Thing 7, Parts 1-3

Finally, I've picked up where I left off in Round 1 of 23 Things on a Stick and have worked through most of Thing 7. Actually, I've used most of the items discussed in this thing but did go through everything to see if there was anything I missed. The topics of Thing 7 included email, IM, text messaging, and Web conferencing.

Email: Use it nearly every day and can barely remember life before e-mail. Great tool for sending off a quick message but like anything else, can take over your life. My inbox is overflowing, I sometimes forget to respond to an email in a timely manner, and I still have trouble finding the perfect size for an email, either in sending one out or responding to one sent to me. I do use folders in my email system so that I have some organization of them vs. just letting them sit in my Inbox. I did check out the templates but figured that I'd probably invest too much time into them and then forget to use them.

IM: OK, I was slow to get into IM but now I'm hooked. I like that it has replaced some of my emailing as a way to get a quick answer to something. I really think that libraries could use to their advantage because it is built to be quick and, well maybe a bit dirty. Rather hunt for the phone number or dig through a library's website, a quick IM to the library to ask a question (What time do you close? Could you renew my books?) may do the trick. As a reference tool? Definitely but not for EVERY reference question. You know, sometimes it is easier to actually speak to someone to ask the question rather than TYPE IT OUT in an email or IM.

Text Messaging - Honestly, I'm a Luddite with text messaging. Or maybe just cheap. I don't use it on my cell phone at this moment nor am I paying for a package of text messaging that my cell phone provider offers. I do see, as this Thing pointed out, the possibilities of using it for notifiying a patron of something: overdues, fines, materials are ready for them, reminder about a training course, etc. I know that I certainly use my phone more and more (even as my home phone) for everything. I'll eventually embrace it (and yes, pay for a package of text messaging) but right now, I'm not ready.

I'm still working on Part 4 of Thing 7 - I've signed up for a Webinar on the EBSCO 2.0 interface in July. I've used Web Conferencing on many occasions. Still trying to figure out how to not be distracted when participating at my desk at work. That's the good and bad of being connected...