The End: Summary

Congratulations!! You’ve reached The End. Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for completing the program. There's just one more post to make to your blog.
For your last and final exercise for this program please reflect on your learning journey and post a few thoughts. Here are some questions to prompt you if you're drawing a blank ...

- What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
- How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
- Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
- If we were to do it again, what could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

And last but not least…
- If we offered another similar self-directed discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?

Look for information in your email about the Grand Prize Drawing for staff members who finish the program by the April 30th deadline.
Also look for information on this blog about closing your Playtime 2.0 accounts (coming soon).

Thanks for participating in Playtime 2.0. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a lot. And I hope you will continue to look for ways to allow and encourage online interaction with your friends, family, and co-workers, and our Library patrons.

~~~~~~~~

Although we have come to the end of Roselle Public Library's Playtime 2.0 activities, you don't have to stop!
The Librarians at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, who started this Library 2.0 learning phenomenon, continue the adventure in Learning 2.1: Explore... Discover... Play!

This blog has been set up to support on-going exploration and learning of new web technologies. It is a continuation of Learning 2.0. Questions or comments about this site should be directed to Matt Gullett, Emerging Technology Coordinator for the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC).

Playtime never ends on the Web!

Thing #10: Roselle's Virtual Library

According to Generations Online in 2009, a Pew Internet and Life report published in January 2009, "...over half of the adult Internet population is between 18 and 44 years old. But larger percentages of older generations are online now than in the past, and they are doing more activities online, according to the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project surveys taken from 2006-2008."

These Internet-savvy people expect to find everything they need or want on the Internet.

Define

Our website is the Library's online presence. Anyone with a Roselle Public Library card and an Internet connection can access our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's like having the library open all day and all night except you never have to leave your home. When patrons visit our website, they expect to find answers and interact.
When was the last time you visited our website?
Do you know what is available to patrons? to staff? Does it provide answers and interaction?

Discover

Let's do a little exploring!
Visit the Library's home page: http://www.roselle.lib.il.us
From the home page, there are several ways to navigate the entire website:
- the main navigational buttons on the left side link to each of the main areas of the website
- the graphic links on the right side link to several featured areas
- the A-Z Index in the middle of the page is an alphabetical directory to the website

Did you know that you can chack your Library email and access the Employee Intranet from the Library's home page?
Pull down the A-Z Index and scroll to the bottom of the list. Click the links to Staff email and Staff Intranet. Use your network login and password at the prompt.

In addition to all of the navigational links, headlines from the Library's What's New blog appear in the center column.

Most of the information on the Library's website is about the Library: departmental information, hours, location, contact information, collections, etc., but the website also hosts a significant amount of interactive functions for patrons.

The Library Catalog is, of course, an index to all of the Library's print and audio-visual holdings. Patrons can browse the catalog, place holds and, by visiting Your Account, see items they have checked out and on hold. They can also see if they owe any fines.
Of course, in order to borrow items, patrons have to ultimately visit the Library.

Let's look at the ways patrons can use our services without visiting the physical building.
- Calendar of Events: patrons can browse the Calendar and sign up online for programs and events. The Calendar (and the sign-up page) are consistently most popular pages on our website.
- Meeting Room Reservations: a new service, patrons can apply online to use the Library's meeting rooms.
- IM Reference: patrons can ask questions via Instant Messaging during all hours the library is open.
- Digital Archive: patrons can browse local history photographs from the Roselle History Museum's collection.
- Recommended Websites: patrons can browse and link to a extensive list of websites that have been reviewed by Library staff. Adult Services links are listed in subject categories; Youth Services links include Cool Sites for Kids, Kid-Friendly Search Engines and Sites for Parents.
- Downloadable resources:
- - patrons can download movies and videos directly to their person computer by accessing MyLibraryDV
- - Tumblebooks Library features animated storybooks, middle school readables, puzzles & games, and audiobooks - e-books for e-kids!
- Databases: patrons can access a variety of premium databases through the Library's website with their Library card and PIN. The Databases page is consistently one of the most popular pages on our website.

Do

Let's take a closer look at some of the premium Databases.
Most are available both inside the Library and outside. If you are in the Library, use the In-Library link or click on the logo to access the database; if you are at home, use the Remote Access link. Outside the Library, you will need to provide your Library card number and PIN, then re-select the database from the resulting list.

Scroll down the Databases page and click on the link to NewsBank. At the NewsBank site, click on America's Newspapers and search for "Roselle Public Library" (in quotes). What is the headline of the first article?

Back on the Databases page, use the Heritage Quest database to search for Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 Census in Illinois. Can you figure out from the results, which was the President? How did you know?

Log into at least one more database of your choice from the Databases page to explore further or take a look at the Local History Digital Archive.

Now, let's write your "Thing #10: Roselle's Virtual Library" blog post

Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right), log in and create a new post.
Use "Thing #10: Roselle's Virtual Library" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write:
- the answers to the NewsBank and Heritage Quest questions
- Which other ddatabase did you explore?
- Of all the databases the Library offers, which do you think would be the most popular with our patrons; least popular?
- Did you learn anything new about the Library's website?
- Is there something you think should be on our website that is not there?

You're all finished with Thing #10.
You've taken a close look a the Library's home page and explored a few of the premium databases available to patrons. Hopefully, you are more aware of the interactive features of our website and are able to navigate the website more easily.

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Ebsco provides training for all of its databases, including:
- Automotive Repair Reference Center
- EbscoHost (magazine articles)
- Literary Reference Center
- NoveList and NoveList K-8 (readers' advisory)
Training sessions are live online, intended for Library staff who will be assisting patrons.
To see what's available, go here (http://training.ebsco.com/training_request.asp), select the desired class from the "Which service?"drop-down list, and read about the session. Complete the form if you want to register for the class.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have finished all of the Playtime 2.0 Things! But wait...check back next week for one final summary post and information about closing your accounts.

Thing #9: Lifelong Learning

Playtime 2.0 isn’t just about Web 2.0 and how to apply it to the Library. It’s also about encouraging you to be brave about exploring new technologies and to recognize the importance of lifelong learning and how it can help you adapt more easily to change.

Exploration requires a spirit of curiosity, open-mindedness, and playfulness. Lifelong learning requires the same spirit, but also a commitment to being personally responsible for your own education. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know, just be brave enough to play and find out more.

Discover:

Take some time to read the articles and visit the sites listed below. They will help you think about your own attitude, why exploring is important, and how you can approach your own development as a person and a library professional.

- Yes, And (Creative Outlet Labs)
- Three Hard Things (Library Journal, 6/15/2007)
- 15 Steps to Lifelong Learning

Do:

Let's take a look at some of the free learning resources that are available to you.
Two of the best are WebJunction and OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries).

WebJunction offers an extensive course catalog
Most courses are free thanks to the generosity of the Illinois State Library.
Most of the courses are self-paced so that you can do them on your own schedule. You can see from the list that they cover an array of subjects from Application-specific classes to Interpersonal skills.
If you haven't registered for WebJunction, do that now so you can take advantage of the courses and the other resources available on WebJunction. Be sure to declare your affiliation with Illinois to take advantage of the free classes!
While you're still logged in, browse around some of these other resources. WebJuntion Illinois aspires to be the central repository for all library-related things in Illinois. Are they accomplishing that goal?
Follow this link to register for Webjunction: http://il.webjunction.org.
In the "My Account" box in the upper right corner, click on the [Create Account] link.

OPAL is another great resource.
OPAL is an international collaborative effort by libraries and other organizations to provide web-based programs and training for library users and library staff members.
These live events are held in online rooms where participants can interact via voice-over-IP, text chatting, synchronized browsing, and other functions.
Everyone is welcome to participate in OPAL programs. Usually there is no need to register. Nearly all OPAL programs are offered free of charge to participants.
Examples of OPAL public online programs include book discussion programs, interviews, special events, library training, memoir writing workshops, and virtual tours of special digital library collections.
Take a look at the variety of programming that is offered. Note that on this page, you can subscribe to receive email notices of upcoming programs.
The chronological list of all upcoming programs is here.

In addition to these resources, ongoing workshops, seminars and programs are offered by the Illinois State Library, DuPage Library System and each of the other Library Systems in the state. All of these offerings are aggregated on the L2 (Library Learning) Event Calendar.
The Library Learning (L2) calendar is a statewide calendar for events and continuing education taking place in Illinois. Keeping all statewide events in a single calendar makes registeing for programs as easy as clicking one link.
If you haven't already registered on L2, do that now and be sure to note your affiliation with DuPage Library System.
Follow this link to register on L2: http://www.librarylearning.info/.
Click on the "Register" link in the blue box at the top of the screen.

Now, let's write your "Thing #9: Lifelong Learning" blog post

Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right), log in and create a new post.
Use "Thing #9: Lifelong Learning" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- what course piqued your interest on WebJunction
- If several people are interested in the same courses, it might be possible to reserve a meeting room and take the course as a group. Would you be interested in doing that?

You're all finished with Thing #9.
You've learned a bit about lifelong learning and browsed the course catalog at WebJunction and the list of upcoming programs at OPAL. You've registered for an account on WebJuntion and browsed some of the other resources available to you as a member. You've also registered for an account on the L2 Event Calendar.
We hope that you've been inspired to continue your independent learning after your Playtime 2.0 experience.

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Watch this presentation by the people who originated the Library 2.0 learning experience, the training specialists at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners (http://www.plcmc.org/public/learning/player.html) from PLCMC. Note that you don't have to create a learning contract at the end of this presentation, but why not?
1. Make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer.
2. Open up the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial and view the online tutorial.
3. As you watch and listen, write down which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. Use your blog to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.

Have fun! It's never too late to become a lifelong learner.

We are approaching the end of this journey! Good for you for hanging in there thus far. Next week, in Thing #10, we'll "get local" and explore the Library's website and some of the Library's databases. C'mon back!

Thing #8: Online Apps

Define:

In the Daily Herald's Business section, Friday, January 9, the e-buzz columnist asked several local experts and executives to share their thoughts about what to expect in 2009. Fred Hogh, president of Illinois Technology Association and Mark Gambill, chief marketing officer for CDW Corp. both mentioned virtualization and cloud computing. Hogh said that "virtualization and cloud computing are the key technologies driving a massive transformation in the world of computing."

What is "cloud computing?" In the simplest terms, it is accessing and using applications on the Internet (Web-based applications) rather than on the hard drive of your computer.
The availability and use of online productivity web-based applications (think word processing and spreadsheets) has exploded over the past two years and for good reasons! These powerful applications provide users with the ability to create and share documents over the internet without the need of installed desktop applications. Some experts speculate that this emerging trend may mean the death to Microsoft Office and other software-based productivity tools, while others think web-based applications have their place, but not in the office. But no matter which side of the office suite platform you side with, on this both sides seem to agree; web-based apps have their place.

One large benefit to web-based applications it that they eliminate the need to worry about different software versions or file types as you email documents or move from PC to PC. Another bonus is that they easily accommodate collaboration by allowing multiple users to edit the same file and provide users the ability to easily save and convert documents as multiple file types (including HTML and pdf). And, you can even use many of these tools, such as Zoho Writer and Google Docs* (formerly known as Writely) to author and publish posts to your blog. It’s this type of integration with other web 2.0 tools that also makes web-based apps so appealing.

Oh look, here's yet another one of those easy-to-understand videos from commoncraft to teach about more benefits of Google Docs! Sit back and enjoy!

Discover:





Let's take a closer look at Google Docs.
Google Docs is a free online suite of tools similar to ones offered in Microsoft Office, including…

- a word processor (like Microsoft Word)
- a spreadsheet (like Microsoft Excel)
- presentation software (like Microsoft PowerPoint)

The advantage of using Google Docs (and cloud computing, in general):
1. Access documents from any Internet-connected computer
- the interface and features are similar to the Microsoft Office you know and love;
- no need to purchase expensive Microsoft Office software for your home computer;
- create documents at work, using MS Office then upload to Google Docs so you can work on them at home;
- no need to save documents to a disc or flash drive to transport between computers
2. Collaboration is easy
- colleagues and co-workers can work on the same document so there is no need to merge changes
- there is only one document, so you never need to figure out which is the most current
- if more than one person is editing a document at the same time, a chat box is available to discuss changes
- you will not be "locked out" of a shared file because someone else is using it
3. Self-Publish : click the "publish" button and a web address is created for your document so you can link to it or share the address
4. Backups
- you won't lose your work if your computer crashes, your work is not on your computer, it's on the Google servers
- your documents are automagically saved periodically so if your Internet connection fails, your document is not lost

And did I mention, you can take documents created in Microsoft Office and import them into Google Docs.
And then you can export a document back into Microsoft Office, or in PDF or plain text format.
Or you can create your document from scratch in Google Docs.
With all of that going for it, why wouldn't you use Google Docs?

Here's how some libraries & librarians are using Google Docs:

- Offer it at public-access Internet workstations for patrons to use:
Google Docs is offered as a Microsoft Office alternative at the Monterey (CA) Public Library. Here’s what they say on their web page: “Library computers do not have word processing or spreadsheet software, and you cannot access Library disk drives. However, you can read, create, edit, and email word processing documents using Google Docs & Spreadsheet, and download your documents later on another computer in Microsoft Word and other popular formats.”
- Publish a library operations manual easily:
Mt. Mercy College Library (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) published their Interlibrary Loan Manual for student workers.
- Playtime 2.0 Progress Spreadsheets:
We are keeping track of the progress of Playtime 2.0 participants on a google Docs spreadsheet. You can check it here.

Do

Use this URL http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgcj82hq_0g26mkhkp&invite=435272663 to access a shared document I created on Google Docs.
Sign in (click on the "Sign In" link in the top right corner) with:
- Username: rosellepl
- Password: rospld40
Edit the document and save your changes (be sure to add your name!). Does it feel like the Word documents you are used to?

Now, let's write your "Thing #8: Online Apps" blog post

Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #8: Online apps" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- how you think Google Docs compares to MS Office
- do you think you would use Google Docs as an alternative to MS Office
- can you think of any applications for using Google Docs, or other online applications, in your job at the Library?

You're all finished with Thing #8.
You've learned a little bit about cloud computing and Web-based applications. You've looked at how other libraries are using online applications and played with Google Docs a bit. Good for you!

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Time for some real playtime! Play the spreadsheet-based Flash game called Excit (the game’s name is a play on the words “Excel” and “exit”). The goal of the game is to exit the level you’re on. Each level is a number of walls arranged in different patterns with a clearly marked exit cell, as well as other objects that your cursor can interact with. Use your keyboard’s arrow keys to move the cursor up, down, left or right. Your cursor will continue in a direction until it hits an object that stops it, or continues off the screen; if it goes off the screen you start over at that level. Each time you complete a level you get a password—you can return to the game and be back at the same level.
Have fun!

We are coming down to the home stretch; just two more Things to go. Kudos to everyone who has stepped up and met the challenge of each of these Things. Next, we will learn how to continue on this path of Lifelong Learning in Thing #9...coming soon!

Thing #7: Wikis

Define:

A Wiki is a quick-to-build, easy-to-edit website on which all information can be edited, changed, or rewritten by the users or members of the site. It is an incredibly useful tool for collaborative writing, pooling knowledge or exchanging ideas, especially on a subject that changes or needs updating frequently.

Here's another one of those great videos from commoncraft to help us understand wikis "in plain English:"



The word "Wiki" comes from the Hawaiian phrase "wiki wiki", which is commonly used to indicate something fast. The first Wiki ever made was WikiWikiWeb, an attempt to make an easily updatable website about certain trends in software development. It was started in 1995 and has been added to and continually updated since then.

Some of the benefits that make wikis so attractive are:
- Anyone (registered or unregistered, if unrestricted) can add, edit or delete content.
- Tracking tools within wikis allow you to easily keep up on what been changed and by whom.
- Earlier versions of a page can be viewed and reinstated when needed.
- And users do not need to know HTML in order to apply styles to text or add and edit content. In most cases simple syntax structure is used.

As the use of wikis has grown over the last few years, libraries all over the country have begun to use them to collaborate and share knowledge. Among their applications are pathfinder or subject guide wikis, book review wikis, ALA conference wikis and even library best practices wikis.

Discover:

Wikipedia is probably the most well-know wiki. It is essentially a free encyclopedia on the web that anyone can edit. Take a look at the entry for Roselle, Illinois.

Let's also take a look at some library and library-related wikis:

SJCPL Subject Guides – a pathfinder wiki developed by the St. Joseph County Public Library system (South Bend, IN)

Library Success: A best practices wiki for libraries

2009 ALA Midwinter Meeting.Denver, CO – an example of a wiki created to support a specific event

Twelve Weeks to 2.0 - Schaumburg Library's Learning 2.0 project was done as a wiki rather than a blog as was Park Ridge Public Library's All Wired Up

Libraries and organizations are using wikis for Community and Information Guides, Conference Sites, Intranets, and many other things. See examples of these and other ways wikis are being used.

Now, let's write your "Thing #7: Wikis" blog post

Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #7: Wikis" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- what did you find interesting about the wikis you looked at and about the concept of wikis, in general
- did you find the Wikipedia entry for Roselle, Illinois
- What did you think of Schaumburg Library and Park Ridge Library's Learning 2.0 wikis? Does a wiki make more sense for a project like this? Why or why not?
- how could we use the wiki format at Roselle

You're all finished with Thing #7.
You've learned a little bit about Wikis and taken the time to look at a few. You've seen examples of some library-related wikis.

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
About that Wikipedia article about Roselle, Illinois. Is there anything you would want to edit add or delete? If you feel brave, go ahead and create a Wikipedia account and update the information. If you're not that brave, but you'd still like a little more hands-on experience with wikis, Register for an account,and play in the Wikipedia sandbox. Edits to the sandbox page are deleted every 12 hours (if not overwritten by other users before that).

Have you heard about cloud computing? It's all the rage in Web 2.0. Find out what it is and the advantages and disadvantages in Thing #8: Online Apps (Coming Soon)

Thing #6: Instant Messaging

Define:

Instant messaging (IM) allows users to chat with each other in real time. It is more immediate than e-mail and many programs also allow file, picture, and even video sharing. IM services are used by millions of people around the world, and are especially popular among teenagers and college students.

IM has been around for more than 10 years, but it’s only in the last five years or so that it’s gained massive popularity. We’ve all heard about how teens prefer IM to e-mail, but it’s not just the teens who are using IM. In a study published in September 2007, a whopping 84% of undergraduate students surveyed indicated that they IM on a daily basis. Going back to 2004, a Pew Internet study found that over 40% of adult internet users use IM to varying degrees. With statistics like that, you may have already used IM. If you haven’t, don’t fear! This Thing is designed to get you chatting in no time.

Web-based IM services do not require any special downloads, only a web browser and internet access. Popular IM services include AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Google Talk. The caveat with each of these major IM services is that you and your friends must all be using the same program. For example, if you use AIM and wish to chat with your friends, they must also be on AIM.
In the last few years, "multiprotocol instant messengers" such as Trillian and Meebo have made life easier for IM fans by allowing users to log in to multiple IM networks at one time. With these tools, an AIM user can chat with a friend on the MSN network.

Web-based IM services such as Meebo are websites that allow instant messaging from absolutely anywhere. Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling foreign lands, hop over to Meebo.com on any computer to access all of your buddies (on AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ and Jabber) and chat with them via the Internet, no downloads or installs required, for free! Trillian also allows you to talk to buddies on different IM services, but you need to download the program to your computer.

Discover:

Libraries all over the country, including Roselle, have been using IM to provide a way for patrons to get in touch and ask questions. This Library Journal article describes IM reference service in public libraries.

Take a look at this list of Illinois libraries providing IM reference service. Select a few local libraries and explore how each presents IM reference to its patrons.

IM can have a language of its own. Do you recognize "lol, btw, bff? Acronyms keep typing to a minimum but can be hard to decipher if you've never seen them before. This Acronym Dictionary from AOL will help you sort things out.

Do:

Use your Playtime 2.0 email account to set up an IM account.
If your email account is Hotmail, use MSN Messenger (Click on Start MSN Messenger)
If your email account is Gmail, use Google Talk (Click on Launch Google Talk Gadget - not Download...)
If your email is Yahoo, use Yahoo! Messenger (Click on Sign In)

As with any "real life" IM experience, you'll have to find out which of your friends you can connect with by asking their screenname and which service they use.
Can you find someone who is using the same service as you? You'll need a partner for this one.
For the sake of this activity, it will be helpful if you and your partner are logged in to your IM service at the same time.

Ask your partner for her/his screenname. Add her/him to your Contacts list by entering their screenname into the "Search, add, or invite" box. You should see your new contact in the list if you are both logged in at the same time.

If you can't find a partner, add the Reference Desk to your contacts. See the Reference Desk's screennames here. The Reference Desk uses Trillian for chat. Trillian works with AIM, Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger, but not with Google Talk.

Start a chat session with your partner. Open a chat window by clicking on your partner's name from the Contacts list. You'll see an open whitespace with a field for typing at the bottom. Start typing and see what happens!

So where does Meebo fit in? Meebo works with AIM, Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger, and Google Talk. It even works if you do not have an IM service!
The Playtime 2.0 chat window in the right sidebar is powered by Meebo. If you haven't tried it yet, say hello!

Now, let's write your "Thing #6: IM" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #6: IM" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- your experience using an IM service
- any other IM programs you've used.
- How do you feel about IM as a mode of communication?
- Do you think IM Reference is a valuable service?

You're all finished with Thing #6.
You've learned a little bit about Instant Messaging and created an IM account. You browsed the list of Illinois libraries offering IM Reference and perhaps chatted with one or two. As a bonus, you may have learned a few IM acronyms you didn't know before.

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
If you're already using an IM program other than the one you set up for this Thing, why not set up a Meebo account so that you can monitor all of your Buddy Lists?

1. Go to Meebo to sign up for an account. You'll want to configure your accounts so that Meebo signs in to all of them at once. HINT: When logged in, look for the "Accounts" link on the left.
Now, anytime you want to chat with someone, you can go to http://www.meebo.com, login and chat.
2. Share your experience using Meebo by blogging about it. Is Meebo something that you might find useful?

How much do you know about wikis? You're about to learn all about them in Thing #7!

Thing #5: Podcasting & Video sharing

Define:

A podcast is an online audio broadcast distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers. The term is a combination of the words "Pod" and "broadcast", the Apple iPod being the brand of portable media player for which the first podcasts were developed for its iTunes website. Though podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their content, a podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added, using an aggregator or feed reader capable of reading feed formats such as RSS.

Oh great! Another of those helpful videos from commoncraft. This is Podcasting in Plain English, of course. Sit back, relax, enjoy!



Discover:

There are many, many podcast directories and finding tools out there. Here are just three of the more popular ones that, unlike iTunes, don't require a software download:

- Mediafly.com
- Podcastalley.com
- Podcast.com

Many of the above listed sites have also recently added vodcasts, which are the video version of podcasts. One of the biggest advantages to podcasts and vodcasts are that they can be listened to or watched anytime and anywhere you choose. You can also find thousands of vodcasts here!

While we are looking at "media," let's take a look at YouTube, as well.
If you haven’t heard about YouTube by now, what rock you’ve been living under? As the source of all things video on the Internet, and we do mean all things. YouTube is the place to go to watch [mostly] short videos (1-10 minutes) on whatever interests you. You may have noticed that the "Plain English" videos from commoncraft are from YouTube.
The good, the bad, and the ugly are all there for all to see — which is one reason many school districts and libraries block YouTube. Another reason is bandwidth. Like music, video is a bandwidth hog. We recommend you complete this activity during light Internet usage times.

Do:

Visit one or two of the podcast directories listed above and see if you can find a podcast that interests you. Are there any interesting library-related podcasts listed? Can you find a book review podcast or library news?

Add the RSS feed for a podcast to your Bloglines account.

As you did with Podcasts, Take some time exploring YouTube. Find a video worth adding as an entry in your blog. The video you pick does not have to be about Web 2.0, it can be about anything that interests you. You might want to take a look at these really funny library-related videos on YouTube.
Promoting Librarians:
- Super Librarian from New Jersey Libraries and The Adventures of Super Librarian from the McCracken County Public Library
Promoting Summer Reading:
- Denver Public Library's Summer of Reading
- Get in the Game READ! from Glen Ellyn Public Library
Promoting ...??
- The Haunted Library (Happy Halloween from the Glenside Public Library
Promoting Technical Services! (yay!)
- The TS
And the classic...
- Dumb Blonde in the Library
For other great library videos on youtube, search for "iACPL," "Allen County Public Library," "McCracken Public Library," or the name of your favorite public library or library system.
(Update 3/2/09: Check out Roselle Public Library's Channel on YouTube for RPL Book Talker's Book of the Week videos, produced as a direct result of this Thing!)

Now, let's write your "Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing" as the title of your blog post.
In the post:
- Add a link to a podcast, vodcast, or YouTube video and write a quick note about why you found it interesting.
- What did you learn about podcasting and/or video sharing that surprised you?
- How can we use podcasting and/or video sharing as tools in the Library.
Don't be afraid to be completely honest in your opinions.

You're all finished with Thing #5.
You've learned what a podcast is and how it is different from a vodcast. Perhaps you listened to or watched a few interesting ones.
You also learned about YouTube, and perhaps you discovered why it is such an incredibly popular site.
Way to go! Are you having fun yet?

Optional BONUS FUN!!
In addition to user-created audio and video sharing sites (Web 2.0), don't forget the profesionally created video sites on the Internet.
Did you miss this week's episode of your favorite show? Forget to set up the VCR or the DVR? If you don't want to wait for the summer reruns, visit Hulu or Sling to see if you can catch it there.
Hulu and Sling provide free access to a variety of movies and TV shows...for free! Check them out.
Browse to either and see what you've been missing.

More Optional BONUS FUN!!
Make your own podcast! Creating and sharing a podcast is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Create an account on either gCast or GabCast.
2. Call a toll-free number and record your podcast (note: beginning 4/1/09, gCast charges a subscription fee to phone in a podcast; uploading to their site is still free; GabCast remains free to phone-in).
3. Copy the code that the sites make available to you to share on your blog.

Next up...we're going to learn about all chat in Thing #6: Instant Messaging.

Thing #4: Flickr and Photo Sharing

Define:

Photo sharing websites have been around since the 90s, but it took a small startup site called Flickr to catapult the idea of “sharing” into a full blown online community (there's that social component again!). Flickr has become the fastest growing photo sharing site on the web and is known as one of the first websites to use keyword “tags” to create associations and connections between photos and users of the site.

For this Thing, you will be taking a good look at Flickr and discovering what the site has to offer. Learn how tags work, what groups are, and all the neat things that people and other libraries are doing with Flickr.

Discover:

Let's explore Flickr:
- Take the Flickr Tour. See all of the amazing features Flickr has to offer in 8 steps.
- Look at interesting photos posted in the last 7 days. A random selection of some of the interesting things discovered on Flickr within the last 7 days. If you click the RELOAD! button you'll get another set of random sprinkles.
· And let’s not forget to look at Roselle Public Library and other Illinois libraries on Flickr.

Do:

Things #1-3 have been a little intense so for Thing #4, you have a choice. You can do either of these activities (or both!).

1. Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. When you write your blog post, be sure to include a link to the image.

-- OR --

2. If you're up to an easy challenge ... use your Playtime email account to create a Free account in Flickr. Use your digital camera (or borrow the Library's camera from the Youth Services office) to capture a few pictures of something in or around the Library. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “RoselleLibrary” and mark it public. When you create your blog post, tell us about the photo and your experience with Flickr. Be sure to include the image in your post.
Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for adding the photo to your blog: through Flickr's blogging tool or using Blogger's photo upload feature.

Now, let's write your "Thing #4: Flickr" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #4: Flickr" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- the activity that you chose. Don't forget to add a link to the photo you're blogging about, or add the photo itself to your blog.
- how you can use a photo sharing site for your personal photos.
- how are libraries using Flickr? Roselle Library has a very minimal presence on Flickr. Should we be exploiting this site, or not? What do you think?

You're all finished with Thing #4!
Wasn't that fun?
In Thing #4 you learned all about photo sharing using Flickr.
You learned about tags, and groups, and how libraries are using photo sharing on the Internet.

Optional BONUS FUN WITH FLICKR
Like many web 2.0 sites, Flickr has encouraged other people to build their own online applications using images found on the site. Through the use of APIs (application programming interfaces), many people have created third party tools and mashups that use Flickr images.
Try this one - the Trading Card Maker. There are a ton of librarians out there that have created their own Librarian Trading Card. See them in the Librarian Trading Card group on Flickr. Follow the easy directions to make your own.
Upload your card to your Flickr account, if you created one, or to your Facebook account, or post it on your blog! So many ways to play!
:)

More optional information:
There are lots of other photo sharing sites on the Internet. Check out a list of others at Wikipedia's list of photo sharing sites.

PS: A quick word about photo posting etiquette - When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) is it advisable to get the person's permission before posting their photo in a publicly accessible place like Flickr. Never upload pictures that weren't taken by you (unless you have the photographer's consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.

Did you enjoy Thing #4? Next week we'll take a look at Podcasting and Video Sharing in Thing #5!

Thing #3: Social Networking

Define:

Social Networking sites offer one of the most popular activities on the Internet. They are online communities and meeting places where you can interact with friends, relatives and other contacts with common interests. A study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project released in 2007, found that 55% of all teenagers use social networking sites. Social networks are one of the main ways that young adults communicate with each other and they are becoming popular with adults, too.

Oh, look! We have another video "in plain English" from commoncraft!
It's a great overview of Social Networking. Take a few minutes to watch it. It will help you understand the value of social networks.



Discover:

The following are some of the most well-known social networking websites.

MySpace: One of the most familiar and popular of these sites. Millions of teens and twentysomethings start out here, and users can customize the look and content of their own page. Bands, authors and libraries use it as a marketing tool as well.
Facebook: Originally designed for college students, it has a slightly older audience, and features a cleaner look. You cannot see any profiles on Facebook unless you have an account.
LinkedIn: This is geared toward the work environment for posting resumes, building career contacts, or getting professional advice. You can also connect with college alums here.
Eons: Social networking and activity sharing geared toward ages 50+.

There is an extensive list of social networking sites here, including sites based on interests such as music, movies, sports, and gaming.

Do:

Let's get social with Facebook!
(If you already have a Facebook page, join a different social network or help your colleagues set up their Facebook accounts)
1. Visit Facebook and "Sign Up" using your Playtime 2.0 email account. Don't forget to write down your password.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a fictional name and other information when you set up your account or, after you set up your account, you can activate several different privacy settings. Do this in the Settings link at the top-right of your page, next to your name.
Optionally, after your account is set up:
2. Upload a photo to your profile (it doesn't have to be your picture, it could be an animal, a design or a logo) and fill in some of the "about me" features; join the Roselle Public Library District network. Give your profile a little personality and be as creative as you’d like.
3. Explore a little more. Search for someone you know: a friend, a co-worker, a former classmate, a famous author, a celebrity or a politician. Add them to your friends list.

After you have joined Facebook, take a look at some of our personal Facebook pages:
Lynn Dennis | Lisa Poignant | Daryl Rogers | Pam Delaney | Beth Dover. (each of these links was used with permission)

The Library also has a couple of Facebook fanpages:
The Library Page | The Teen Scene Page

Now, let's write your "Thing #3: Social Networks" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #3: Social Networks" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- What features do you like or dislike about Facebook (or the site you joined)?
- What do you think makes social networks so popular?
- Did you learn or do anything that surprised you?
- Did you identify ways that we might be able to implement features or components of social networking in the Library?
Responses may be factual or emotional in nature – but be as complete as possible.

You're all finished with Thing #3!
You should be so proud of yourself!
You've learned about social networks.
You joined a network, and you took some time to form an opinion about the value of social networking.
Good for you!

Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Did you know that the Library has it's own social network? Members of the Roselle Public Library Network include staff, patrons and supporters of the Library and some people that just wanted to look around and see what we are doing?
You can look around, too. Browse the Main Page of the network, then join us!

More optional additional information:
Social networks have gotten a lot of bad press when it comes to safety issues especially related to children and teens. If you are concerned about this issue, you should read the discussion, MySpace and Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)
Online safety has become a priority for schools and libraries. The Illinois Library Association has devoted a section of their website to Internet safety resources including an excellent "Tool Kit" for libarians for working with teens & social networking in libraries.

Next week in Thing #4, we'll learn about sharing photos on the Internet using Flickr and other sites.

Thing #2: RSS

In Thing #1 you started your own blog. Now that you know something about blogs, perhaps you have discovered some that you would like to keep reading. RSS feeds can help you do that.

Define:

What exactly is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is difficult to explain what RSS is, but, in the simplest terms, if you find you like a particular web site or blog, you can subscribe to it and have updates sent to you automatically. Instead of having to go check the site to see if there is something new on it, updates come to you when there is a change or something new on the site.

Enjoy this video which does a good job of explaining RSS in Plain English (note: Google Reader is used in the video. If you set up a gmail account for your Playtime 2.0 activities, you may want to use Google Reader, too. If not, we will be using Bloglines. Either way you’ll get the gist):

What is a feed reader?

As you learned in the video, before you can subscribe to feeds, you need to set up a feed reader. The feed reader is a website that will collect all of your feeds in one place. There are many to choose from, but the most popular feed readers are Bloglines, Google Reader, and MyYahoo.

Do:

If you have a gmail account, you might want to use Google Reader as your feed reader.
Log into your gmail account then click on "Reader" in the menu of choices at the top of the page. Follow the instructions on the Reader page.

For those of you who used another service for your email, we will set up an account with Bloglines.
At the Bloglines site, use the email account you created for Playtime 2.0 to "Register For Your Free Account."

After you register, Bloglines will send a link to your email account. When you validate your email address, Bloglines displays Bloglines Quick Picks and Popular Subscriptions for you to select from. Pick one or two from this list and click the Subscribe button to get started.
Your Bloglines page will display, with your subscriptions listed on the left side with other helpful links. Subscriptions with new, unread-by-you information will be in bold. When you click on a subscription, the latest information from that site is displayed on the right.

Don't forget to write down your Bloglines login and password information and bookmark your account so you can go back to it easily.

How to know when a page has a feed available.

When you are surfing the Internet, look for this symbol or something like this on websites. The symbol means that there are feeds available.

Find a few more feeds to put on your account. You can do this several ways.
The easiest way is through Bloglines:
Click on the Feeds tab above your subscriptions and then click "Add." Enter a website address (URL) in the search box and click the Subscribe button. Bloglines will find feeds on that site. To subscribe, scroll to the bottom of the page (ignore/accept the Bloglines defaults) and click on the Subscribe button.

If you are visiting a website that you would like to subscribe to, copy and paste the address of the website into the "Add" box on your Bloglines account

- Subscribe to your own blog and watch your posts appear in your Bloglines account
- Add other Playtime 2.0 Participant's blogs - this will help you keep up-to-date on what they have to say about the Things, their discoveries, and comments.
- Add some of the blogs or feeds available on the Library's website. they are listed on the RSS page
- Add feeds from the library blogs that you looked at in Thing #1.

Now, let's write your "Thing #2: RSS" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #2: RSS" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- What do you like or dislike about RSS and newsreaders?
- How do you think you might be able to use this technology in the Library or in your personal life?
- Did you find any great blogs we should all add to our feed readers?

You're all finished with Thing #2
You learned what RSS is and why you might want to use it.
You learned about feed readers (or news readers or aggregators) and created an account at Bloglines
You learned how to know when an RSS feed is available on a website or blog.

We hoped you enjoyed learning about RSS!
Leave us a comment, if you like.

Next, get ready for some more fun as we explore Social Networking in Thing #3.

Thing #1: Blogs

All right! Are you ready to get down to some serious play? Let's learn about blogs!
(Tip: Before you get started, it would be a good idea to print out each Thing to refer to as you work on it)
Define:

Do you know what a blog is?

Grab yourself a fresh cup of coffee/tea or a Coke, and enjoy this 3-minute video about blogs:



Discover:

Now that you know what they are, let's take a moment to explore some library blogs.
** Warning: Blogs can be addictive...and time consuming! Read a few of these examples, then come back at another time if you want to read more. **
- Feel-good Librarian - “the true stories of one small middle-aged Reference librarian, sheltered safely somewhere in a Midwestern public library”
- Library Garden - a group blog from several NJ librarians
- MADreads - Madison Public Library’s book review blog
- The Shifted Librarian - Jenny Levine and cool technologies for libraries
- Tame the Web - Michael Stephens’ blog about libraries and technology
- Stephen's Lighthouse - "Stuff of interest to me that may be of interest to library folk."
If you enjoy the truly irreverent, take a peek at:
- A Librarian's Guide to Ettiquette - "A polite librarian is a good librarian."
And don't forget our own blogs! See these on our website:
What's New @ Roselle Publc Library - just what the name implies
The Blogger Book Club - news and reviews of books from the Youth Services collection

How can libraries use blogs to connect with their patrons?
As you learned in the video, blogs are all about spreading the news. Libraries use blogs to:
- promote library events
- list new arrivals of books, movies, music, etc.
- review books
- provide community news
- reach a new audience of web-savvy patrons
Think about other ways that libraries can use blogs.

Do:

And now, let's create your blog!
You will be using your blog as an online journal for your Playtime 2.0 experience. After completing each Thing, you'll write a post related to that Thing. A TEAM member will keep track of your progress by reading your posts and also be available for help and hand-holding if you need it.

To help your TEAM member track your progress, use the Thing # as the title of your Playtime 2.0-related posts (e.g. Thing #1: Blogs)
Feel free to use your blog for non program-related posts as well.
Although you may decide to delete your Playtime 2.0 blog after the program is over, you might find that you like blogging so much, you’ll keep it up - which would be awesome!

You will set up your Playtime 2.0 blog at Blogger. There are other blogging services that you might want to look at on the Web, like WordPress, but for this program, we will use Blogger.

Go to Blogger and click on the orange “Create a Blog" button.
Step 1: Use the email account you created in Getting Started to create an account at Blogger; use a password that you will remember (Write it down!).
Step 2: Name your blog and give it a URL (a web address). For the name, think of something that is unique to you, the program, or the library (You can change the name at any time).
Step 3: Choose a template (You can always change this later, too).
Congratulations! You have a blog.

Now you are ready to write your first blog post.
Use "Thing #1: Blogs" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- your experience with Blogger
- a few of the library blogs you sampled
- your ideas for making better use of blogging at Roselle Library.
- your opinion about blogs: a good thing? a bad thing?
When you're finished writing, click “Publish.”
Click “View Blog” to take a look at your blog.

To complete this Thing, let us know about your blog.
Send an email to TEAM 2.0 at rpldplaytime20@gmail.com to register your blog.
In the email include:
1. your (real) name
2. your screen name, if different than your real name
3. the name of your blog
4. the address of your blog (this is the "http://..." that is in the address bar of your browser when your blog is open on the screen)
Your TEAM member will acknowlege your blog either by email or by commenting on your post.
We will also place a link to your blog in the Participants' Blogs list in the right sidebar of Playtime 2.0 so you, and everyone else, can access it easily.

You're all finished with Thing #1
You explored a little about what blogs are and you looked at a few examples
You discovered how blogs are being used by libraries to connect with patrons.
You played with Blogger, ceated your own blog and registered it with the Playtime TEAM.
We hoped you learned a lot about blogs!

Optional BONUS activities:
With each Playtime 2.0 Thing, we will add a few optional bonus activities.
There are blogs on any subject you can imagine! Look for blogs on a topic that you're interested in at Technorati or Google Blog Search.
Add a few blogs to your blog's link list. Click here for instructions on how to add a link list and other page elements to your Blogger blog.

If you'd like to learn more about blogs and libraries:
- read Darlene Fichter's article at Information Today: Why and How to Use Blogs to Promote Your Library's Services.
- read the article on WebJunction: Blogs for Libraries

What a great start! Wasn't that fun? Next week we will move on to Thing #2. It's all about RSS!
Leave us a comment about Thing #1 if you like.

Getting Started

Welcome to Week 1 of Playtime 2.0 @ RPLD. Have you read the FAQ and the Tips & Tricks? Link to them from the Index to the right and read them before you begin.

Here is just a quick review of the program you are about to begin:
Each Monday morning for the next 10 weeks, a new Thing will be published on this blog. To finish the program (and be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing), staff members must complete each of the 10 Things by the end of April - a little over 15 weeks. Things will remain available on this program blog beyond the time that the program officially ends in April.

Let's recap WIIFM (What's in it for me)?? There will be incentives and recognition along the way and a drawing for several prizes at the end of the program.
Aside from a chance for material gain, this program will:

• expose you to emerging technologies that you are hearing about and which many of our patrons are already using
• encourage learning through play (with the focus on ”participation”, not necessarily on doing something ”right”)
• empower and encourage you to take responsibility for your own lifelong learning
  
• expand your knowledge and confidence
• eliminate fear of the unknown
• discover how these technologies and tools can promote the Library’s mission

Before you get started, please take a minute to let us know how much you already know about Web 2.0. This will help us see how well the program works. Tell us what you know about 2.0! When you are finished with the survey, use your browser's Back button to return to this page.

~~~~~

Welcome back! Now you are ready to get started. As mentioned in the Tips & Tricks post, it would be a good idea to print this page (and each of the upcoming posts) as a reference before you start.
This week we will just do a few preliminary steps to get started with the program:

Step 1 – Set up a new email account.
Set up a free webmail account. Each participant in Playtime 2.0 will need to use a free email account from a commercial service provider such as Yahoo Mail, MSN Hotmail or Google Gmail. You will use this account to register for the various web services required in this program. We recommend that you set up a new account specifically for this program, although you can use an existing account if you prefer. You will be creating several accounts on different websites during the program and will NOT want to use your library email account for the program.
Why is this important? Your free email account allows you to complete your explorations without introducing spam or viruses to the library network or to your personal email account.
HINT: When you create accounts with web services, be sure to write down the URL (web address), your login and password and the email you used to set up your account so that you can return and use the service at a later date, retrieve login information, and eventually, delete the account. You may want to keep a written list of passwords for the services you will use during the program.

Step 2 – Understand why you need a blog.
Next week, in Thing #1, you will be required to create a blog, but read this now to understand why you need a blog. Your blog will be the way you record your successful completion of the Things. There are several free blog sites out there, but we recommend using Blogger. (Playtime 2.0 is a Blogger blog). How you identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under your real name, or create a screen name. However, in order to receive recognition for completing the program you will need to register your blog name/URL and your real name with the Library 2.0 Team. You will submit this information in Thing #1.
IMPORTANT HINT: When you set up your blog account, write down your login and password and keep the information in a safe place. Also write down your blog address. Your blog address is the URL you will use to access your blog. For example, if you created your blog in Blogger then your blog address is http://whaticalledmyself.blogspot.com/.

Step 3 – Think PLAY!
Have you ever wondered why teenagers are so good at all this technology stuff? It’s because they spend so much time playing with it. Think about all the things you learned as a child through play; for the young - playing is learning. Unfortunately, as working adults we don’t have quite as much time to explore or experiment - or play - with things. That’s why this program encourages you to set aside a little time each day, or each week, to play with Web 2.0 tools.

Do you have any questions, so far? If so, contact us or leave a comment to this post.

Well, that's it for "Getting Started." Come back next Monday morning to learn more about Blogs in Thing #1.

The 10 Things

Playtime 2.0, the self-directed learning program for Roselle Public Library staff, includes 10 Things (or activities) that focus on Web 2.0 technologies.
Things will be posted to the Playtime 2.0 blog according to the following schedule:

- Getting Started - Jan. 12
- Thing #1: Blogs - Jan. 19
- Thing #2: RSS - Jan. 26
- Thing #3: Social Networking - Feb. 2
- Thing #4: Flickr & Photo Sharing - Feb. 9
- Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing - Feb. 16
Catch-up week - Feb. 23-Mar. 1
- Thing #6: Instant Messaging - Mar. 2
- Thing #7: Wikis - Mar. 9
- Thing #8: Online Apps - Mar. 16
- Thing #9: Lifelong Learning - Mar. 23
- Thing #10: Roselle's Virtual Library - Mar. 30
- Summary - Apr. 6

The program will officially end on April 30, so staff members will have the month of April to catch up and complete all of the Things.
If you have questions about the Things, please leave a comment.