10 Random Things about me

1. I'm a true Buckeye.
   I grew up in Columbus, OH and graduated from OSU.


2. I met my husband doing ballroom dancing.


3. I'm addicted to "Dancing with the Stars".
   I go crazy if I get any interruptions while I'm watching it.


4. I have 2 children; a girl and a boy, ages 8 and 6, respectively.


5. I play the clarinet in the Greater Columbus Concert Band.


6. I play handbells in my church's handbell choir.


7. I'm a perfectionist.


8. I installed a garage door opener by myself at my first house.


9. I love baking.
   It's almost time to start baking Christmas cookies. Yeah!


10. I'm a scrapbooker.
    I'm way behind in my scrapbooking but I've got a scrapbooking marathon coming up in January.

Thing 23 - Learn & Play Finale

Well I finally made it to the last "Thing" on Learn & Play and just in the knick of time. I learned a lot along the way; some of which I know I'll use again and some probably not. I got some help along the way from co-workers so some Web 2.0 tools I didn't like so well are a lot more manageable. I loved the Mango Language site as I mentioned in a previous blog. Twitter I didn't like at all at first but with the Firefox toolkit it is a lot easier to follow the tweets. The hardest part about the whole exercise was finding the time to do it (most of it I completed outside of work time). In speaking to others that seemed to be a common problem. It was good that the time to complete the program was extended, otherwise, I'm sure a lot of us wouldn't have been able to finish it in time for the prizes.

I'm always up for a challenge and love to learn new things so if CML decides to offer another discovery program you can count me in.

Thing 22 - MOLDI

This exercise was much easier than the last because I've had to do so much backend work to make sure that MOLDI (Overdrive) and DP work together well. In fact, I'm in the process of getting the Overdrive records added to the catalog (and DP). Customers will be able to search the catalog and, when an Overdrive record is found, they will be able to select the link to go directly to the Overdrive record to download it.

Since I'm not supposed to use past experience for the Learn & Play I did do some general browsing and then did some advanced searching for a technical manual on something that I'm just learning how to do. Although I'm not a big fan of digital copy if I get stuck I just might be downloading a book in the near future.

Thing 21 - Podcasts

This exercise took way longer than I expected. I had to download a couple of things for the one podcast viewer/receiver but I don't think that I really needed to do that step. Of well...
I was able to use one of the podcast directories to find some useful podcast sites. Since I have a hard time remembering to go to my Bloglines account to get the latest and greatest updates for my subscriptions I only subscribed to one podcast site.

I can see how the library could take use of podcasts for storytimes and other library events especially since you can download to an iPod (or its equivalent) or your PC. It seems like it is so hard for people to do everything that they want when trying to juggle work, family activities and housework so this would give them some flexibility.

Only 2 to go!

Thing 20 - YouTube

Well it's safe to say that I'm very familiar with YouTube along with I'm sure a lot of internet users. Just at CML alone it is used in morning messages on CMLsi and on our website. I was in the mood for 80's music and decided to look up Billy Joel. I had quite a few videos and songs to choose from but I decided to use one of his more up-beat songs to showcase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKu2QaytmrM

Next, I was in the mood for a good laugh so I found some of the Friends sitcom bloopers. Check 'm out here:



The YouTube site was really easy to use and because it is used by so many people it is a good way to get exposure to CML and what we're doing. I'm thinking the levy in 2010...

Thing 19 - CML's toolbox

Well I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was using quite a few of the tools listed in CML's toolbox. I had previously downloaded CML's toolbar so I decided to do the catalog search plug-in. After all, I've spent the past year+ working on the catalog in one way or another so I ought to start taking advantage of being able to get to material that I can get my hands on relatively easy.

I'm so conditioned to doing Google searches so now I just need to remember to use the resources here at CML.

Thing 18 - Web2.0 awards list

I just found my new favorite tool, Mango Languages. When you're married to an Italian and his family doesn't speak much English you kind of need to know how to speak Italian and write in Italian. In the past, I tried the self-paced study courses, beginning Italian class and, of course, listening to my husband and his Italian friends in conversation. I've picked up a lot over the years but, as I always tell people, I'm good with the Italian nouns but to compose a sentence takes a while. Not only do you need to know how to conjugate the verbs but you need to put the words in the right order in the sentence (you need to be really careful with adjectives because you can turn a compliment into an insult).

Mango teaches you how to say Italian words and phrases (and other languages) but better yet I can enter some text and it will translate it for me. WOW!!! Thank you notes and letters are going to be a lot easier now. And to think of the time it will save me when I'm trying to translate an Italian letter to English.

Mango è molto fantastico! (By the way, I did this one on my own.)

Thing 17 - Google docs

Well that took some time. I just finished using a template to create a postcard with the Thanksgiving menu on it. There's got to be a better way to use Google docs than what I did. (I'm sure it had nothing to do with me working on it when I should be sleeping because I have to get up early for work.) The idea of a shared document is a great concept because we all know how quickly the size of the contents of our mailbox can increase with all of those huge attachments. And we all know how crazy it gets when multiple people are making corrections to an attached document then sending it back and forth and so on. To be able to make the corrections and then everyone who needs to see the document and edit it view the most up-to-date version seems like a win for all.

I'll have to practice using this tool some more...after I finish the rest of the 23 things and when I have more time.

Susan

Thing #16 - playing with wikis

This was a fun exercise. I don't normally contribute content to a wiki but I edited several pages of the the Learn & Play at CML wiki and even added my blog for the 23 Things so now I'm sure I'll get lots of comments posted. Actually, what I should take from this experience is to start posting comments on the blogs of other staff members who are listed in the wiki. What a novel idea!

Well it's the end of my work day and I have a busy evening ahead so later ...

Thing #15 - Wikis

I personally using the wikipedia all the time. It usually contains everything I need on a topic or has links to other sources that give me that info. It has so many uses and only requires that you have web access to view it from anywhere.

In IT and DS, we use it for our departmental (and interdepartmental) documentation so that you don't have to remember everything. Obviously, with more secure applications a login is required but beyond that it gives users the tools they need to perform their job more effectively.

With wikis the possibilities are endless. Maybe I should set up my own wiki.

Thing #14 - Web 2.0, Library 2.0

I have been exposed to Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 off and on for a couple of years now so it's premise is not new to me. However, I'm more and more amazed at how this technology has taken off. I found an interesting article about the Library 2.0 theory, http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html, which has a lot of great information and references. The idea that you can provide content for the web world to see is both scary and empowering. I am usually not one to provide my input but I thoroughly enjoy reading everyone else's input. Of course, you do have to read past what I would classify as coming from people who are socially ignorant or just like to get a reaction. I can't wait to see what happens as CML incorporates more and more of these social networking concepts.

Thing 13 is Delicious

I think I'm going to love Del.icio.us. I am all about anything that makes it easier for me to have to remember less. To be able to have a single repository for things I need to know (and am always having to google search to re-find) this tool is so awesome! I can't wait to start using the tool as part of my regular routine whenever I'm browsing the web and come across something that I want to use later. As a note to self my info is http://delicious.com/dpscoop.

Speaking of delicious I think I'm getting hungry for some dessert.

Twittering

Well I'm not so sure I'm going to like using Twitter. So far the Web 2.0 tools I've used have been easy to use and I can see the benefit. Given that I'm usually long-winded when talking (or writing) the 140 character limit is not going to be easy for me. Oh well, I'll try to keep going back into my account to see if anyone is following me. Here's my info if you want to twitter with me http://twitter.com/dpscoop.

Library Thing

With as many times as Library Thing has come up in meetings for the AquaBrowser catalog I'm almost ashamed to admit that this was the first time that I actually used Library Thing. It is actually going to be a great way for me to keep track of books that I've already read and loved or those that have been recommended but that I can't get to yet. If you want to check out what's in my library so far go to http://www.librarything.com/catalog/dpscoop.

Until next time.

Futuristic transporation

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Thing #9

Since I am doing such a great job keeping up with my Bloglines feeds I decided to add a few more. I simply did a search for "library" and selected Search for feeds from the drop-down and it quickly returned the results. There search tool was very easy to use which is what I need these days.

Susan

Thing #8

I have briefly used RSS feeds in my time working on the AquaBrowser project but this was the first time that I signed up for the service in a different forum. I didn't think anything of it until I didn't look at what the feeds returned after not looking at it for over a week. Yikes! I guess I need to be better about keeping up with it.

If your interested my public blogline is http://www.bloglines.com/blog/vedosu .
See ya!
Susan

RFID

Since DP was originally created in the mid- to late-1980's a lot of new technologies have emerged. We are always looking for ways to automate processes for staff and have for a couple of years been monitoring the use of RFID, radio frequency ID. The whole premise of RFID is that a microchip is embedded in a tag that allows for electronically getting information about the tagged item. RFID was around way before the launch of DP but with its increasing use in such things as passports, toll booths, and public transportation stations the price of the tags is going down so it is starting to have a lot of appeal in the ILS (Integrated Library System) market. Using this technology, the ILS can be set up to read these tags and automatically check in items. Unfortunately, the tags are still quite expensive so with over 3 million items we'll have to sit back and wait before pursuing adapting DP to integrate with RFID tags.
Susan

Thing #6

I'm amazed at the tools that are available that enable non-techi people to create some amazing applications. The one that really got my attention was Montagr. I'm still not exactly sure how it was able to find the right images to create the correct shading. Wow!

I decided to have some fun of my own and created a trading card using one of the photos from my recent vacation (http://flickr.com/photos/30342720@N03/2870242131/). Yes, I do occasionally take vacation from working on DP changes.

Susan

Where DP changes begin

Did you ever wonder where we make all of the DP magic happen? For the first time ever I'm going to open the doors to let everyone see.

As you can see, my cubicle (above left) is loaded with folders and papers. Well, what do expect when you're working on 10 projects at a time and you've been working for the same organization for 20+ years. Not to mention I've sat in the same cubicle since moving to the Ops Center in January 2003. The newest addition to the DP family, Jim, on the other hand is much more "green" than I am so his desk (above right) isn't so cluttered with papers. We'll give him another 19 years then see what his space looks like.

Until next time ... Susan

I'm learning and playing

Well I finally did it! Thanks to the Learn & Play at CML I've created my first blog. One would think that being a computer programmer would mean I use the lastest technology and tools that are out there but I'm afraid to say that isn't the case. I don't even remember to initiate Google chat and I don't have it set up to initiate automatically. Oh well; at least I set up an account.

I just finished going through the 7 1/2 habits of highly successful lifelong learners and I think I have a pretty good handle on most of the habits. To say which one is the easiest is not easy though. I've definitely mastered turning problems into challenges but I think the easiest one is Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning. The hardest one for me is Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind. I tend to take things one step at a time and expand and improve as I go along.

I've set up this blog to pass on information about Discovery Place and to get comments from the users. Now I just need to make the time to publish posts and of course reading posts.

Happy blogging! Susan