+ hours. You’ve got to keep your eye on us Children’s Librarians. You never know when we might push the envelope and take a picture of a great children’s book. So, today’s blog picture is a view of London’s Eye. I saw it, rode in it, and loved it.

Sunset

When you leave the footprints in

Originally uploaded by Neil Greenhill

Watching a beautiful sunset is one of life’s treasured moments. We had a rainy day today, but thanks to this photographer, Neil Greenhill, I can enjoy one anyway.

Hello fellowclassmates

In case my blog name isn’t clear…I’m a children’s librarian.  I’m taking this course to help me relate better to the children I serve.    I became a librarian in the ancient times of card catalogs and original cataloging, so the fast-changing world of computers is a challenge, both terrifying and thrilling.  I sure hope this time with all of you will be in the “thrilling” category! 

The internet has become my major source for the creative end of my story hours.  I find tons and tons of themes, crafts, songs, fingerplays and activities.   My very favorite is “The Best Kids Books Site”  (at least I think that is the name.  It’s been one of my bookmarked favorites for so long, I just click on it. )  

Sue Hughey, Somerset Public Library