Thing #26: Getting Social with WorldCat.org

First of all, I found the instructions for this particular "thing" to be very well written, inclusive, and easy to follow!! Thank you.

I created a WorldCat account, profile, uploaded a user picture, and added some favorite libraries. I added favorite libraries that were either in our ONELibrary Consortium or geographically close to Norfolk. The reasons for this are the Consortium libraries are often the ones we go to first with interlibrary loan requests or we refer customers to Northeast Community College library or Wayne State College library which are both close to Norfolk if the customer wants to go there in person and does not have the luxury of time to wait for an interlibrary loan mailing.

I created a couple of lists of books for practice and did share one of my lists on Facebook using the Bookmark button. Our library recently started a Facebook page and I think this would be a great way to share bibliographies on recently added books, DVDs, CDs, and/or recorded books owned by Norfolk Public Library. It could also be used to create lists of our titles and titles that could be interlibrary loaned on topics such as job searches, health topics, investing, and health insurance. The Bookmark button would also be a great way to share a list of the current year's book discussion selections on the library's Facebook page.

This would also be a great way of emailing a customer's specific ILL request to our ILL librarian so she would have the ISBN number along with a list of owning libraries. In the past, we have filled out handwritten requests for her but this would be alot more inclusive and easier to read perhaps.

Comment on Thing #25, Assignment 3. I created a simple customized map showing directions from our library to the local IRS office in Norfolk. We supply tax forms during income tax season and some times need to refer people to the IRS office for hard-to-find forms or assistance. The office is very close to the library but difficult for people to find. Hoping the map helps.

As mentioned in a previous comment, I did find where to claim my library but wanted to leave this for our new director!

I know alot more about Google Maps than I did prior and so will be able to share this information with reference customers.

Comment on Thing #25, Assignment 2. Found the Norfolk Public Library by doing a search for "Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, NE" Found it right away. Zoomed in using the Satellite view and did decide to move the marker to the front entry of the library as it was a bit off on the map. The information listed for Norfolk Public Library was brief but correct.

Did explore the "claiming your library" option so I know how to do that but decided to leave that as something our new Director may want to work with since he has recently started a Facebook page for the library, etc.

Comment on Thing #25/Assignment Part 1. 1445 K St. 68509 is the Nebraska State Capitol and with the satellite view option I can zoom in close enough to see the color of the cars parked around the Capitol--on South 14th Street I can clearly see white, black, and red cars. I prefer the map view with the turn by turn instructions rather than the satellite/street view. Don't know if it is a gender or personality thing, but my husband much prefers buildings and landmarks--no doubt that is why he prefers I navigate and he drive. ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed using the street view to "drive" around Paris, France and seeing the historical buildings and monuments and the gorgeous blooming trees! Enjoyed the feel of traffic in Moscow, too. Did not have luck finding kangaroos in Australia.

Comment on Thing #25. I have been enjoying exploring Google Maps and did not realize all the extra features available on the sight. I particularly enjoyed finding my home using the satellite views and "looking" around the neighborhood. I spotted my husband's 10' x 50' garden in the back yard but it didn't appear to be planted when the satellite image was taken. I am attending the ONELibrary Consortium annual meeting at CCC-Grand Island on June 19 and so practiced using Google Maps for driving directions and maps for June 19! I love the actual pictures of the intersections where they tell you to make your turns. I think knowing more about the various features of Google Maps will allow me to help reference customers better when demonstrating the sight. Fun stuff!

Just completed watching the video and really appreciated the nontraditional viewpoint to learning and that the learner is responsible for his/her own learning. This is highly motivational to me.

Also, I like the idea of viewing problems as learning experiences rather than frustrations and catastrophes.

Finally, the idea of not forgetting to "play" along the way because that will enhance your ability to learn and to actually accomplish more if you remember to relax and take care of yourself along the way.

All good "stuff" and definitely thinking outside the box for a more traditional learner such as myself!!