Yarra Plenty Online Learning

A Daily lesson?

2007-05-17T09:12:00.000+10:00

If you are are up for a challenge and would like to learn something NEW every day? keep an eye on this fascinating Blog by a Reference Librarian located in Guam!

Titled: The Internet can change your life : 'a series of daily assignments designed to teach the newby all all the wonderful things the Internet has to offer'

It's not too late to catch up, currently on Assignment #77.

New technologies are uncovered in a fun way, every post ends with the word PLAY!! which is the core theme of the original 'Learning 2.0' program' by the brilliant Helene Blowers.

More FREE Online Tools

2007-05-15T10:18:00.000+10:00

TWO of our Library Worker 2.0 Modules, Finding Information and Creating Content now have their own Blogs. All the information you need to help with your Projects is now online. No more lost notes or remembering where you put them!!

Using 2.0 technologies to store information online is a great way to get organised. Google Gmail users can now take advantage of Zoho Planner
Schedule tasks, store files, set up a 'to do' list, keep track of your activities.
Why not Check out other Zoho Products, including Zoho Writer, Zoho Wiki Set up a Zoho Widget! ....or Zoho plugin for Microsoft Office!

Writeboard is another simple way to take your own notes or use collaboratively. You can use it to prepare a business letter or share your latest a poem! It archives your work so you can always go back to an earlier version.

The web is full of Online storage repositories including the photo manipulating and sharing sites:
Flickr
Photobucket
Dumpr
Picasa

Web Based Office Suites can be found at:
Google Docs
ThinkFree (Beta at the moment)
Eyeos (Open source software)

Create your own Widgets at Yourminis

Let us know via the comment box in this Blog what you think of these great new technologies!

2.0 The Latest and Greatest!

2007-05-08T14:09:00.000+10:00

Learning 2.0 has helped us understand the ever changing world of Web technology, and now we can see how the leading web sites in the field rank against each other on Movers 2.0, a new website which follows Web 2.0 Traffic trends, using Technorati data.

Check out the top rated sites, Monthly, Weekly Daily!

Find the latest 2.0 sites to play with and apply to your Library Worker 2.0 Projects. I just had to look at SmugMug !

How did I find the link to Movers 2.0? From Stu mbleupon of course! where IT was highlighted on Steven Abrams Blog, Steven's Ligh thouse of course!
Serendipity or just great RSS?

Another snappy little Web 2.0 site surfaced this week.
Gabbly: Chat on the fly, no special chat software required, no signing up with msn or yahoo. Precede any url with gabbly.com/ and up pops your chat box. Has possibilities.

Let us know what you think of these sites or have you discovered your own?

Steaming ahead

2007-05-02T15:38:00.000+10:00

Library Worker 2.0 is now underway. Several lively sessions have been held with the Modules spaced out across the year.

The Creating Content Contenders have their own Blog, Writeboard and wiki sandbox to assist them with their Projects.

Moving on from the 'brainstorming' phase, ideas and Projects are starting to emerge:

A Delicious List for reading and literacy.
Library Thing and Blogger Classes
Local History Wiki
An IT Support Wiki
A Book Blog
A Waterwise Gardening Wiki

Learning 2.0 has been a great foundation for these Projects, Congratulations to those who choose to continue their Lifelong Learning.

Our other Modules are:

Finding Information
Enabling Learning
Celebrating Culture
Leading the Organisation.

Progress reports coming soon!

Basking in glory and moving forward!

2007-04-05T15:48:00.000+10:00

You could say we like a challenge here at Yarra Plenty Library Service.

No sooner had we completed our 'Learning 2.0 23 Things ' Project than the unConference was upon us. The people who came, the dedicated band of organizers and our fearless leader made it a wonderful success.

We have also had our 15 minutes of fame, or in this case just on an hour!, when we presented on the SirsiDynix Institute and now reside in their archive alongside some famous presenters like Steven Abram and Helene Blowers.

Our warmest congratulations to Helene for making this years Library Journal's Movers and Shakers Awards. A well deserved recognition!

We also featured in 'Wired Magazine'
ALIA PubNews and several fellow Bloggers have acknowledged the Aussie Library staff that took on 'The 23 Things'.

Other libraries have sought our help in setting up their own Program and it has been very satisfying to see our colleagues start their own version of the program.
Check out Bayside Libraries Blog.
and their Participants.

Our next step is our Library Worker 2.0 Program.

Classes are under way, creative juices are flowing..............Watch this space!!!

Late Bloomers are you still there?

2007-02-19T12:24:00.000+11:00

Has Learning 2.0 taken a holiday? Are we still 'Lifelong Learners'?

Well done to our Graduates of Learning 2.0 who continue to Blog!

For those still blogging or considering starting we are offering an extra enticement !!

We have some cute 512mb usb sticks up for Grabs! for the next 15 people to finish Learning 2.0.

Will you take up the Challenge? Who is going to climb aboard our Learning 2.0 Bullet Train?
Registration details are on the Intranet.

Learning 'The 23 Things' is required for completion of the "Creating Content" module of the Library Worker 2.0 Program.
We are encouraging all who have not started your Blog to think about getting it up and running soon (how about a new 512mb usb stick ?)
More information on all the Library Worker 2.0 modules are available on the Intranet under "People and Learning" or please contact Ian Gofton.

And the Winner is...................................!

2007-02-09T14:55:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to Kerry Bergantino the winner of the laptop that was drawn today at our Grand Finale Party. Kerry is a member of the Watsonia Branch Library who can proudly claim the highest number of participating staff in the Learning 2.0 Program.

40+ Members of staff enjoyed excellent coffee and a huge cake to celebrate the magnificent effort of taking on the challenge of 'The 23 Things'.

Christine Mackenzie our CEO congratulated all the staff who voluntarily took part in Learning 2.-0 Program.

We were fortunate to have Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, the Victorian State Librarian, draw the Winner and tell us about the new directions that the State Library are taking, especially in Online development.

Lynette Lewis created an impressive slide show on our achievements that ended in an Honour Roll of our graduates, to the tune of 'We are the Champions of the world!

The buzz that started back in October 2005, in the same room that Steven Abram launched our program continues on......

Are you ready for more challenges???

WATCH THIS SPACE!

YOU DID IT !!! Congratulations

2007-02-07T15:33:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to our 48 members of staff who completed The Learning 2.0 Program!
Sheer determination, tenacity and amazing creativity shone through in all the Blogs as you worked through 'The 23 Things'.

Take a bow YOU are among the first Australians to have taken on this Program. Yarra Plenty is the first Library in Australia to participate. A fantastic achievement and now is the time to celebrate and share our experiences.
Our Finale Party will be on Friday 9th February at Thomastown Library. The State Librarian, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich will present the certificates, USBs and draw the winner of the Laptop.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library has 'Hit the News! You may have thought nobody was looking as you took on the World of Web 2.0, but the world was watching us!

Yarra Plenty's participation in the Learning 2.0 Program was publicised in library journals, which in turn created much interest from other libraries.

We have been asked for advice on attempting this program from Universities, schools and other organisations.
We were interviewed by Researchers & guest speakers at Conferences who were planning their papers.
Christine was invited to speak about our Program.
We feature in discussion lists, blogs and wikis of our peers.

The SirsiDynix Institute invited us to present a 1 hour Webinar to discuss our experiences.
We presented this yesterday (6th February) and it was broadcast LIVE to over 70 locations throughout the USA and Australia.
The Podcast will be available in the archive on their website which is a treasure trove of podcasts from the leaders in the Field.

Steven Abram's '25 Technologies in 50 minutes' takes you to what's in front of the pack for the 2.0 community portal.

Helene Blowers, the brilliant architect of the Learning 2.0 Program, talks about Learning 2.0 : make PLAY your New Years resolution.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank:
Helene and Steven for their support and encouragement. You inspired us and truly paved the way!
Christine Mackenzie, our CEO and all the Managers who saw this as a wonderful opportunity to equip staff with a whole new array of skills.

YOU!!!!! The Achievers and Graduates, Congratulations on a job well done.

Our Bullet train is only stopping briefly ....to pick up passengers. For those just starting out or if you are midway through the program, keep going, talk to our Graduates, you too can feel that sense of achievement.

Keep blogging, keep Learning and Keep PLAYING!

A BIG THANK YOU from Denise and Lynette, we are so proud of you...........
YOU ARE ALL STARS!

Week 14 recap

2007-01-25T15:45:00.000+11:00

The finale is drawing near ....

As we near the completion of our Learning 2.0 program, I look at the results you have achieved with amazement.

Whether or not you have been able to complete all tasks on the program; participants as a group have completed almost 1,300 learning units . Each star on our tracking log represents a unit of information you have learned. No wonder Chistine refers to it as the "megastar methodology"
What a fabulous achievement!!!!

Don't forget, if you are able to complete all 23 activites by Monday 29th January, you go into the draw for the fabulous laptop pictures above.

The laptop will be drawn, and certificates and USB sticks presented to all our "Learning 2.0 Graduates" at the finale party on Friday 9th February.
Invitations will be sent out next week.

There is still time to finish....Good luck

Week 13 Recap

2007-01-17T09:04:00.000+11:00

Are you still Playing, Learning and having fun?

Reading your Blogs is great Fun as we Learn from YOU and watch as you take pride in YOUR achievements.

So many of YOU are moving beyond the technologies presented in the '23 Things' and discovering your own. The creativity continues as you can see from InfoLass >>>>>>>

Reading 'Thing 23': Summarise your thoughts about this program on your blog, is certainly inspiring others, keep it going, the world is watching.
In 2 weeks time we get our chance to show YOUR achievements to the world in our presentation for the SirsiDynix Institute.

You may also like to Listen Now to the excellent Podcast on Learning 2.0 by Helene Blowers for the SirsiDynix Institute.

Some quotes from OUR bloggers:

"So overall, a big thank you for the experience. Actually the best thing was when my son (computer guru) mentioned blogs and then said in condescending way, "Sorry Mum, you may not know what a blog is". It was with great satisfaction that I could say that not only did I know what a blog was, I actually had my own!"
Ramblings of a Hedgehog

"I must remember that 'patrons' use the technology. if I am aware of what is out there then I can respond appropriately and adapt and embrace new ways of doing things. As Rick Anderson says in his article regarding icebergs to the future of libraries "All are remnants of a bygone information age, practices and attitudes that no longer make sense but which we have difficulty letting go. Our patrons have no such qualms, of course, as the emergence of Web 2.0 demonstrates" Libraries and librarians need to embrace change and look at new ways of assisting patrons in the search for information or leisure.
Learning 2.0 has been a real eye opener for me and has forced me to look and explore things i would not normally so it certainly given me new and fresh ideas"
Reading is Fun

Completion date is January 26th, Australia Day!! There is still time to tackle your Learning, Play and Have Fun.............................. so

HAVE A GO!!!

Denise and Lynette

Week 12 Recap

2007-01-12T08:59:00.000+11:00

Wow! can you believe it is 3 months since our launch of Learning 2.0 ?

The Bullet train is starting to slow down and 20 Staff members have already hopped off, completed Blog tucked under their arms! It has been a pleasure to read the final comments so far, and see how proud people are of their Achievements.

Learning and Observing
"Not only have I learn't about the web etc etc I have also learn't about myself- I AM tenacious, I AM capable of learning new tricks, I AM still able to be surprised & thrilled to discover new things"

Doris' Learning 2.0
"I thought of what Wiki I would create for our library and came up with the idea of a "LIBRARY TECHNICIAN'S WIKI" In this we could discuss the roles and ideas other Technicians. In the past we have had to wait until a Library Technician's Conference comes around, which is every two years, to share our skills and achievements. WIKI-LT HERE WE COME!!

Cats of the World
"So what did I think of the modules just completed? Well there certainly was a lot to examine and has helped me to appreciate the current range of applications out there for library staff to be knowledgeable about (although I don't doubt that there is much more). It reminds me of something said at an information session beginning my library diploma: this is not a profession you can retire into"
The Net Library module at 'Thing 22' is unavailable through the PLCMC link so Please use the Alternative shown in the Side Bar or CLICK HERE!

RSS Feeds can be from a variety of Sources, not just NEWS. You can get an RSS feed from a Friend or Family members Blog.
Reading Blogs via RSS Feeds is a great way to keep in touch and keep on Learning.
The Feel Good Librarian
is a Reference Librarian who writes about 'Life on the desk' .....read her latest telephone experience, maybe YOU have one to tell us about?

New 2.0 Technologies keep Emerging. Check out the Social Networking Awards : Top Social Networks of 2006.

Not long to go now, keep on Blogging and Learning.

Denise and Lynette

Week 11 Recap

2007-01-04T12:21:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year to all ! Wow!! You have all been busy over the break with lots of effort and creativity emerging on your Blogs.

You may have noticed that the PLCMC Blog you are following for 'The 23 Things' only has 9 Weeks, but we have decided to run ours a little longer to allow for the Christmas break etc.

We do however officially FINISH on January 26th, with our Grand Finale party, presentation of certificates and draw for the Laptop on February 9th at Thomastown Library. More info soon!
To receive the Usb stick, lanyard and to go into the Laptop Draw all '23 Things' MUST be completed by January 26th.

Now is the time to really think hard about getting stuck into the Program. As one staff member said 'Once I broke it down into each individual thing to tackle, it really was not hard at all, and I had so much FUN!'

Helene Blower's Blog has a new address at Library Bytes (you might need to update your RSS Feeds?)
Helene talks about the Best Bits of 2006 and shows us another FUN 2.0 technology using a Meme! (explained here) called '5 Things you may NOT know about ME

Here is a challenge to YPRL participants. Tell us 5 things we may not know about you??
Here are 5 things about the Yarra Plenty Regional Library you may or may not know!!

1. YPRL is the ONLY Library in Australia following the PLCMC '23 Things' Program.

2. Lalor Library once had a cat give birth during opening hours under a workroom desk which was attended by all visitors.

3. A Home Library Service driver once performed and improptu belly dance for an aged patron.

4. Our YpLearning Blog has 13 subscribers.

5. A handful of staff have been here 30+ years (in some societies their wisdom is revered :)

Numbered Lists seem to be very popular on the Blogs:
20 Internet Acronyms every parent should know! (POS=Parent over shoulder)
50 coolest websites from Time.com (with some shining examples of web 2.0 next gen sites)
5 Phrases I hope I never hear in Libraries (I don't have Time...hmmmm??)

Cataloguers out there are reaching for their hip flasks as subject headings morph into TAGS.
If you are tackling Tags at Things 13 &14 See the TAGS being used on UTube, Technorati, Flickr etc. with Tagbulb Search Engine.

......................OR Get your own Firefox extension and see Tags appear at the top of each page you visit.
Library Videos: Submit your own??? or rate your favourite here.

Can you identify with this video? 'Are you Blogging this?

It's all DOWNHILL now with Learning 2.0, keep going with those creative blogs and great ideas.

Denise and Lynette

Week 10 Recap

2006-12-29T10:07:00.000+11:00

Hi there all '23 Things' participant s. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and if you are out jogging at this moment, we hope you have an audio book on your mp3 player! (tackling 'Thing 22')

If you need some inspiration to 'stick' with this program, just take a look at the comments from THOSE who have completed the '23 Things' (**** indicates the person has completed the course) How about offering them some congratulations on their success ?

Here are few more comments to inspire you:
"Most of what I saw was shared by people a lot younger than me, but I can see how we should be creating a much more interactive website for our own library"

"my great thanx to YPRL for the opportunity. There should be more of it! Oh and most of all, thanks to River'sEdge for getting me started on the program. Wouldn't have known much about how to go about it if you hadn't shown me what to do"

"Wow!!what a challenge and an incredible experience.I truly doubted I could do this program but was determined to have a go"

We hope that the holiday break may have freed up a bit more time to tackle 'The 23 Things' so keep plugging away. Our celebration party and draw for the laptop is just down the Road.

As New Years Eve approaches, we hope you have a great one and we look forward to continuing with our Learning in 2007. There are some great ideas coming out of the Blogs for ways to use these Web 2.0 technologies in our libraries. Keep them coming!!

Denise and Lynette.

Week 9 Recap

2006-12-18T12:37:00.000+11:00

If ever we needed confirmation that this program was on the right track we only have to look at Time Magazines 'Person of the Year' it's YOU !

Take a bow everybody in the Learning 2.0 Program.

A quote from the article:
"This is an opportunity to build a new kind of international understanding, not politician to politician, great man to great man, but citizen to citizen, person to person. It's a chance for people to look at a computer screen and really, genuinely wonder who's out there looking back at them"

Social networking becomes the norm!

It is great to see our staff bloggers uncovering new and interesting resources.

This Book Lovers Wiki was uncovered by one of our participants.
Princeton Public Library has used one of the FREE Wiki hosting sites PBWiki

Another WIKI worth a look is the American Library Association 'Tips' Wiki.

For those up to the Audio Book 'Thing' please use our Alternative option to Net Library to address 'Thing #22"

Our Staff are all at various stages along the Learning 2.0 Program and its great to see you helping each other move through each 'Thing'!

For those of you still contemplating the jump into Blogging and Learning 2.0 technologies, give it a go, you just don't know where it may lead you.

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
Mark Twain

Denise and Lynette

Week 8 Recap

2006-12-14T10:17:00.000+11:00

One of the best parts of co-ordinating the Yarra Plenty Online Learning program is reading our Participants blogs
Staff are really getting into the swing of Blogging now, when just a few short months ago they may never have seen or heard of a Blog.

Staff have blogged this week about:

Library Thing: "I suggest all our borrowers should access this facility. How many times have we been asked for a list of past loans that a borrower has had?? This way they could keep track of their own titles"

Del.icio.us: "Being able to access "favourites" anywhere anytime is also a big plus factor for staff members, particularly part timers who have to share computers"

Blogs are the glue that holds our Learning Program together, we follow the program through the PLCMC and Yarra Plenty Online Learning Blogs, using RSS Feeds in Bloglines we are able to access some amazing Blogs for further learning and just having fun.

The latest 2.0 'Things' are showcased through the Blogs of our Teachers and Peers.

An interesting use of Mashups popped up on the Allen County Public Library Blog, Fort Wayne, Indiana. What a great way to Browse, check out their Book Wall.

For those of you moving into 'Thing' #20 Youtube, check out the PLCMC Learning Blog and watch Helene Blowers, the marvelous architect of this learning program as she delivers her final address to her staff and draws the winner of 'their' Laptop !! Yarra Plenty even gets a mention, woo hoo !!

Well done in this weeks efforts, it's great to see your enthusiasm.

Denise and Lynette.

Week 7 Recap

2006-12-05T14:55:00.000+11:00

More Happy Bloggers are starting to climb aboard our Library 2.0 Bullet Train and it's great to see the enthusiasm for Learning.

One of our Bloggers is happy to be at the halfway point
"Yay! More than half way through my 23 things to learn. It's downhill all the way now."

New Library 2.0 'Things' are popping up each day via the RSS Feeds, here are a couple more:

Thing #10 Image Generator sites:

For Flickr users, a new mashup site called Dumpr : fun with Flickr
Eltham Library in a Gallery, whatever next! How about a picture of the dog, cat or your mother in law?

Try out your ideas at Image Chef
or create your own motivational poster like the one above at Big Huge Labs

Thing #22 Here is another site for MP3 Audio downloads: Librivox

To find more RSS Feeds about Libraries try: Libworm
What is the library world talking about? unconferences? screencasts?

Keep moving forward with Learning 2.0 and KEEP PLAYING!

Denise and Lynette

Week 6 Recap

2006-11-28T10:45:00.000+11:00

Happy Bloggers at Library Support Services.

www.flickr.com

yarraplentylibrary's YPRL Bloggers photoset

Lots of activity on the Blogs this week with people moving through the '23 Things'.

Online Image generators are inspiring some great creativity and its certainly worth checking out the Participants Blogs.
For extra inspiration check out this HUGE list of Image generators.

Doing your own Tagging (Thing #13) is great fun! Being an 'old cataloguer' it's so nice to see that 'subject headings' have gone Upmarket and are now fashionable, and indeed extremely useful!.......of course we always knew that!!
Tell us about your Tagging experiences.

We are inviting COMMENTS this week and encouraging YOU all to comment on this Blog and each others. One of our "NEW" Bloggers is even offering a 'virtual prize'!!
It's nice to say "I liked your Magazine cover mock up' as you pass by someones desk but let's keep this interactivity happening and help spread the word and your experiences.

Looking ahead to 2007 Yarra Plenty is pleased to announce the Unconference to be held at Thomastown Library on March 2nd. Check out the Blog and get involved!

Happy Blogging and Learning 2.0

Denise and Lynette

Week 5 Recap

2006-11-22T16:35:00.000+11:00

Wow, we have been aboard the Library 2.0 Bullet Train for over a MONTH now and we are all at various stages along the track, some have even alighted at a station but hopefully its only a 'comfort stop' and they will be back on board soon.

Lifelong Learning can be so much fun as we are finding out from our talented Bloggers.

It is great to read our participants Blogs

Some of the comments so far:

"Library Thing" This will be very handy for compiling booklists for borrowers who are always wanting to know what to read next.

"This is great fun, and I could keep going on & on........"

"Ok, ok, I am now convinced. Del.icio.us is truly a feast for an academic, student, lifelong learner or internet junkie"

"Obviously doing something wrong, where's a mentor when you need one! I'll have another try next week"

TIPS

Thing #7 links across to Site Pal which does not appear to have the message still active, so please just do as the #7 asks "Blog about anything technology related that interests you". If you are looking for ideas think, digital cameras, usb sticks, any Web 2.0 applications.

Thing #8 RSS Feeds (and its great to see some of your Feeds!) you might like to read a previous blog entry from this site called 'Get going with an RSS Reader'

As you become more familiar with Blogger you might like to try the Settings Tab and reset the Time to reflect this part of the world, even if it does look good that your posts indicate you are toiling away at 2am! (maybe you are!)
Click on the Settings Tab and then the Formatting Tab, here you can set your Blog to indicate Australian Time.

Wikipedia now has an entry for Library 2.0, check it out!

Well Done to all our Bloggers so Far!

Week 4 Recap

2006-11-13T12:42:00.000+11:00

"There is that special sort of buzz when something is learned and conquered"

"What a fabulous time we are in; what a sin to waste that time and stick our heads in the sand saying'It's too hard/ too late for me".

We love these comments from one of our 'Bloggers', it is great to see people actually encouraging and inspiring 'themselves' to tackle Learning 2.0!

People are certainly practicing the 7 1/2 Habits.
Habit 2: 'Accept responsibility for your own learning' shows just what being an active participant is all about.

Admitting its 'daunting' but having the confidence to 'have a Go! shows us that so many of our Staff are prepared to do the 'hard yards' for 'themselves' and our Library Service.
Please read and comment on each other's Blogs.
66 Bloggers are are all up and running.

Liszen has been added as an extra link to the sidebar of this Blog. With this Search Engine you can tap into the collective Library Blogosphere. Try a search on 'Yarra Plenty' or 'RFID'.

TIPS

This weeks TIP is to encourage you to stay on Track by addressing each of the '23 Things' (following through on the links provided) and notating the number in your Blog entry. eg #8 RSS Feeds, #10 Online Image Generators.

Please feel free to use your own in-house mentors or check the FAQs for extra help.

Denise & Lynette.

Week 3 Recap

2006-11-02T15:50:00.000+11:00

Congratulations on all the amazing efforts this week. It has been such fun seeing (and listening!!) to the enthusiasm for Learning 2.0.
Flickr seems to be a VERY popular place to hang out! Can you see the potential for using it in your library?

TIPS

Often a small hiccup can be overcome by just asking someone else how they handled it. Staff are collaborating, mentoring and inspiring others.......Go YPRL STAFF!

Think about 'Creating Content' in your Blog.
Try for around 100-150 words to address each of the '23 Things'

If you have skipped away and are already up to the 22nd Thing 'Audio Books'
***NOTE**
The Net Library subscription is unavailable to us .......SO!
We would like you to look at World EBook Library's 'World EBook Fair' site.
There are FREE downloads here from the Gutenberg Project.

If you have Real Player or Windows Media Player installed you can listen right there or download to an MP3 device.

Interesting links can also be found at the World EBook Fair site

Historical Childrens Ebooks
eMovies and other collections

Congratulations to those who have finished, we hope you keep blogging, commenting and inspiring others.

Denise and Lynette

Week 2 Recap

2006-10-27T15:40:00.000+10:00

23 THINGS UPDATE

Well things are moving along nicely as we progress through the "23 Things, Learning 2.0"

People are all at various stages along the journey and we have an RSS feed set up to chart YOUR progress. Staff can check their progress on the Tracking Log Spreadsheet on the Intranet and if we havn't given you your RED star for your completed 'thing' please let us know. We update the list regularly

A few more TIPS for Learning 2.0.

When you send us your BLOG address, please use the cut and paste method to capture the URL.

Keep in mind that you are interacting between 2 Blogs to follow the LESSONS.

1. The 23 Things. Each 'thing' is numbered and requires further clicking to reach the actual lesson that will appear on the Learning 2.0 Blog eg. #5 Explore Flickr
****Extra Tip*** Print out the list of '23 Things' and tick them off as you go!

2. Link to the individual Lesson: eg. 'Explore flickr" LINK!
This Blog is where the 'individual Podcasts' for each lesson are to get you started. It also offers further links to find all the good stuff, like Flickr Services and mashups.
You will see the the Actual Lesson is divided into 3 categories.
1. Listen to the Podcast
2. Discover resources (other areas to click into, like tutorials etc.)
3. Discovery exercise....tells you exactly what to do.

Several of the lessons ask you to Blog 'your thoughts'....this is PART of the Program and we want to see what YOU think? If in doubt check out some of OUR (or the US) participants Blogs.

If you have moved on from Flickr.... and that can be difficult, (I heard one comment that it was 'addictive' !!) you might be ready for RSS Feeds, which is:
Week 4 Thing #8.
Start your Bloglines account by setting up a feed from our YPLearning Blog or your colleagues Blogs.

Congratulations to everybody who has started and for those have registered.....we are waiting to receive your Blog URL (just cut and paste it from the address bar).

Don't feel its too late, this program allows people to come on board at any time up until January.

Remember to use mentors (One of the 71/2 Habits, Learn by teaching others!) and read the FAQs on the Yarra Plenty Online Learning Blog.

Keep those Blogs coming, there is some great creativity happening out there!!!

Week 1 Recap

2006-10-19T09:42:00.000+10:00

5 Days ago we launched Learning 2.0 at Thomastown Library.

An Inspiring presentation was given by Stephen Abram, Vice President of Innovation, SirsiDynix, one of the Library Journal's 'Movers and Shakers Top 50 People" who are shaping the future of Libraries and Librarianship. Stephen spoke about the many ways libraries could use social networking tools to create online communities and to facilitate the creation of content in libraries. As the First Australian Library to undertake this Project it was a real bonus to have Stephen launch Learning 2.0 for our Staff.

We are Thrilled with the response from our staff with over 70 attending the launch and over 50 registered to date! 16 Blogs are up and running.
It is great to see the Comments and speculation on Who's Blog is that??

The creativity emerging is fantastic to see.........and learn from.

Staff are helping each other and asking for assistance (I hope my advice to 'NOT jump from the library roof' because Blogger wouldn't update was heeded!).

Here are a few TIPS that might be useful, for those who have not climbed aboard our Bullet Train yet!

Listening to the Podcasts on 'The 23 Things' Blog does require Shockwave to be installed and if you cannot see the little audio icon, this could be why. Download here.
When you set up your Blog remember to take note of your Login details. It might be useful to write these down as you create your Blogger Account.
To make Our life easier could you please identify each 'Thing' as you do them on your Blog. This helps us when updating the Spreadsheet charting your progress.
Setting the Time in Blogger. If you look at your posts on your blog you may see it says 4am....yikes did I post then? This defaults to the US setting but it can be easily changed in Blogger. Click on the Settings Tab, underneath it you will have further options. Click on the Formatting Tab, this is where you can change how the Date and Time will display.
Refresh the page in your Browser if you cannot see the new postings you have made to your Blog.

Thanks to ALL who have registered so far.....and for those of you still waiting on the platform, the train has arrived, hop on board!

Please participate on our Online Poll (Another Web 2.0 technology)

Denise

Learning 2.0 START UP!

2006-10-09T14:49:00.000+10:00

Welcome to YPRL’s Online Learning 2.0.
Congratulations on choosing to jump on board the Bullet Train that is Web 2.0. We hope you and your colleagues will enjoy the ride and gain many new
skills along the way.

Every person who completes The 23 Things' will receive a USB stick, lanyard, certificate and go into the Draw for a Laptop Computer!

Equipment required: You will need a computer with a sound card (check 'Mute' is off), speakers, headphones or ear buds (many of the lessons are small podcasts to listen to).

Learning 2.0 will require you to read 4 Blogs (Now don’t throw up your hands in horror, if we said 4 websites would that be better?)

Learning 2.0 "23 Things" This will be the focal point of the program, listing all 23 things and links you will need to follow. Developed by Helene Blowers at The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) for their staff training. This program has been adopted by several libraries, (currently we are the FIRST library in Australia!)

Certain aspects of this program will not apply to us and this should be evident to you. (No MP3s on offer and Our Recording Progress will be different)
Learning 2.0... "23 Things" will constantly link to this Blog which is the ACTUAL Lessons Blog. It is also used by PLCMC to chart their progress, recap each weeks efforts and offer extra help and assistance. We will be in the fortunate position of seeing the progress of the PLCMC staff as they have almost completed the Program.
*** Note** These 2 blogs have different addresses but constantly interact.
Yarra Plenty Online Learning: Our Blog on this Project which will chart OUR progress, offer help and advice. It will contain all the links back to 23 Things and Learning 2.0, plus extra links to useful websites including a List of our participants (check out your colleagues Blogs, make comments, offer encouragement, share experiences).

Your Blog: Post to it! Read it, edit it, have a play with it, Enjoy!

Step One is simple:

Follow this link to ’Learning 2.0 '23 Things’

Week 1 is the Introduction and Official Start……………..over to YOU now!

(You may choose to do Week 1 as a Group activity)

*** NOTE *** to help us (and you) chart your progress!

As you work through each Week and Each 'Thing' please indicate this on your Blog eg.

Week 3 Thing #7

Refer to our FAQs Post for extra information.

FAQs for Learning 2.0

2006-09-26T11:30:00.000+10:00

What about Privacy? There is none! Everyone can read your Blog, this is the nature of Blogs in general.

Suggestions: You can remain anonymous by choosing a Generic Name for the Blog and hide your user profile if you wish.

Keep in mind the type of Posts you make and use discretion in mentioning names/places etc.
Copyright issues and intellectual content also apply to Blogs.

How do I Register? Use the online registration form on the Intranet. It also includes a Blog registration. Use the CUT and PASTE method to put your URL into your registration form or emails.

How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs.

Is this Program open to All YPRL Staff? Yes the Program is open to All YPRL Staff regardless of position or status (full or part time).

How long do I have to complete this program? The program begins on 13^th October and ends on January 26th (We have extended the length to take into consideration our Christmas Holidays and ‘late starters”, but you will still follow the ’23 things’ Blog' to complete tasks.

How do I track my progress? Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their own progress. Basically you will make regular posts to your Blog about what you are learning, likes dislikes etc. Noting each week and addressing each 'Thing'!

An Excel spreadsheet will be kept at LSS where your progress will be recorded. This can be viewed on the Intranet.

Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff members blogs can help, too.

Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own!!

Net Library Alternative.

The Net Library subscription is unavailable to us .......SO!
We would like you to look at World EBook Library's 'World EBook Fair' site.
There are FREE downloads here from the Gutenberg Project.

If you have Real Player or Windows Media Player installed you can listen right there or download to an MP3 device.

Interesting links can also be found at the World EBook Fair site

Historical Childrens Ebooks
eMovies and other collections

What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. A link to the list of the participants will appear on our YPLearning Blog.

Help is also available from Lynette Lewis and Denise McLarty at LSS.

Contact us 3 ways:

Email, Phone, Groupwise messenger ID (realtime chat)

Learning 2.0 Begins!

2006-09-21T11:42:00.000+10:00

Today we have sent out this email to All Staff with a brief explanation of the Learning 2.0 Project.
Invitations to the Launch of the Project on October 13th will be sent to All Staff .

"We are about to Launch an exciting new initiative in Professional Development at Yarra Plenty Library.

Learning 2.0 is an Online Learning Program that encourages staff to learn more about emerging Web technologies that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.

Learning 2.0 can equip us with a new set of skills that will enhance our profile as information specialists in an Online Environment.

Learning 2.0 will show we are constantly working towards providing a high level of Online Customer Service that is now expected by our patrons and colleagues.

Invitations to All Staff will arrive shortly to the Launch of this Project.
We strongly encourage ALL STAFF to take this wonderful opportunity to participate in this Fantastic Program! "

Denise McLarty and Lynette Lewis
LSS
on behalf of
The Learning 2.0 Training Committee

Library 2.0 Resources

2006-09-13T10:27:00.000+10:00

This Wikipedia page is an excellent resource for all things Library 2.0.
Many interesting articles and references worth reading.

In a nutshell:

"The heart of Library 2.0 is user-centered change. It is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation in the creation of both the physical and the virtual services they want, supported by consistently evaluating services. It also attempts to reach new users and better serve current ones through improved customer-driven offerings. Each component by itself is a step toward better serving our users; however, it is through the combined implementation of all of these that we can reach Library 2.0"
Casey, Michael & Savastinuk, Laura. (2006) Library 2.0: Service for the Next-generation Library, Library Journal, September 1, 2006.

Use Podcasting to download and listen to the latest in 2.0 at 'Talking with Talis"

A 50 min, 34mb, MP3 file Introducing the Library 2.0 Gang explores what 'Library 2.0' means, and looks at some of the changes that this phrase has attempted to capture.

Get going with an RSS Reader

2006-09-13T09:56:00.000+10:00

The best way to learn about RSS Feeds and Feed Readers is to actually start using one!

Using an RSS Reader like Bloglines allows you to store all your Feeds in one spot and browse at your leisure. You get to see how many feeds have arrived and decide when you will read them.

You may decide to allow the feeds to accumulate and read a Blog (or website) feed when they reach a certain amount eg. Stephens's Lighthouse had 4 feeds yesterday and 10 today....It might be a good time to browse them.

You can start your Bloglines Account (its FREE) with 1 or 2 feeds and then build from there. Obviously the more feeds you have, the more 'new' content will arrive.

Reading Feeds regularly keeps you in the loop and by gleaning information from others, it saves you 'reinventing the wheel' again!

Day One Library 2.0

2006-08-28T10:31:00.000+10:00

This blog is being set up to chart our progress in Learning Library 2.0. Friday August 18th was our first meeting to discuss how we can inspire and motivate staff to look at the new and emerging technologies associated with Web 2.0.
A plan is being developed to encourage staff to participate in an Online Learning Program, which is self paced and self monitored.
We plan to use the model 'Learning 2.0, 23 Things' which was developed by the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County.

We have started educating our staff with a travelling Roadshow highlighting the new developments on the Web.
Our Roadshow has presented sessions on:
Podcasting and MP3s
E-Books
Blogs
Wikis
RSS
Sirsi Rooms
Google's new FREE online products eg. spreadsheets and Picasa.

The response to the Roadshow has been quite positive and we detect a certain buzz in the air about the benefits of the Library adopting and using these new products.

We have also organised a public education Session and hope to make links with the Community using these new technologies to strengthen our partnerships.

Why are you participating in Library 2.0?
	I enjoy learning new things.
	It looks like fun.
	My boss is making me do it.
	To get the reward and go into draw for laptop.

Free polls from Pollhost.com