Blog Updated
I have just imported the content from my old blog, Rachel's Ramblings into this blog so it is now all in the one place. Rachel's Ramblings was predominantly created for our overseas trip in 2007 so if you feel like reading about our travel adventures you can now do so in Library Junkie.
Technical Difficulties
The photos didn't load properly in my last post so here they are now.
The mosaic is of some of the libraries I visited on my overseas trip in 2007. As a library junkie I couldn't help myself.
Online Photo Sharing
I have just finished week 2 of the Licence 2 Test Drive program. I am already familiar with Flickr and have had a pro account for almost a year now. I started using Flickr about the New Librarians Sysmposium 3 in Sydney in 2006 to share my photos with the other participants. A friend of mine in Sydney introduced me to Flickr after she had a baby a couple of years ago. It has been a great way to see the way her son has grown up as we don't get to catch up in person that often. I am also in the process of adding photos from the overseas trip Aaron & I took in 2007. We took over 10,500 photos which I have culled down to about 630 which I am putting on Flickr. I am about 1/3 of the way there. I will finish it one day.
I love photos and photography so it was great to check out some of the other sites mentioned, Photobucket, Smugmug and Snapfish. I had been to Snapfish before when I was planning to create a calendar for someone as a christmas present. However time ran out and I never did create it. I will go back and do it sometime.
One of the things I love about photos online nowadays is all of the things you can do with them. I love Big Huge Labs and the fact that it is linked to Flickr is great. I created the following 2 images from their in a matter of minutes. I could spend some much time at that site if I had the time and creativeness to do so.
I love photos and photography so it was great to check out some of the other sites mentioned, Photobucket, Smugmug and Snapfish. I had been to Snapfish before when I was planning to create a calendar for someone as a christmas present. However time ran out and I never did create it. I will go back and do it sometime.
One of the things I love about photos online nowadays is all of the things you can do with them. I love Big Huge Labs and the fact that it is linked to Flickr is great. I created the following 2 images from their in a matter of minutes. I could spend some much time at that site if I had the time and creativeness to do so.
Why I am a library junkie?
I thought I would explain the meaning of my blog name. I am a library junkie. I have loved libraries all of my life. I can still remember the libraries I went to as a child at Blaxland, Aitkenvale, Richmond and Wondai. I love books and I love information. I always used to, and still do to some extent, give articles etc to my friends and family about things they were interested in. Now I suppose it is more just forwarding on URLs but it is the same principle of sharing information. That is the reason I became I librarian to share information.
I also love library paraphenalia, books, pens, other vendor stuff, movies about librarians, I love it all. I have old info science textbooks and even a copy of the 10th abridged edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification that I picked up from a Lifeline Bookfest. I have t-shirts, caps and even a golf umbrella from vendors. I have had the golf umbrella for a few years sitting in a box at work, (which I had moved with me from my previous library) and I had forgotten all about it until this week. It was very handy going home from work yesterday in the pouring rain.
In my first paid library job, the first time I answered a reference question on my own, I was so excited I went to the back of the library in the staff area and jumped up and down with joy. I was so excited and I knew that I was in the right profession.
I also love library paraphenalia, books, pens, other vendor stuff, movies about librarians, I love it all. I have old info science textbooks and even a copy of the 10th abridged edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification that I picked up from a Lifeline Bookfest. I have t-shirts, caps and even a golf umbrella from vendors. I have had the golf umbrella for a few years sitting in a box at work, (which I had moved with me from my previous library) and I had forgotten all about it until this week. It was very handy going home from work yesterday in the pouring rain.
In my first paid library job, the first time I answered a reference question on my own, I was so excited I went to the back of the library in the staff area and jumped up and down with joy. I was so excited and I knew that I was in the right profession.
New Beginnings
This is the first post of my new blog, Library Junkie. I have wanted to blog more for awhile but there has been a few things stopping me. When I saw I had the opportunity to take part in SLQ's Licence 2 Test Drive I thought it was the perfect opportunity to begin my new blogging adventure.
I am a huge advocate of the library profession learning about Web 2.0. A colleague and I even created our own Web 2.0 program (Web 2.0: what health libraries need to know) for our library staff last year which you can read all about in the paper we presented at last years New Librarians Symposium. So you may wonder why then I am doing SLQ's Licence 2 Test Drive if I have already created my own Learning 2.0 program. Firstly, as I mentioned above, I want to start blogging more and see this as a great way to get me going; secondly, the 2 programs are different, although both are based on the original Learning 2.0 program created by the wonderful Helene Blowers the program my colleague Amanda and I created was specifically health-focused and looked at different tools; and thirdly, creating a program and particpating in one are totally different things. Although we had to try most of our activities when we created our step-by-step instructions, time restrictions meant we didn't have too much to actually play with the tools, and that is what I am really looking forward to now. My favourite quote regarding learning about Web 2.0 and technology in general is by Meredith Farkas. She says ‘people need to learn how to learn about new technologies without having to ask other people for help all the time’. I think this is one of the main stumbling blocks when it comes to Web 2.0 in libraries. Some people just don't see playing as learning.
I am a huge advocate of the library profession learning about Web 2.0. A colleague and I even created our own Web 2.0 program (Web 2.0: what health libraries need to know) for our library staff last year which you can read all about in the paper we presented at last years New Librarians Symposium. So you may wonder why then I am doing SLQ's Licence 2 Test Drive if I have already created my own Learning 2.0 program. Firstly, as I mentioned above, I want to start blogging more and see this as a great way to get me going; secondly, the 2 programs are different, although both are based on the original Learning 2.0 program created by the wonderful Helene Blowers the program my colleague Amanda and I created was specifically health-focused and looked at different tools; and thirdly, creating a program and particpating in one are totally different things. Although we had to try most of our activities when we created our step-by-step instructions, time restrictions meant we didn't have too much to actually play with the tools, and that is what I am really looking forward to now. My favourite quote regarding learning about Web 2.0 and technology in general is by Meredith Farkas. She says ‘people need to learn how to learn about new technologies without having to ask other people for help all the time’. I think this is one of the main stumbling blocks when it comes to Web 2.0 in libraries. Some people just don't see playing as learning.
New Look Blog
Welcome to the new look of Rachel's Ramblings. I have amazed myself tonight with the little bit of HTML coding that I have done to the standard Wordpress template to make it look the way I want. It has been over 7 years since I first learnt HTML and I have not used it much since.
Anyway, I spent so much time changing the look of my blog that I do not have time to post anything meaningful. I will soon though as I have started to write down my blog post ideas and so hopefully I will be blogging regularly soon.
Anyway, I spent so much time changing the look of my blog that I do not have time to post anything meaningful. I will soon though as I have started to write down my blog post ideas and so hopefully I will be blogging regularly soon.
THE 99 THINGS MEME
Thanks Ruminations for this meme it has given me the reason to update my blog.
I love lists of any kind, and I also like memes so this is a good combo for me.
Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
No way.
12. Visited Paris.
3 times
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
If you include cardmaking as art.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
Only cherry tomatoes, of and carrots at school.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
Aaron would not let me look at anything properly at The Louvre until we had seen it first.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
I value my personal safety.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.
Twice
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
I played T-ball and softball as a kid but I don't think I ever hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
Cruises don't do it for me.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
Some of the countries yes, but not exact places.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
I'd like to teach myself Italian one day.
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
A bit overated.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person.
Very impressive
41. Sung Karaoke.
Only with a group.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
Never even been close to one.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistene chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Twice
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
As a kid I am sure I did.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
I saw Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey at teh Kingaroy Drive-in.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
I have always wanted to go to Russia since being fascinated by the Romanov family as a teenager.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
Aaron is a sweetie.
64. Donated blood.
I have to have regular blood tests, that is enough needles for me.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
I went to Matthausen in Austria, it was a very sobering experience especially walking into the gas chambers.
67. Bounced a cheque.
I have never owned a cheque book.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
Quite a few (I'm a horder) including a white toy dog who also happened to look like a rabbit so his name was either Deefer (D for dog) or Beefer (B for bunny) depending on my mood.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
Biting it is a strange sensation in your mouth.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone.
Only a small sesamoid bone in my right foot.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
Didn't see the pope though.
82. Bought a brand new car.
Don't drive
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
I think so. certainly in the QH statewide newsletter.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
Never had any of the spotty diseases as I call them.
89. Saved someone’s life.
I hope I never have to.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
Only grandparents.
94. Had a baby.
Possibly one day.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
I love lists of any kind, and I also like memes so this is a good combo for me.
Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
No way.
12. Visited Paris.
3 times
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
If you include cardmaking as art.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
Only cherry tomatoes, of and carrots at school.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
Aaron would not let me look at anything properly at The Louvre until we had seen it first.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
I value my personal safety.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.
Twice
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
I played T-ball and softball as a kid but I don't think I ever hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
Cruises don't do it for me.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
Some of the countries yes, but not exact places.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
I'd like to teach myself Italian one day.
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
A bit overated.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person.
Very impressive
41. Sung Karaoke.
Only with a group.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
Never even been close to one.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistene chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Twice
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
As a kid I am sure I did.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
I saw Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey at teh Kingaroy Drive-in.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
I have always wanted to go to Russia since being fascinated by the Romanov family as a teenager.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
Aaron is a sweetie.
64. Donated blood.
I have to have regular blood tests, that is enough needles for me.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
I went to Matthausen in Austria, it was a very sobering experience especially walking into the gas chambers.
67. Bounced a cheque.
I have never owned a cheque book.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
Quite a few (I'm a horder) including a white toy dog who also happened to look like a rabbit so his name was either Deefer (D for dog) or Beefer (B for bunny) depending on my mood.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
Biting it is a strange sensation in your mouth.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone.
Only a small sesamoid bone in my right foot.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
Didn't see the pope though.
82. Bought a brand new car.
Don't drive
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
I think so. certainly in the QH statewide newsletter.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
Never had any of the spotty diseases as I call them.
89. Saved someone’s life.
I hope I never have to.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
Only grandparents.
94. Had a baby.
Possibly one day.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
