#5, Week 3: Flickr is Our Hero

Flickr was extraordinarily easy, at least in the basic mode. I can see how easy it would be to use this to share photos with family or to share info about the library. Random thoughts: This is a good way to "archive offsite" photos you would never want to lose in the event of a personal disaster such as a fire or flood. The idea that "someone" else holds my pictures makes me pause. Programs such as Flickr are very popular with my friends, especially those with children. I'm looking forward to trying some advanced features.

I chose to upload a photo that shows one of the students' favorite days in the library: Guitar Hero Tournament Day. As one of our celebrations during School Library Month, we have a Guitar Hero challenge. Earlier we select the five best players in the school. We set up two supersize screens with 5-channel sound. In one area, students can challenge one of our Guitar Hero Masters. In the other area, students can play against anyone. To participate, students pay a nominal fee, thus raising money for the library.

I'm pretty sure that if I think hard enough I'll find a way to relate Guitar Hero to reading and research. Until then, all I can say is that we do it because it is fun.

Tech question: Did most of you upload your photo from Flickr or from your hard drive?

#3, Week 2: Why I Love Being a Librarian --and learning to make lemonade

Today's Top Five Reasons I Love Being a Librarian

5. I work surrounded by computers, books and potential readers.

4. Kids think I'm a genius when I say, "Assassinations? Go to 364.1." The easiest thing can make you look great.

3. Teachers think I'm a genius when I say, "I can fix that for you. Restart the computer and everything will be fine." Another easy statement with big results.

2. My fellow librarians are the most dedicated, enthusiastic educators I have ever met.

1. Professional development includes creating my own avatar. How cool is that? I think this training program will be useful and fascinating.

Reviewing the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial reminded me that professional development will have challenges, that everything won't work the first time, that lemonade can be made from those life lemons. Seeing problems as challenges will be the most difficult habit for me to develop. Maybe it's that half full/half empty glass syndrome. I think my aversion to problems is exacerbated by never having enough time, even if I am "off" for the summer. So now I'm going to think of myself as the librarian who is learning to make lemonade.