Atlas of the Human Body

On the American Medical Association's Atlas of the Human Body Site visitors can site can look through simple diagrams of the circulatory system, the brain, the torso, the female reproductive system, and others. A very useful resource for the general public, medical professionals, and others working in related fields.

National Snow and Ice Data Center

A fascinating site with information on the cryosphere - the world of snow and ice. It provides an overview of the frozen regions of Earth with facts on snow, avalanches, blizzards, glaciers, sea ice and Artic climatology. A great source for information on climate change, it also has a primer on meterology as well as videos and great photographs. http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/

New Toy

Nintendo 3DS - Due out in March this new device offers a 3D gaming experience. Early reports sound really interesting - definitely something to check out. See Nintendo 3DS: Play Experience - and Nintendo 3DS: What to Expect for more info.

Thing 5: More Flicker Fun

Having read about mashups and seen a few examples, the world of mashups was not new, but the huge variety of applications available was amazing to me. I took a look at Flickr Color Pickr, selected a color and the category doors and windows.

And example of one of the images is shown at the right.

There are so many ways to make use of tools like this these everything from promotional materials to pathfinders or subject guides and everything in between.

Thing 4: Flickr

I had a great time exploring Flickr. I was amazed to see how many ways there are to get your photoa online - you can even snap photos on your phone and email them to Flickr. Sets/Collections is another great feature, and there aways you use this feature on large batches, and do thins like tagging, changing permissions and setting editing limitations. All-important privacy settings are also available.

The mapping feature was very interesting, but what I am most excited about are the photo book capabilities. Knowing that this is available has gotten me to get out my digital camera and really start taking some pictures.

Another wonder find was the section on the "most interesting photos". These images are awesome.

All in all Flicker is great place for photo ideas, especially for a photography newbie like me - helping me to come up with ideas for my own projects.

To try the tagging feature I explored beach photos, and the search resulted in tons of gorgeous images. The picture at the top of this post is an example.

Thing Three: RSS

I have had a Bloglines RSS account for a couples of years and my feeds have mushroomed over that time period. Working as a solo librarian in a small government library, I find RSS particularly useful for access to various library-related blogs. Having these blogs aggregated together helps me to keep up with things going on in libraries.

My job also involves web responsiblities so I also use RSS to keep up with web development trends and tools and tech trends in general.

Participating in this 23 Things experience afforded me an opportunity to re-evaluate my feed selections and make sure everything was still relevant. I can see that doing this on a regular basis can help to guard against "RSS overload" which can happen very easily. For example, I did remove most of the news feeds I had been subscribing to since I often go directly to news or newspaper sites.

And finally, I have some definite favorites. Here's a partial list Hangingtogether.org: the hangspot for libraries, Library Stuff, A List Apart, and Library Clips.

And, of course, I have taken this opportunity to add a few more blogs. Thanks to 23 things I have learned more and even enhanced a tool I was already using.

Thing Two: What is Library 2.0

After viewing and reading the material I think am finally really "getting" what Library 2.0 is - essentially an approach and a perspective on libraries and library services that holds a myriad number of possibilities for library staff and patrons alike. Always having been a proponent of lifelong learning and the notion of continuous learning, I can see now how Library 2.0 fits into these overall goals with benefits for all.

With the committment to learning the problem of finding the time to fit in new skills and technologies becomes easier, it is simply the way to be. The readings in this part of the 23 things journey have really helped with tips and techniques, and also provided time to reflect on what I am reading, what I am currently doing, and what other things I want to incorporate into my professional skills and integrate into services provided in my own library setting.

All this is interesting and exciting and I feel less concerned about the challenges, and more focused on all the possibilites.