Task 5 - Multiple Requests - CHECK!

I'm a big, big fan/advocate of signing into the patron's/my account and doing all my requesting that way. It is a million times more convenient than typing in their/my info multiple times. I really like this feature. I dislike the Book Bag. To me, its always been flukey. Sometimes it works the way I want/expect it to, and other times it doesn't. (It loses items in the process, or doesn't request all of them, or asks you to pick locations of items, which you shouldn't have to, or lets people add non-requestable items which messes up the whole batch. More than one time I've loaded up a book bag just to have to go back, re-find items and request them individually. Not a fan.) These are great features to be aware of! Of course we all know sometimes Millennium is a better choice for volumes/parts/etc? Or sometimes it can be easier to search. A fun fact: if you're in the item's record in Millennium and you select "View" from the top menu and then "Public Display", it opens up a new window displaying that item's page in the catalog. It's handy dandy to go back and forth, confirm THATS what they want, etc.

Task 4 - Social Networking - CHECK!

I've had a MySpace account forever, started when it was popular, that is now mostly idle and wildly ignored. (I think it still says I live in Massachusetts?) I've never wished to have a FaceBook. I don't have the Internet at home and shouldn't Facebook at work. And like the MySpace, I feel as if it would probably be fun for about...um...three weeks? and then I'd get bored. I think big fans/users probably devote a lot of time to keeping profiles fresh and interesting, but again I think that takes an attention span I just don't have. I've seen some folks comment already that they're not interested in mixing business and pleasure with using these sites among coworkers, etc., and I guess I kind of feel the same way. I think its so popular, even for non-profits/businesses/politicians, etc., because it gives them a quick, free-for-once, way to connect with users/fans, etc. People like having "celebrities" as "friends", that whole feel. And a lot of people do use them for creative expression, which is cool. I think it probably is a helpful/fun/convenient way to meet new people or network. I'm dreading the Twitter task. I can feel it coming.

Task 3 - Library Webpage Hunt - CHECK!

I would like you all to know that I got a 100% on the Library Webpage Hunt. I can't prove it, because the link to my score only says that I can only take the quiz once. And isn't that a shame. First of all, kudos Nancy and Cari, because it was a tricky and helpful exercise. I couldn't quite figure out where our site explicitly says which branches do and don't have meeting rooms though--I just kind of knew that one. So I'll have to ask where it says it crystal clear for the world to know about. Also, its easy for me to forget about the Community Directory page, so thats a helpful reminder. I think thats all the webolutionizing I can take for one day? Thank goodness tomorrow's Friday too, right?

Task 2 - Pandora - CHECK!

I'm familiar with Pandora due to back of circ experiences, but otherwise this service just isn't so much for me. I'm pretty much the opposite of a music buff. I don't hate it, I just wouldn't say I enjoy it. Usually if I had to pick between music or silence, I'd pick silence. I'll listen in the car, but have a very hard time imagining just sitting and listening while at home. And if I'm trying to do something, I find it distracting. Also, I don't have the internet at home. But anyway--yes, I see how this product is cool, interactive, and exciting for most people. I think the interface is incredibly easy to use. It's awesome that you never again have to be annoyed by songs you strongly dislike. And when I entered artists/songs, it did pick other items I knew and liked, which was fun. I can see how it would be addictive. If I liked music and had the internet, I'd love this.

Task 1: Set Up Blog - CHECK!

Setting up a blog was a success! I am not a stranger to blogs. At one point I was blog-phobic, but now I have blogaholic tendencies. Go figure. In library school, professors were big fans of assigning blogs, etc., which at first I dreaded--mostly because there wasn't much to think/write about on, say, the mathematical formulations behind Google's search results. Anyway. Then I got permissions to the library's blog and went a little post crazy. At any rate, we're supposed to be introducing ourselves? So my name is Betsey. If I'm not at the Info desk or the Reference desk I'm probably in the downstairs office. I finished my MLS a month ago and had no idea what free time was or what to do with it, so that took some getting used to. I'm a vegetarian and I like all activities that take place in the kitchen, except maybe cleaning. I'm a new mama to my 6 month old kitten Oliver. I'm an amateur cake decorater. I read like crazy. I've been left slightly paranoid after watching a special on mind control last night on the History channel. It's scary stuff. And that should probably officially suffice for Task One. I wonder if I'm beating Carol?