FC 23 Things

FC 23 Things is here! We're excited to start our own Web 2.0 program at the Fullerton College Library. This program allows our library staff the opportunity to get to know some of the most popular web applications and think about how these might be useful in the library environment.
The Web 2.0 program was originally created by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County (PLCMC). We encourage you to view the archived Powerpoint of Helene's Infopeople webcast, Web 2.0: What Library Managers Need to Know (even if you're not a manager)to get a flavor of the excitement generated by the 23 Things. Thanks to Infopeople and PLCMC from whom we have copied many of these lessons. Without them we would have no program.

1. Read these FAQs to find out about the program:
The FAQs:
1. Who is this program for? Any Fullerton College Library staff member.
2. What is its purpose? This is to give everyone a chance to "play" with this new technology and to learn how it might be put to use in our library.
3.How much "play time" do I have? About an hour a week or less is all it should take! And, yes, you may use library time, but you should clear with your supervisor the times that would be best for your schedule. You may also want to arrange to use a computer that is not in a public area to allow yourself some uninterrupted time.
4. Do I have to do this? No, it is strictly voluntary, but come on, don't you want an excuse to have some fun and learn new things at the same time??
5. How long do I have to complete the 23 things? From January 11th through April 11th.
6. How does this online learning program work?
The 23 things, or tasks, for you to accomplish are divided into 13 sections. Work through each section at your own pace. Comment on the different things you've discovered after each section and post an entry on your own blog to mark your progress. Try to make each blog entry 1-3 paragraphs long. Let's make the 23-thing experience as social and thought provoking as possible. Comment on one another's blogs... ask & answer questions... share ideas... encourage one another along the way...
You will be working through the 23 things anonymously, but part of the "game" will be to guess who each player is. So, think about creative ways to hint at your identity with creative user names (i.e., email address and blog name) and use your keen observation skills as you interact with one another.
7. What if I've already done some of these things? That's great -- you're on your way, just include a post on your blog about the ones you’ve done!
8. How will you know what I've done? Like we said, you'll post information and links on your blog. When you’ve completed the 23 things, email us at mailto:fc23things@gmail.com. We will check your blog, and, assuming you’ve reported on all of the 23 things, your name will be entered in the grand prize drawing for a $100 gift card to Target.
9. Why should I do it? Because it’s a fun way to learn something new that will expand your personal and professional horizons. You’ll end up with a blog, a Flickr account, a de.licio.us account, and a YouTube account at a minimum. We haven’t found anyone yet who doesn’t love Flickr! If you complete all 23 things, you will receive recognition and you will be eligible for a drawing for the $100 gift card. How great is that?
10. What if I get stuck and need help? This probably won't happen, but if it does, contact Mike, Erica or Jill.
11. Can we work on it together?Yes, yes, yes! In fact, we really encourage you to help one another, each person must complete each task. It will be more fun to share all you learn, and you can spur one another on to learn and do more new things!

Getting Started

2. Respond to your Gmail invitation to set up an account. Remember this challenge is anonymous, so don't reveal your name.

3. Set up a your own blog on Blogger.com, add your first post, and register your blog by using your new gmail account to send an email to fc23things@gmail.com with your blog's URL to begin your Web 2.0 journey. We will then add your blog to our blogroll that you see on the sidebar of this blog so everyone can see what progress you are making. Again, set up your blog without using your name.

Web 2.0 & Library 2.0

4. Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0 and see how libraries are using Web 2.0 effectively.

5. Now read about Library 2.0.

Blog your thoughts about these two concepts. How can you see libraries using web 2.0 or library 2.0? Comments welcome!

Social Bookmarking

6. Learn about social bookmarking. Then create a Del.icio.us account and tag some Web 2.0 sites.
7. Read "13 Tips for Effective Tagging."
8. Practice using different search engines, such as the ones below.
AfterVote: Search Socially (metasearch engine that takes results from Google, Yahoo, MSN and then weighs them by votes from members)
Clusty (clusters results)
KVisu beta (analyze results with "surfacic map")
KartOO (visual search of web, images, videos, & Wikipedia)
Prefound: Power from the People
Quintura: See and Find beta (tagcloud of results, search web, images, video, and Amazon)

Add a comment for this entry about your experience with del.icio.us and the various search engines you used (or introduce us to some new ones or sites we may want to bookmark).

When you are finished, mark your progress by blogging your thoughts on social bookmarking.

Blogs

9. Learn about RSS feeds and set up your own Bloglines newsreader account.
10. Locate a few useful library related blogs and/or news feeds and add them to your Bloglines account.
11. Explore Technorati and learn how search for blog posts using tags.

Add a comment to this entry sharing an useful blog or blog entry that you found.
When you are finished, mark your progress by blogging your thoughts about blogs.

Book Sharing Websites

12. Take a tour of LibraryThing and then set up an account and catalog some of your favorite books.
13. Explore Goodreads, Shelfari or Reader². How do these sites compare to LibraryThing?

Blog your thoughts and feel free to add you comments to this post.

Images

14. Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image-hosting site. Set up an account and join some groups!

15. Look at some fun ways you can manipulate images with Flickr mashups & online image generators.

16. Remember what you read about tagging (Step#6)? You've now practiced creating and using tags with Del.icio.us, Technorati, LibraryThing, and Flickr. Put your knowledge to test and try the Google Image Labeler. Comments are welcome!

When you are finished, mark your progress by blogging your thoughts on Flickr and Google Images.