Thing #14: LibraryThing and Shelfari

LibraryThing and Shelfari allow readers to efficiently record, review, explore, connect, and discuss books.
I signed up for Shelfari just as I was beginning this blog for the 23 Things on a Stick project. Now I also use LibraryThing. I already write a review of each book I read, and it's a simple thing to put a bit of that onto a a library site like these. Both are good sources for reading suggestions and connecting with other readers. I have enjoyed comparing reading lists. Shelfari has lots of ads. LibraryThing seems more populated. I'll stay on both sites for awhile, before deciding which I like better.

Thing #13: Online Productivity Tools for Busy People

People seem to find the productivity tools they need. It's surprising to me that so many various types are available. I've investigated several organizational tools, including List keepers like Ta-da Lists and Gift Box, handy for people planning weddings and other big events. Rememberthemilk.com connects schedules and reminders with a shareable map.
Backpack could be very useful, with time lines, presentation-planners, and more. Scrybe must be for very busy people. The personal organizer Stikkit appears complicated, maybe because of an introductory video with no audio. On a more basic level, the Online Calendars at 30 Boxes could help teachers in planning learning units. Also, Zamzar's file converters are easy to access.
It's interesting that "Babble: The Ultimate Word Game" shows up as an online productivity tool. Everybody needs some play time, right?
My new iGoogle Home page sports a grassy banner and shows the date, weather, and news headlines. I should probably add the countdown calendar for the 23 Things on a Stick project. I see that not so many days are left to complete all 23.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day is an easy one to celebrate. Wear green, and everybody asks if you're Irish. At St. Patrick's Grade School, my alma mater, we always got that day off. No wonder I have pleasant associations with St. Patrick's Day.

Come to my house for supper this evening, and you'll have corned beef. It's snowing outside, and we're cooking up a storm.

As for celebrating, Chicago journalist Julia Keller appropriately celebrated libraries as "special places" in a March 13 essay on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, "In Internet Age, Libraries Still Draw a Crowd."

"The New Newspaper" — Thing #12: Social Media Sites

The New Newspaper
Originally uploaded by Dave Ward Photography

These sites collect articles, comments, blog posts, photos, and more about topics in the news. I started with Mixx.com and its very informative tour. This site's clear directions make it look easy to use. I suggested it to an attorney-friend who often researches topics related to her cases.
Digg seems very much the same. It reminded me of People Magazine's variety.
Newsvine's page opens with an appropriate headline: "You don't have time for a long demo." After touring the first two social media sites, I found that an overview of this and Reddit were enough.
Reddit looks similar, with a bit of the tabloid-feel.
I can see using these sites if one were looking for people's reactions and comments to a news event or article.

Thing #11 Del.icio.us

After exploring the "social bookmarking" site Del.icio.us, I've decided it's probably not a source I'll use myself, though it looks good for librarians, teachers, and anyone involved in research. Kathleen Gilroy's podcast is quite informative about setting up a course syllabus and reading list. Gilroy's blog sits in "The Magic Middle," the most-accessed of the millions of blogs people use. She agrees that we need to be smart about how we use our time. Rather than setting up reading lists for a classes, this year I'm restarting green and red shamrock plants and looking forward to gardening time.

Thing #10, Wikis

I've looked up various subjects on Wikipedia and also instructed high schoolers as to its benefits as well as drawbacks. Wikipedia is quick and easy to use, as long as one understands its possible drawbacks.
I agree that wikis are a good collaborative tool for online communities, groups with a common purpose, though some outside the group can interrupt the process.
Joyce Yukawa's presentation lists several good uses. For example, BookLovers Wiki from Princeton Public Library and one for listing recent additions, like that of Provo City Library.
The "23 Things on a Stick List of Messed Up Classics to Edit" shows an effective group exercise.
In reading about wikis, I found Shelfari and started my bookshelf.