Fraulein Sara's Teachings on PODCASTING!

Podcasing. The combination of iPod and broadcasting. I love it when words come together to unite in a wonderful way, just like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck...Bennifer, how I miss you. ANYWAY! Podcasting is a way for you to get yourself heard/seen on the inter-webs. Getting your opinion out there for people to enjoy.
I was going to start a podcast this past summer. My friend and I had big plans to retire to her dad's fancy computer room after every episode of True Blood on Sunday nights and record/upload our podcasts about what we thought of that night's episode. Sadly this never came to fruition because we fell prey to the podcast of two other girls who had the same idea as us and were possibly funnier than we were, so instead we watched their podcast and laughed along with how hilarious vampire Bill's accent was...yes, my summer was very exciting.

Now onto the main event! Libraries. You want to know where you can do some neat keen and groovy searching for library podcasts? I did too, so I found a few sites...or maybe I was given them from my instructor, but either way I will share them with you and let you know what I thought about them!

Library Podcasting Resources- A PBWorks Wiki AND Podcasting- Library Success Wiki

So yeah...not very fun to look at but I figured there had to be some fun stuff somewhere within the bleakness of the page. Then I saw it! 'Podcasting Libraries: Library Success Wiki-Podcasting'. Perfect, that's the juicy stuff I was looking for...however when I started mindlessly clicking on random libraries to see what their podcasts had to offer, I found quite a few of the links refused to load or the 'server was not found'. Hmm, not very helpful. Maybe you'll have more patients with the site, but I didn't.

Educause Podcasting- 186 Resources

I found that it's only an ok site. Very professional looking, and overall appealing to look at. However when I began to peruse through the podcasts I noticed that the most recent one was posted in 2008. Just a tad dated, however I did like the options you had to either download the podcast or show notes.

Podcasting for Library Instruction

This was just right. I thought it's a wonderful place to learn how to podcast! It's easy to understand and the site itself seems quite welcoming. I love the fact that you can leave comments and you can read what other people thought about it. This was a clear winner for me, so if you want to learn how to start a podcast, this is my gold star recommendation.
http://www.slideshare.net/hermand/podcasting-for-library-instruction-presentation

And lastly, dear readers, I wouldn't leave you without reviewing a few library podcasts myself. I listened to three and...to be honest I have quite mixed thoughts about them.

Los Angeles Public Library- The Giving Tree by Shel Siverstein

A children's book read out loud. It's a great idea. Kids don't always have the best attention span to read through an entire book, so having a podcast of someone reading the book, as the child flips through the pages is a great idea! The sound quality kinda sucked, not going to lie, it was pretty bad. It was clear but you could hear a lot of background noise, however I did like the fact that you could hear the girl who was reading turn the page. That way if a child was reading along they'd know when to flip the page as well. So I'd probably give it a C rating.

Seattle Biblio Café- Librarians discuss what they’re reading

LOVED IT! Not only did this podcast have opening credits but it took place in a coffee house! As the librarians were discussing amazing books that they were reading you could hear the barista's in the background making coffee and delicious lattes. I wanted to be there with them discussing the book I'm reading. I had a great time listening to them talk and laugh, and I may have gotten a few ideas of which books to read next. Definitely an A+ podcast.

Duggan Library Instructional Podcasts- Book Reviews

HORRIBLE! You know that teacher in Ferris Bueller, played by Ben Stein? The one who's voice sounds like the boring version of nails on a chalk board? Well this guy is worse. Immediately I felt my eyelids getting heaving and my head falling towards my chest. The sound was terrible, it was as thought he'd been podcasting from the 80's! Definitely an F grade.

In conclusion, I'm an avid fan of the podcast. They're brilliant. If I had a class or two that was taught by podcast, I would be extremely okay with that. The best part of any class is when your teacher gets you to watch a movie or a youtube video on your computer- podcasting isn't that different. It's a way of making teaching fun and they're fun to make! Just be cautious of which one's you choose to subscribe to, avoid the 'nails on the chalkboard'/80's audio castings!

Fraulein Sara's Teachings on SOCIAL MEDIA!

What is this thing called social media? Why it's a web based site that relies on user participation. It usually consists of tools that allow users to share all sorts of business, academic, personal or any other form of information.

''Hmm..." you say, "This all sounds so familiar". My dear sir, or madame, that is because you use social media! You're already a cog in the system. I'm sure all of my lovely followers take part in the social media clock, and why do I know this? That's because I've already 'friend-ed' most of you on facebook- I am also in the process of 'following' you on twitter.

Nearly everyone I know uses some form of social media...everyone except for my grandparents, seeing as how they refuse to get a computer, according to them the computer is the new version of the 'idiot box', however considering that you learn so much on the internet compared to television, I say they'd be wrong-however, that is a discussion for another day! Stay tuned for 'Idiot Box: Television or Computer! You be the Judge!'

Do I like social media? I spend at least an hour every two days on twitter or facebook. I'm constantly updating my tumblr and I frequent myspace to check on on some of my favourite bands. Doing all four of those things takes up about ten minutes of that half hour computer time, so I would say, 'YES!' I do like social media because I think that a fraction of my life is devoted to it.

'My name is Sara, and I have a problem. I am a social media addict.' I find it's a new way to organize school projects and stay informed to waht's going on with the world. I mean, how did I find out about Steve Jobs recent passing? I saw a status update about it on facebook, and then I took to twitter, which confirmed his death by having a '#RIPSTEVEJOBS' as a top 10 trend.

Is social media used in libraries? Should it be? Should I start one for the library- well, if I was asked to I would, because I find myself quirky and hilarious and I think everyone would enjoy a little slice of Sara in their lives on a virtual and daily basis. As for libraries in general, I think social media is very important to keep on top of. Yes, some libraries do use them, but I don't think enough, and I don't think they keep up with the ever changing web 2.0 evolution as they perhaps should. Like I've said before, keeping up with web 2.0 and all it has to offer is a wonderful way of keeping patrons in touch with what's going on, seeing as with social media a question regarding the library or books is but a click away. However, if a library is going to branch out into social media they should do it proporly by making sure they keep updaing whichever form of social media they choose to use. If you have a facebook I don't want to see that your status hasn't been updated in over two weeks. I don't want to forget I'm following you on twitter because you never post, and I really don't want to see any sort of blog that hasn't been updated in well over two months. That's not going to help you any.

HOWEVER! I think if a library could get organized and be taught the fine workings of social media they could be BRILLIANT! Have you, dear readers, heard of social cataloguing? NO!? It's an amazing thing where you can catalogue your books, CD's, movies...tapes, if you still have those, online! You can rate them and see recommendations for other items that you might enjoy and write reviews- it's a plethora of nerdy cataloging! It's wonderful and libraries would become so much more efficient with aiding patrons with questions about which books to get.

Not only that, but now for a low cost of nothing, the library could also branch out and connect with the WORLD through social networking...yes, that makes me think of the facebook movie too. If the library gets out there more people will be brought together and be made aware of how wonderful and FREE the library is. So many of my friends are unaware that you can return your library books to any library, or that you can order a book from anywhere in the city directly the to closetst library to your house. With social media, it's like word of mouth- only faster and more electronic...like a very talkative/connective version of Tron.

So there is MUCH room for improvement on the library-front of social media, but I feel confident that in the next few years, with the right library workers that we can get a grasp on social media of all sorts, making the library more technologically inclined, and by that I mean more attainable to the rest of the public. I plan on helping the library get to that point, the point of pure geekiness! It's truly my life goal.

....also, that photo at the top may or may not be a photo of my head poorly pasted onto the body of Justin Timberlake, from The Social Network.

Fraulein Sara's Teachings on WIKIS!

Wiki what? Wiki who? Wiki me! Wiki you!

Now that's just fun to say. When I say wiki, you think Wikipedia, and I don't blame you, even after researching wikis the first site my mind goes to is the largest of all wikis out there; Wikipedia. I used to use that site all the time in high school whenever I did my yearly science project on duck billed platypuses (also known as 'Ornithorynque' on french Wikipedia, seeing as I went to a french school). However, as popular as Wikipedia is, that site is only one of the many branches that are connected to the wiki tree.

To first create a wiki, you have to go to one of the many sites that host them. The best part is that you don't have to pay money for them! Free! Yay! We're students, anything that's free is accepted. There are three sites, which I will quickly go over, that you can use to create a wiki:

Wikia: I personally love this site. It seems to be geared towards entertainment, which I am all about. The first thing that popped up was a picture of Arrested Development, immidiately I was sold. The site is easy to navigate, and is simplistic enough that it's not too distracting. If I was going to make a wiki I'd for sure use http://www.wikia.com.

Wetpaint: Uh, this site is alright. ...hmm, that's all I can really think to say about it. It's bland and boring, kind of like porridge. It doesn't seem to have a theme or to be catering to any audience, such as Wikia and it's entertainment themes, but once again, easy to navigate and get around. I found it to be ho-hum, but if you're going to make a wiki just to make one, then why not use this site? Nothing wrong with sticking to something that's more basic. http://www.wetpaintcentral.com

PBworks: Not going to lie, I was not a fan. The minute I saw this site I got a headache, my mind immediately going to work and business. If you're going to make a business wiki regarding corporate and business-like information, I have found the site for you! Strait forward and very work oriented, I wasn't sold, because I like to bring more fun and excitement into whatever I do, even if it is work, but hey, it may work for you! http://pbworks.com/

Basically, if you want to create a wiki you have to put yourself in Goldilocks shoes. Which bed is too hard, too soft and just right. Find a site that works for you!

Do I like wikis? Would I make one? Should you?
I do enjoy wikis, I find them very useful for researching. Like I said, I'm frequently on Wikipedia and on muppet wiki. Will I create one of my own? No, probably not, I don't really have a need for it, seeing as I like my website edits to be nice and long (ie this wonderful blog). However in the future, I would not rule out the chance of me creating one. I'd do it, so you should you! Why not try something new?

Should my library, or any library, have a wiki? YES! I'm on a crazed rampage where I'm convinced that the library should have any and every new web technology out there to promote and advertise, however my insanity has not clouded my library-know-how, wikis would actually be good for them! You can update a wiki anywhere and anytime, just like a twitter it's fast and convenient, and the updates don't have to be long ones, unlike...say...my blog. All you have to do is sign in to your wiki account, any librarian, clerk or technician who has access to this same account can do this as well, and can insert the date of the library's book fair, or fund raiser. They could also upload a picture of the new 'Story Time Children's Room' to the site for everyone to see. It's actually quite a good idea for libraries, much easier to run, maintain and update than a website.

I spend too much time on wikis and I will say sorry in advance for linking you to this, but it's tons of fun, and you just learn so much about all of the lovable felt monsters. I'm addicted to the muppets, I even made one of my own at the Jim Henson Work Shop in New York, as you can see in the picture. His name is Lord Swaggle Horn. Enjoy! http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Muppet_Wiki.

Don't Miss the Fall

School can be time consuming. Every day you and handed more and more work that must be done within a short time, so you run home and bury yourself in your books, never seeing the light of day, hiding from the world...like Edward does in Twilight...only he doesn't study, he reads magazines and listens to music...and spies on Bella...

ANYWAY!

As I was driving home from a friends house the other night and stopped at a red light, I looked out my window and noticed something. The season had changed. It was now autumn. Most of the leaves on the trees had fallen, the air was crisp, sky was clear and the pond had dozens of geese sleeping upon it.

In that moment I recalled how much I love the fall. Everything about it, even the hissing geese. I actually love geese. When they hiss and chase me angrily around the park I laugh, throwing bread behind me in different directions as I make a serpentine line to the parks' entrance, hoping to confuse the large bird.

...and to think, I almost missed it. I almost missed my favorite season because I'd been so busy with school. I had an epiphany at that moment, that I thought I should share with all of you:

Step back from school, and look around.

My city can suck in the Winter. It's cold as sin and sometimes it feels like it will never be warm again, but other seasons are just so beautiful it's hard for me to ever imagine leaving Winnipeg. I've been so absorbed in school, letting it twist around me and trap me, much like my sheets do every morning. I realized that if I didn't step back and take a night off from school that I would miss my favorite time of year and my life would slowly spiral downward into nothing but the ninth circle of school hell.

So that's what I did. Last Saturday I put the school work aside and went to a house party, where my best friend and I went outside and played in the leaves.

...yes, that is exactly what it sounds like. We ran around in circles throwing the leaves above our heads and rolled around in piles of them. It was a wonderful time. I smelt like Autumn all night. I want to make a habit of doing this on a weekly basis until the snow comes. I had so much fun and it made me feel so much better about my schoolwork the next day. It recharged my tired batteries and made me ready and happy for the following week.

I felt I've been at a low point for the last two weeks, thinking that I couldn't keep up with the work load and that I was falling behind in each class, but now I think that those feelings may have been due to my lack of balancing my life. Do what you have to for school, and then have fun. Step back, look around and enjoy life. School doesn't have to become your life, just a part of it, and if you balance both correctly you'll succeed at both! ...yes, that last line was a little repetitive, I'll work on coming up with a new 'balancing life/school' slogan for next time.

Fraulein Sara's Teachings on RSS!

'RSS'. What is this word? What does it stand for? Raccoon Standing Still? Rolling Sea Sickness? Random Sweet Short-breads? As much as we all wish it was that last option, what it actually stands for is Really Simple Syndication. 'That sounds too simple for it to be a computer term' you say; I know, I agree with you because I only found out what RSS means a few short minutes ago, but I assure you, within those few short minutes I've learned so much. More thank I ever thought I was capable of learning.

Get ready, I'm going to teach you stuff.

First thing first, what is this thing called RSS? It's actually quite simple. You know how going to 7-11 once every month to get your magazines can be annoying, especially if you live in Winnipeg, where most of the year our city is covered in freezing cold, soft and fluffy snow? So a better idea than trudging your way over to 7-11 is to subscribe to your favorite magazines! That way the only one who will get cold is the mailman. (don't worry, mail person's are paid well for what they do.)

In a nutshell that's what an RSS is-only it's on your computer, and not in a convenience store. You can choose your favorite websites that update on a daily basis, and instead of going out and searching for them over the freezing cold, soft and fluffy internet, you can subscribe to their RSS feed and every time they update you'll get that update. No one gets cold in this situation. It's a win win.

I know, you're probably thinking, 'Uh, Fraulein, your internet is neither cold nor soft nor fluffy!' Which my answer is, I know, it was a poor attempt at a joke.

How do you get a RSS feed started?I subscribed to Google+ a few months ago and turns out when I did they automatically gave me a RSS reader! They did all the work for me. It was absolutely lovely. I went to start my research on RSS' and BAM! Turns out it had already been started for me. I've been subscribing to different blogs that my classmates and friends have been writing and they were already added to my 'Google Reader' (which is where all my RSS updates are posted). Excellent, my assignment was already half done and I hadn't started working on it yet.

...at this point I thought you'd like to know, I took a break. I went and got some Hawkins Cheezies because let's be honest, all other cheezie brands are kind of gross.

BACK TO CLASS! Time to subscribe to a library's RSS feed; but which library? My public one? No, I'm already there weekly. My high school library? Maybe...no, wait, I assume they don't have one and the only thing that goes on there is army enrollment seminars. Then it hit me. Where was the one library that I wanted to set up a tent and live in forever? I forced my traveling companions to go there twice when we were in the city and I spent over an hour in the gift shop. The clear choice was The New York Public Library (NYPL). I even have a picture of me there. I know, you can't really see the books in the photo or even the library for that matter, but I look really good! I mean, I'm not very photogenic but WOW! What a great picture. Thank you Allison for capturing my good side.

Immediately I found a downfall to having the NYPL as a constant news feed...I WANT TO GO THERE! They have so many great events! What I wouldn't give to be a teenager in New York, able to walk down to the library every weekend and find a horribly fun and amazing activity to do. (Yes, I did subscribe to the 'Teen Feed' I couldn't resist...and now I'm green with envy.)

Deadly sin aside, I'm now addicted to all of my feeds, between checking the events, fundraisers and new programs on the NYPL page, reading about all of my geek-themed news feeds on i09 and staying updated with the blogs of all my friends, I find that my personal life will soon become a technical one where I will never go out and just read updated feeds all day. I am so in the loop! I feel like Perez Hilton does every day. I may have only learnt what RSS stands for and how to subscribe to the feeds but I love it. It's addictive, so be careful; make sure you still step outside now and then to get some sun.

I can only hope that my public library creates an RSS subscription soon, so I can subscribe to the job postings feed. I can finally be unleashed unto an actual library. I can't wait! Or I could possibly subscribe to the newsletter and be even more aware of the going on's...then again I think all the librarians at my library know me by name and will willingly admit that I know the library happenings better than they do. Either way, I await this day with baited breath, as I'm sure you do too.

Keep on creatin' on...

I love to write. Not just blogs, but fan-fictions and fictional stories. Usually involving supernatural aspects or on the rare occasion science fiction. I'm not sending these stories into any publishers or anything, just writing them for fun. Posting what I do on the internet and letting the rest of the world read and enjoy them...or sometimes read and bestow their hatred for what I write in comment form. It's all good, I learn from mistakes and take the criticism well...or as well as a person can take a big ball of emailed hate.

The other night I was looking through some of my old stores and WOW! Are they poorly written. I mean, they were written over four or five years ago, so credit where credit is due, I was young and unknowing of many words and grammar rules back then.

When I find an old story that's plot is still a really great idea but the writing leaves something to be desired I always find myself faced with two separate paths of creativity:

1) Re-write it! I'm a better writer now, I can easily re-write the story, make it better then ever, seeing as I still quite like the story, and it still interests me.

OR

2) Sometimes working on the same project, re-writing and re-planning some of the ideas can get tedious, and for me it can easily lead to obsession. There have been time when I've re-written a story and have gone back on a yearly basis after that constantly re-writing it. So sometimes it's a better idea to move on. Pull up your socks of creativity, call it a day and write something new and brilliant.

How do I make this choice? Simple, it really just depends on which way the wind is blowing that day. (aka, how I'm feeling)

Yesterday I chose the quick path to obsession. I'm going to try to re-write my idea. I'll let you all know how it goes! Wish me luck!

Oh, school...you make me dumber?

As yet another week approaches its end (it's Thursday, that's only one day away from Friday!!) I feel the calming relief that I will soon experience another few days when my brain can relax and take some much needed time off.

For some reason I feel as though this week has been harder then all the others. My brain didn't retain any information. I just had a computer skill check test, and my mind went blank. Completely blank. It was like my brain had a single moment of spontaneous combustion.

If you are in school, I don't want to alarm you, but this will happen to you...most likely. And when it does I want you to remember Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

DON'T PANIC.

Did I panic...yes. A little. But I have pills that make me calm down slightly. So in the end it was all good. But as for you, dear reader, don't panic. Do what you can and try your best (just like mom always used to say back when you were in grade school). It's only one test. One out of many. So maybe your brain put up a 'gone fishin' ' sign today, but next week it will be ready and rearing to go.

So today I may have been sitting in class looking at the test and thinking to myself 'word....art?...what is this....word....art?' but tomorrow, is a 'brand new day, yeah the sun is high, all the birds are singing-' aaaaaand yes, that was some lyrics from the film 'Dr.Horrible's Sing Along Blog'.

Anyway, you get the point. So a test is bombed, worry not, the world keeps on spinning and you'll have another chance to kick the next test's behind, just like Buffy would.