Setting up my Flickr account

I'm running a bit behind with my 23 things but this week I set up an account with Flickr!

I haven't used Flickr before but have a couple of friends that use it quite a lot so I'm interested to see what you can do with it!

The photos I've uploaded are ones I took of Oxford in the snow. The one in this screen shot was taken from Magdalen Bridge and I'm quite pleased with it!

I've added three photos so far and have put them onto the Oxford 23 Things Group page so you should be able to see them there too!

I was quite impressed by how quickly I was able to upload my photos and put them onto the group page. I've used other photo sharing sites before and have tended to get fed up with the length of time it can take to upload and organise photos. This seemed quite straightforward which was nice.

I like the idea of being able to share my photos with family and friends especially as my photos are all digital and my family and friends are spread all over the country. However, I have a feeling that Flickr could end up being just another thing to keep up to date and I've not quite given up on the idea of having proper printed photos you can flick through!

This could be quite useful in libraries. It could be a nice visual way of identifying particular libraries or advertising past and future events and projects!

Subscribing to a few more RSS feeds...

Using my Google Reader account, I've now subscribed to RSS feeds for a few library blogs and web pages, the BBC news page and a website about crafts and jewellery making. I'm also following a couple of other "23 things" blogs.

I've enjoyed setting up these RSS feeds and it's been interesting to see the variety of blogs and web pages to which you can subscribe.

I like the idea of bringing together all of my interests and being constantly updated in one place rather than having to visit each individual website. I tend not to find the time to do this so I'll enjoy just catching up whenever I log in and also think I'll probably hear about interesting events I'd otherwise have missed.

I will have to remember to check my account fairly regualrly though as new updates seem to mount up quite quickly!

RSS feeds: setting up my Google Reader account

I've always been aware of what RSS feeds are but haven't ever found the time to work out how to use them. They seem like a really convenient way of keeping up to date with news and events on your favourite websites.

The step by step instructions from the "23 things" team were really useful and I've now realised it's actually quite straightforward to set up and follow RSS feeds.

I've successfully logged into my Google Reader account and set up a feed for the "23 things" blog. This will make it much easier to keep track of which thing I'm meant to be doing next. Speaking of which, onto the next one!

My thoughts on blogs and blogging...

I've registered my blog with the "23 things" team!

I have to admit that I was a little sceptical about blogs when I first began looking at "Thing 3". I am however pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed this new tool.

I initially found it difficult to know what to say in my blog and was a little unnerved by the immediacy of publishing thoughts and opinions in such a public forum. I'm still aware of this but feel I'm becoming more confident.

Looking at other "23 things" blogs has been really interesting. It's been great to hear how everyone else has been getting on and nice to see that we all seem to be finding our feet and putting a personal stamp on our blogs!

I don't think I'll ever become a serial blogger but I do think this is a really interesting way of communicating and discussing opinions and information and drawing together different resources. Blogging and reading blogs could be a fun way to develop both personal interests and professional awareness so my next step is to find a few blogs to follow!

igoogle

Before beginning the "23 things" project, I was aware of what start pages were and had seen friends and family using igoogle in particular. I knew you could customise your page to look how you wanted it and add gadgets to help you keep up to date with things like the news and weather but I had never seriously used start pages myself.

In week one I set up my igoogle account and began to customise my page by changing the theme - the poppies are very pretty! :)

Then I set about selecting particular tools. First I added practical gadgets; 'date and time', a 'to do' list, 'CNN' to keep up with the news and the weather tool in an effort to be prepared come rain or shine. Finally I branched out to recipes and quotes of the day, things I wouldn't go looking for but might raise a smile when I open up my start page.

I can see the benefit of having a variety of useful/interesting tools ready for you when you first start out on the web rather than having to find everything on individual websites. It makes things alot easier and takes less time. I think I'll enjoy using my igoogle start page and will continue to explore what other tools are available.

Starting my 23 things...

As a library/archives trainee this year I'm eager to develop my professional awareness and learn all I can about information management and library services. IT and Web 2.0 applications are becoming increasingly important in the delivery of information and the "23things project" will teach me about a number of web applications that are new to me. I have a Facebook profile and have dabbled with blogs and igoogle before but I know nothing about RSS feeds so it will be really interesting to learn more. And so let the things begin...