Things 8 & 9 cdp23

Google calendar was easy to use. I as able to set up a Shared Time Off Calendar for our department. It will be easy to keep the whole group up to date on who will be out of the office and when. It will eliminate the need for multiple emails and constant revision of the desk pad calendars we now use. I could see using Google Calendar as a scheduling tool for a small library. I also took a look at the Yahoo Calendar, it's very similar. I choose to stay with the Google product since I have a Google account.

Evernote is interesting! I watched several of the videos, read some of the blog posts ( Digitwirl entry was a great example of practical uses for Evernote) , and investigated the add-ons in the Trunk. If I had the responsibility for for managing personnel or organizing events I would use this. I might try using it for personal projects such as crafts or recipes just to get some experience. Another issue I have is technological... Evernote is great for using with multiple devises, but neither my phone or I are smart enough, my tablet is still a Big Chief and my PC is plugged into the wall!

Thing 6 & Thing 7 cpd23

Online networks: I really enjoy Facebook for keeping up with friends, family and cpd23. Professionally I have chosen Nebraska Learns as my network to learn and grow in a safe environment. If I were looking for a job I would probably join LinkedIn.

Real networks are my favorite! Through the Basic Skills Classes (before they were available online) and NLA training seminars I have met many talented and inspiring librarians. Volunteering is an excellent way to broaden your networks and I highly recommend it.

In my "previous life" networking was essential. When I was new to my profession and had an issue that common sense, policy or a manual couldn't help me solve, it was necessary to call the colleague I met at a meeting or heard about on the grapevine. The phrase was WWGD, What Would Gloria Do? since Gloria had seen it all and tackled every problem. Most importantly, when policy or bureaucracy was about to send me over the deep end I would "take a partner", call Gloria and vent! As this real network grew and evolved I got to be Gloria every now and then. After more than 30 years this network still is strong...I wonder if Facebook will last this long?

Thing 5 cpd23

Plan your work. Work your plan. Reevaluate frequently! This is my pattern of work. With cpd23 I have had lots of reflective practice. I this the right plan for me? Is my time best used elsewhere? Do I really want have a professional online identity? I have been mulling these questions for about 2 weeks now and have decided to stay the course. I have chosen not to create professional online identity. I have chosen to be selective in my choices of social networking. One deciding factor is a blog post on cpd23 blog concerning a work place that blocks social networking. I am in that situation so all my learning in during "family time". So I am planning my work...
and hoping the new plan works a little better!

Thing 4 cpd23

This week I revisited Twitter. I signed up during the first 23 Things, but didn't really use it. So I'm reevaluating. I have subscribed to some of the recommended library sites and have found useful information.

I also signed up for RSS a few years ago, but again did not keep checking for new feeds. I have refreshed my following list and will try it again.

As for Pushnote, I signed up, looked around and unsubscribed. If I can't keep up with Twitter and RSS then I certainly can't keep up w/this!