Deleting Your Accounts

You DO NOT need to delete the accounts you created in the Great 8.

I repeat: you DO NOT need to delete the accounts you created in the Great 8.

You DO NOT need to delete your WordPress, Yahoo/Flickr, or PBwiki account. You can keep them till kingdom come or the Internet goes bust, whichever comes first.

You can even—gasp!—keep using them!!! You can blog your days away. Upload and share your photos. Start a wiki of your own to plan trips or share recipes with friends and families. You name it.

HOWEVER, if you do want to delete any or all of these accounts, here’s how to do it.

Deleting Your PBWiki Account
Go to the PBwiki help page and under the “Other” subheading, click “Contact support.” In your message, request that your account be disabled.

Deleting Your Flickr Account
Log in to Flickr and go to your account settings page. At the bottom, in red, is “Delete your Flickr account.” Click it.

Deleting Your Yahoo Account
Follow these directions.

Deleting Your WordPress Account
Log in to WordPress and go to your Dashboard. On the left, click on the “Settings” menu to expand it. “Delete blog” is one of the options.

But you don’t really want to delete any of these accounts, do you? Just think, you’ve only just begun to explore the wonderful world of Web 2.0… don’t say goodbye just yet!

Your Ideas: Wikis

Here’s what Great 8 adventurers came up with on library applications for wikis!

I’ve seen wiki type things in action in library’s seeking information on local history topics.  One excellent use is to post a mystery photograph and ask people if they know anything about the place or the people. - bunniesarebest

CCS’s Technical Services group is talking about putting our cataloging manual into wiki format… One benefit of the wiki would be easy editing of pages after changes in rules or after decisions are made about cataloging new formats. – catmama39

I also wish that Wikis were available when I was more involved in planning professional meetings and training sessions.  Coordination would have been much easier. – dinogal

Our book review page does seem like the logical use for libraries, as well as answers to common questions, such as a communal FAQ page. - flowerfarmer

It looks like our book blogs function a lot like other libraries’ wikis. Patrons or staff can add entries, but they don’t really change others’ entries; instead they comment on them. I think a wiki would be most useful for internal staff communication. The catch would be remembering to check it! – janetp

I’ve been wanting to develop an internal communication wiki for the youth department, and this is a good motivator to do that.  Seems as if it would lend itself to organizing and retrieving information very well. – lynny1

Having patrons create their own book or movie lists could be a nice idea for our library. - malamud1

I think this would be a lot of fun for our patrons in gerneral but how about for “interest groups” There could be a wiki group – similar to this Great 8 experience where the participants are walked through the process – baby steps – and gradually enabled to move on on their own. – mariettalongarbodi

The library, both internally and externally, could benefit from using a wiki. Much like the podcast’s, the library could set up a wiki for patron use for searching and posting reviews of books. It would also be a great way to post information about programs both ongoing and one time only. I like the interaction aspect of a wiki as far as being able to add information to an existing post/review, etc. – mother stitcher

In the library, I have been using a wiki to keep in touch with the members of our Customer Service team.  Our experience has been that while the wiki provides an easy way to distribute and comment on the materials we are considering, it does not replace the face-to-face meeting where we have negotiated, discussed, compromised and polished our final list of standards.  Like so many innovations before it, the wiki is just another tool in a growing bag of communication options. – mywindingroad

Wikis would certainly be a good way to go whenever we want to have a collaborative effort at the library, say for compiling tips and tricks we’ve learned for making Staff Day better and better, or compiling  information we’ve found for using Java efficiently. – pepperina24

I do think that it would be interesting to explore using a wiki for some of our content pages.  It would be great to have the knowledge of many for some of our subject guides, such as investments.  It would also be nice for others to be able to update. Seems like this is what we have with our reference rolodex. – wags33

I think wikis are a great outlet for internal projects at the library. I’m part of the Customer Service Standards Committee – and the wiki set up for that group has proven to be a great way to communicate and create a group document. I’m also thinking that a wiki would be a great resource for our community pages and a good way for local residents to add their thoughts and ideas to our website. -whatsintown

Your Ideas: Podcasts

Here are Great 8 participants ideas on how the library could use podcasts. Great ideas, y’all!

We could record a number of our programs to podcast later on.  I think that the One Book Everyone Reads author speeches would be particularly popular.  And, how about podcasting our Board Meetings! – catmama39

I have been thinking of library applications.  Perhaps the most obvious is as a suggested source of information for patrons.  Imagine doing an author study and being able to listen to the author discuss his/her work!  Podcasting with a video component (vodcasting?) could also be a useful tool to introduce patrons to library resources such as genealogy databases, or downloadable audio books, etc.  Libraries in multilingual communities could also provide podcasts in other languages. – dinogal

Book talks, the current events group that meets here, even the special events around One Book Everybody Reads.  I suppose we have to have permission from participants to make these recordings available.  This may connect us to patrons who don’t get into the library much. – flowerfarmer

I think our patrons would appreciate links from our home page to sites like this [book podcast site] and NPR. It would be a way to reach younger patrons. – gingko44

We could include instructions for various things as podcasts, or perhaps authors doing readings as podcasts. Maybe we could make podcasts of library performers’ programs. I’m really text-oriented, but I know that some people respond better to listening. I think podcasts would be a good way to reach people who have slightly different learning styles. – janetp

Libraries can create their own podcasts of patrons or staff members talking about nice things about the library, to inspire patrons to use the library more effectively, as an education tool, and as a library commercial, if you will.  Podcasts can be useful for recommending books also. – malamud1

Podcasts can be used at the library for training, meeting sharing and promoting our events and programs. – mariettalongarbodi

The library would benefit from having a podcast as a way to keep patrons up to date on activities that are going on every week or month. It would also be a great way for the library to have current book recommendations by having different staff members discussing their favorite books. – mother stitcher

It’s easy to imagine uses of this for the library… Book reviews by librarians; audio or video broadcasts of some of our programs – especially talks by authors; promos for upcoming programs; etc. – mywindingroad

I do think that libraries could make use of podcasts– maybe by letting teens know what we are doing for them here at the library.  I mention teens because I think they are probably into listening to podcasts. – oldsillyme

I’m sure we could do it here with Ellen or Betty or Lyn interviewing patrons or authors or community members who may appeal to our patrons.  YS could do podcasts of book reviews to interest our young patrons into reading, which is always our goal. – pandamom

I could see this type of [author interview] podcast as a great enhancement to our Book Club discussions.  I think patrons would be thrilled to hear the author discuss the book the group is reading. – pepperina24

The main kind of programming that I think the library could podcast would be an audio version of  instructions for using the catalog for those who are not visually oriented – although I can’t really imagine who that would be.  Perhaps other possibilities would be things like briefly describing the upcoming “One Book Everybody Reads” with a brief interview with the author  – to help whet everyone’s appetite for his live appearance! – schwanda

As far as applicability to the library-perhaps it would be worthwhile creating a podcast for programs such as “One Book Everybody Reads”, or the lectures given for the Lyric programs or the Art Institute exhibits. – wags33

Your Ideas: YouTube in the Library

Congratulations again to all our Great 8 “winners,” who completed all 8 adventures by January 5! And kudos to everyone who has taken a stab at this program, regardless of your personal timeline. I hope that you have found it rewarding, educational, and even, dare I say, fun!

In several of the adventures, I invited participants to share their ideas about how certain Web 2.0 applications might be used at the library. Many folks had some really great ideas and insightful comments. I’ll gather these ideas in a series of posts.

First, here are the ones about using YouTube in the library!

We could post links to YouTube videos on our website to give our patrons a sneek peak at performers scheduled to do programs here.  I also like the idea of YouTube videos to promote the library and its services. – catmama 39

I think videos have great potential in libraries.  I saw a number of clever and innovative uses in YouTube.  Training and orientation videos seem to be the most popular. – dinogal

I can see that videos can be used to promote features or programs in the library. – flowerfarmer

I think WPL could use videos to teach patrons about library resources. This could complement our internet and database and other computer classes. Patrons could follow-up and review what they learned in the classes. – gingko44

Hm, I’ve heard about libraries having contests for Teen Read Week and such where teens make videos for the library and post them on You Tube. My personal favorite idea is having kids/teens/adults make videos of decorated book carts. Kind of like Pimp My Bookcart, but with videos.  What do you say, WPL staff??? -janetp

The Wilmette Library might use online videos to let patrons know what great things are at the library.  Maybe one video could be directed at teens, another for seniors, etc. – oldsillyme

Many teen groups did films about their libraries. I watched ILA’s fashion show and ALA library cart drill teams. I’m sure we could make something to promote our library and some of our programs. – pandamom

I would like to eventually use a vlog for book club promotions.  But I don’t want to be in it. – pepperina24

I think a video on how to do a basic search on the computer would be most useful, but it would be best to have it on a screen in the lobby rather than on the home page.  That way, everyone in the library could see it without going on the internet.  I think it would be really wonderful to have it on the home page for those using the catalog from home. – schwanda

As far as the library, I think it would be more useful as a fun project.  I can’t imagine anything more boring than going on to you tube to see an instructional video. – wags33

I especially like the idea of using online videos for library instruction — to help people navigate the website, navigate the online catalog, etc.  It also would be great to post online videos of programs and speakers (with their permission, of course!). – whatsintown

Adventure #8: Advanced Googling

Seven down, one to go! If you’ve come this far, there is no question: you will make it! Yay!

We’re now going to look at a website you probably know: Google. You’ve probably used their basic keyword search to find information online, or perhaps you use Gmail for your email account. But I can practically guarantee that you’ve only experienced the tip of the iceberg. Google is a huge conglomeration of online services and tools. Even this adventure can only cover a fraction of the vast territory Google covers.

For this adventure, we’d like you to try at least two of the Google tools below, preferably ones that are new to you. (Otherwise it wouldn’t be an adventure, would it?) Then, write a blog post about what you tried and how it worked out for you. Can you see using these Google tools in your personal or professional life? What did you like? What would you change?

GOOGLE MAPS

Google Maps is one of the coolest tools Google offers, and I hope everyone tries it out. Going beyond simple driving directions, it ties in satellite imagery, Wikipedia entries, Flickr photos, and more, making it a genuine “web 2.0″ (user-generated content) application.

Things to try:

- Use the arrows on the compass icon in the upper-left to shift the map north/south/east/west.

- Use the vertical slider to zoom in or out.

- Click the “satellite” or “terrain” views (buttons along the top).

- Click the yellow person icon to enter street view (not available for all locations, but enter “1242 Wilmette, Wilmette IL” in the search box and try it!). Click and drag with your mouse to pan the scene. Once you’re in street view, you’ll need to “zoom out of street view” to get back to the map.

- Click the “layers” (in Firefox) or “more” (in Internet Explorer) tab on the map, and check the boxes for photos or Wikipedia to see online photos and Wikipedia entries that have been tagged with geographic coordinates near that location. (This is a good thing to try when you’re looking at a map of Wilmette!)

- Play around with different locations and buttons! There’s much more to see.

GOOGLE NEWS
Looking for articles about a recent event? Try searching Google News, which searches exclusively news websites. Using the menu on the left, you can also limit your search by recency, check blog articles, and more.

GOOGLE PRODUCT SEARCH
Do you like to shop online? Try searching Google Product Search, which can also be reached through the “shopping” link in Google’s upper-left menu. You will find products sold by a variety of online vendors, from big corporations like Amazon to smaller businesses to dealers of used goods like eBay. Prices are listed up front. This is a great way to do some online comparison shopping.

GOOGLE BOOK SEARCH
Did you know that many public domain (no longer under copyright) books are freely available online through Google Book Search? And it’s not just public domain works, either. Some publishers have agreements with Google that allow their books to be published online in part or in entirety. Check it out! You can search or browse on a variety of genres and subjects.

YOUR CHOICE
If you explore the links and tabs at the upper-left of any Google screen, you will find more search tools. Choose one to explore and tell us what you discover!

OPTIONAL: MORE GOOGLE FUN
Back to plain, old Google keyword search. Even without going into the advanced search options, there are some neat tricks you can try to, for example, find out what time it is on the other side of the world, convert tablespoons to cups, and track airplane flights. Check out LifeHacker’s Top 10 Obscure Google Search Tricks to learn how!

WordPress Reconfigures

Just when we were all beginning to get used to adding posts, approving comments, and so on in WordPress, what do they do? Change the interface!

First of all, DON’T PANIC.

Second, this is a great example of why it’s so valuable to adopt an attitude of flexibility and exploration in the online world. Things can change in a snap, and it’s up to us to keep up. Because, like it or not, things are going to keep on changing. And growing. And changing some more. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, we feel. That’s the way it goes.

Third, while the look and feel of the Dashboard have changed, most of the common tasks you need are still pretty easy to find. “Add new post” is still called “add new post.” You can still “save draft” to save your post in progress and “publish” when you’re ready for it to appear on your blog.

Fourth, the Great 8 team is still here if you need us.

Fifth, think of this unexpected obstacle as yet another part of your adventures. A little daunting, but once you overcome it, you will feel so proud of yourself!

Our final adventure will be posted on Monday, December 8. See you back here then!

Wikis in the News

Our own intrepid adventurer Tootsie Plum pointed out this article in the Tribune to me: Highflying days over for online travel sites. Of interest is this quote near the end of the article:

[Online travel website Kayak] has also gained a following among younger, tech-savvy consumers for innovations that include a tool that allows groups of friends to plan their travel together and a search "wiki" that lets users manipulate results to showcase items that were of greatest interest to them.

Sound familiar? Thanks for sharing, Tootsie Plum!

Adventure 7: Wikis

Hey, wiki, you’re so fine
You’re so fine, you blow my mind
Hey, wiki! (clap-clap clap)
Hey, wiki! (clap-clap clap)

Oh, hello! Didn’t see you there. We’re coming down the home stretch, and I’m getting a little punch-drunk.

But as I was saying: wikis. They’re so fine. So fine, in fact, that they blow my mind. And possibly yours, too. What is a wiki, you ask? Watch this video and learn…

THE GREATEST WIKI OF ALL
You may have recognized the “world’s largest encyclopedia” mentioned at the end of the Common Craft video. You may even have used it yourself. I’m referring, of course, to Wikipedia.

To me, Wikipedia is pretty much the ultimate in collaborative, user-generated online content (hallmark of so-called Web 2.0). Anybody can join. Anyone can write and edit articles. The result is a resource that includes myriad scholarly and popular topics and is more vast than any encyclopedia we have at the library. World Book doesn’t exactly have a show-by-show analysis of Doctor Who, does it?

You may also have heard the controversy over Wikipedia’s reliability as a research tool. Read this article about the pros and cons of Wikipedia to understand the arguments.

LIBRARIES AND WIKIS
Here are a few examples of how libraries are using wikis. Take a look at a couple to get an idea of the possibilities.

- Book Lovers Wiki – Princeton Public Library created this book review wiki for its adult summer reading club, much in the way our library uses the book blog. Both librarians and patrons contribute.

- St. Joseph County Public Library’s Subject Guides – This by-librarians/for-everybody wiki offers how-to articles and suggests resources for doing different kinds of research, readers advisory info, and community info.

- Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki – This professional-geared wiki is a clearinghouse of online resources for readers advisory, library promotion, technology, professional development, and more.

- Blogging Libraries Wiki – Interested in keeping up with the library world? This wiki collects links to all kinds of library-related blogs.

YOUR TURN
Head over to the Great 8 @ WPL wiki for the rest of your instructions! You will sign up for a PBwiki (Peanut Butter Wiki, a popular wiki service) account, edit our Great 8 wiki, and, of course, end by writing a blog post. See you at the wiki!

Oh, what you do, wiki, do, wiki
Don’t break my heart, wiki!

Adventure 6: Instant Messaging

OK, that was a nice break. Ready to go again? Our next adventure: Instant Messaging!

What Is Instant Messaging?

Instant Messaging, or IM, is a form of communication where two or more people can carry out a private conversation by typing messages back and forth. It’s also sometimes called “chatting” (though be aware that a “chat room” generally isn’t private). Unlike email or text messaging, with its potentially long delays between when you receive an email and when you answer it, IM takes place in “real time,” with all parties on the line—sort of like a type-written phone conversation.

To use IM, a user either downloads IM software onto a computer or uses a web-based service (no software installation necessary). Some popular IM programs are AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Google Talk. You add your friends’ user IDs to your IM program’s Buddy or Contact List, which notifies you when they are available to chat.

The downside is that you and your buddies must be using the same program in order to IM with each other, unless you’re using a “multiprotocol instant messenger” such as Meebo, which allows users to log in to multiple IM networks at one time. For example, with Meebo, an AIM user can chat with a friend on the MSN network.

Have you ever wondered where abbreviations like “LOL”, “IMHO”, and “ROTFLMAO” came from? Blame chat. Check out the AIM Acronym Dictionary for a taste of some of the common abbreviations used online and what they mean!

Instant Messaging in Libraries

Many libraries have adopted IM as a means of communicating with patrons, for general information or reference purposes. They may have a Meebo IM window placed prominently on the library website, or offer their AIM, MSN, etc., user IDs for patrons to add to their buddy lists. Nothing like having a librarian on call, right?

The Wilmette Library offers IM reference service to patrons through a cooperative called Ask Away, which is made up of libraries across Illinois and Wisconsin. Patrons log in to Ask Away looking for information about everything from voter registration to algebra to hypoallergenic dog breeds. Because Ask Away is a group effort, we are able to offer IM service to our patrons 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even though our library is “on call” just a couple of hours per week.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

1. Think of a question you’d like to ask a librarian. It’s better if it’s a question that could potentially be answered with online resources and is not specific to Wilmette Library services. (If you have a question like that, ask your coworkers!) e.g., “I need some information about prairie landscaping,” or “What would you suggest I read after finishing all of Agatha Christie?”

2. Log in to Ask Away. Go to the WPL Reference Services page and either (a) follow the Ask Away link under “Virtual Reference Assistance” and fill in your info and question or (b) type your question into the blue “Ask a Librarian” Meebo window and click “send” (but only if it says “chat available”).

3. Chat with the librarian about your question. The librarian may also “push” web pages to you that contain the information you’ve requested.

4. After you’re done, write a blog post about your experience with IM and Ask Away. How did it feel? Would you suggest this service to patrons, or use it again yourself? What aspects of library service is IM suited for, and what aspects are better left to other means of communication?

5. Just for fun, pick a couple of your favorite IM abbreviations and share them in your blog post, too!

Have fun, and remember, the Great 8 team is happy to help if you need us!

Intermission!

Because of last week’s connectivity problems (for those of you who have forgotten so easily, we had 48 hours with no Internet at the library!), we’re postponing Adventure 6 until next week. So catch up if you need to, take a deep breath, and relax.

In the meantime, here’s a laugh for everyone who sometimes feels as if computer technology is just a couple of steps beyond where we’re at. (I think that’s everyone, at sometime or another.) Check it out: “Introducing the Book…”