MeeboMe

I haven't really used the Meebo widget and don't know if it is any more effective then just text messaging. It seems a bit cumbersome to get a widget. I do think that your own individual interface when communicating with the public gives you a unique prescence when online, but don't think that it would be all that desirable. I would be more comfortable with each branch and department having their own widget to interact with the public and could be used as a means of communicating upcoming programs and activities, including building updates and fundraising events. Rather then have a widget on our branch page for instant reference, I see it as a means of communication between support departments, like Children's and YA coordinators, supplies, accounting etc. It wouldn't be very effective to use a widget for instant reference, unless you had the staffing available all the time, to be alerted when a question comes in. Maybe the new generation of widgets would be easier to create and would incorporate newer technological applications as they are made available.

Favorite sites or feeds?

Which method of finding feeds was easiest - going to your favorite sites or searching for them?

I actually found that looking at some of the sites I enjoy visiting was the best way for me to find feeds quickly and easily. If I had more time I would really like to do more indepth searching for feeds on subjects that I am interested in, but that isn't now! Which search tool was the easiest for you? I enjoyed looking at Topix.net, but to be honest, not one tool stood out as being fabulous, compared to another. How can you see RSS feeds being used by the library? The library could use RSS feeds to get out up- to- date information about programming around the district and relay information about the newest items to hit the 'virtual shelves'. What kind of information would library patrons be interested in getting via RSS, if it were available? New titles and resources are what people get excited about.

RSS - Is it Really Simple?!

This took me quite awhile to actually understand, as I expected it to be more complex and felt like I needed to read over everything over and over again, before I could attempt to add RSS feeds. Once I started looking for feeds and adding them to my Bloglines account I realized it was so much simpler then I expected.

I do think there is value in having RSS feeds that you subscribe to, but it would be really helpful if you could fill out a outline survey listing all your interests and have suggestions sent to you, sort of a customized menu, with sights that were preselected by authorities on those subjects.

Anyway, when I have more time I will do some further investigating for sites that interest me.

Flickr - Retrievr & Color Pickr

I tried a number of the different Flickr tools, but found Retrievr & Color Pickr the most fun and visually exciting. Putting bright stunning colors on the palette and seeing other pictures on Flickr that have the same shades, was very cool. I found some images that were truly stunning and artistic.

Using my own very limited artistic skills to draw images and then having images with similiar lines come up was incrediable. I could spend hours seeing what other pictures follow the same lines.

I especially enjoyed the bright pinks, purples and blues when using color pickr. Trying more subdued shades along with the vibrant colors, brought up images that led me to believe that graphic designers and decorators, who are very familiar with the color wheel, probably know instinctively what looks good together, but I see the potential for myself in using this as a tool for home decorating. See example above from Color Pickr

Ocean with sun setting

I saw this image and thought of how peaceful it is to be sitting on the beach, at sunset, watching the sun go down. As a child, I spent alot of time on the Oregon coast with my family. No matter what time of year, the ocean and coastline draw me like no other place has ever done. There is an awe inspiring feeling looking at the constant movement of the water along the sand, at the water's edge, and the beauty of it never diminishes.

Silkie Chicken

www.flickr.com/photos/alexandraphotos/154371785/

The Silkie feels alot like a soft rabbit. It is difficult to keep their feathers clean, particularly the white ones.

Chicken - Silkie