2 things on a stick of 23 things

I just completed all that was listed for thing 2. I even went a bit further because I got carried away reading more perspectives than suggested in the 23 things blog. I have always thought of myself as either ahead of my time or way beyond my time. You know - the medievel heroine with superior lineage from historic romance novels. I suppose not liking housework, is not a good enough reason to think I was supposed to be a barronett. Well, since I'm not a time traveler, I better learn what's going on in my time.

I have, at times, considered myself a bit of a visionary. I have a design backround and it has been the case that my instincts for what should be designed, thought of, on the market, or in fashion at a particular time, have come to fruition at a later date. When I can't purchase something that I desire because it doesn't exist for the average person, it is an agravation to me, at most. As I learn about Web 2.o and Library 2.o and the varying perspectives on what brought these concepts about and where they can take us, I can't help but think of the ultimate affect this could have on me and my library patrons. There's no doubt that this has been an"ongoing web revolution" brought on by the consistent wave of new technology. The 23 things on a stick challenge may make this seem like a giant daunting leap in technology all of a sudden, if one has not been utilizing all of this technology, like in my case. I am comforted, excited, and disenchanted to realize I and many more "inventory management biobots" (a phrase I took note of, depicting the librarians of yesterday) are on the same slow, rowboat that I think is about to get an overhaul because of the 23 things.

Let me briefly explain the "disenchanted" part before I mention my causes for excitement. In my opinion, some technology, at least in the recent past and maybe even since time began has sometimes inadvertantly, but more and more taken away the need to interact face to face with other humans. In the case of the younger generations, they will have grown up with the concept that they can "chat" with peers from anywhere in the world, maybe seeing the face or a picture of the people they are "talking to", probably never dreaming to meet them in person. I believe I have witnessed over the past 10 years or so, a loss of inhibition in these young people, who so freely can voice their opinions online. Has this fueled irresponsible behavior? Has it increased understanding of the world around them? I just have to wonder where this will take us or put us in the years to come.

"Making the library space, both virtual and physical, more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs" (I quote John Blyberg) is an exciting possibility. Allowing and instructing my patrons to create a profile and a personalized reading list would be a valuable tool that would also free up my time. Taking part in creating content on the web and enabling patrons to utilize this technology is thrilling. As Stephen Abrams said, we need get addicted to the excitement of learning. I'm surely getting addicted, but I either have a head cold coming on or all the excitement is giving me a headache. As I take a last look at my notes, maybe, just maybe, my headache might have something to do with the page full of terms or acronyms I wrote down for this thing #2 that I don't have a clue about.

1 thing on a stick of 23 things

These are such light-bulb-turning-on-revelations. I know I'll make time to do all 23 things, but I hope I'll find time to goof around with them, because if I don't, the things I learn aren't going to be ingrained in my brain. It takes a lot of trial and error for me to know what is going on. Directions that seem to be clear-cut, I sometimes don't get the first time around.

I created my first and second blogs on Sunday, Feb. 10. I managed to use a URL that I didn't intend to use and also somehow got my first posting on a coworkers blog. It's kind of funny now, but it sure gave me a headache when I discovered my mistakes. I had suggested to my husband that I might name my blog "deskchairpotato" because I sat in that desk chair for a long time that weekend. He didn't approve of that title. He probably thought it might turn out to be the case. I decided on "geekmeup23" because I'm ready to learn and experience these exciting forms of technology.