Onward and Upward Weblog

Videocasting the spiritual world

carolconroy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:57:16 +0000

Videocasting—What a great way to look into the window of the spiritual world. Those who are there, those who can show us how to go into the realms of the soul, videocasting is a great vehicle to raise our consciousness. Of course it’s also a vehicle that can lower our consciousness, our choice. Libraries are portals to all levels of consciousness. I choose this one!

Social Networking — Caught up? Not yet.

carolconroy — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:46:04 +0000

Social Networking is real work for one who is an introvert and shy. I read and understand the attraction and benefits of becoming part of a social network. I’ve created a Facebook account, but haven’t really been excited about using it. I did it mostly just to see what it was all about. My husband likes and uses it alot. Anyway, maybe when I have more time to spend with it? Hmm. Do they have social networks in the spiritual work? I think so, but I think it works differently there!

Library 2.0 new, new, new

carolconroy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:27:41 +0000

When I think of library 2.0, it reminds me of times in the past when major changes were happening in the library world, around 1980′s. It was exciting and fun. Library 2.0 is more then a major change, it is a major shift in the way we see ourselves as librarians and the way we assist users to find information and recreational resources. I have the opportunity to apply for an elibrarian position. It’s new, and the person who gets this job will put their stamp on it. I really liked the points that Michael Stephens made about the new world of librarianship. It bears repeating:

Librarian 2.0 plans for users:

Librarian 2.0 bases all plans/proposals for services, materials, outreach on user needs and wants.
Librarian 2.0 asks what new technologies or new materials users need
Librarian 2.0 proposes building projects and involves users in designing those places
Librarian 2.0 does not create policies and procedures that impede users access to the library
Librarian 2.0 tells users how resources and funds will be expended
Librarian 2.0 makes decisions and plans available to be discussed in open forums with comments answered

Librarian 2.0 embraces Web 2.0 tools

Librarian 2.0 controls technolust

Librarian 2.0 plans and intelligently uses technology
Librarian 2.0 asks does the new technology meet the users need in a new or improved way?
Librarian 2.0 asks does it create a useful service for putting users together with the information and experience they seek?

Librarian 2.0 makes good, yet fast decisions

Librarian 2.0 knows that a perpetual beta works well for the library’s presence
Librarian 2.0 rejects project timelines are too time laden
Librarian 2.0 redesigns for ease of use
Librarian 2.0 considers easily add/re-configured pieces
Librarian 2.0 makes decisions through recent studies (like the Pew report), articles from professional and scholarly journals, and a synthesis on the topic from the biblioblogspere

Librarian 2.0 is a trendspotter

seeks out info and news that may impact future service
uses OCLC Pattern Recognition and User Perception reports and uses them in planning
uses the Cluetrain Manifesto
reads outside the profession for trends and impact of technology use in business

Librarian 2.0 gets content

Librarian 2.0 knows that the future of libraries will be guided by how users access, consume, and create content
Librarian 2.0 knows that content is a conversation as well and that the library should participate
Librarian 2.0 will help users become their own programming directors for all the content available to them

Librarian 2.0 listens to staff and users when planning—-tells stories of success and failures, learns from them, allows staff time to play and learn, and never stops dreaming of how to make the best possible library.

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I have to say that Michael has made it alot easier for me to understand library 2.0. Thank you.

It seems community online is thriving, and physically we’ve lost it. Maybe this will help us get back on track. It reminds me that I can’t go home by myself. Only by taking others with me will I be able to leave this material world.

Flickr Fun

carolconroy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:56:04 +0000

Flickr and all the applications you can use to create visual stories, statements, or games for sharing or for profit are incredible. The only complaint I have is that I have no time to investigate and play around. But here’s one simple thing I was able to do.

: Inhabitants of Govardhana Hill

Our journey into Web 2.0 technology and out of this material world to Goloka Vrndavana.

Wiki – hmmmm

carolconroy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:23:36 +0000

Wiki—a website that can be collaborately worked on. Meaning others can edit and re-arrange text and images. I see the potential in having one on our public library website. We could have a local history wiki where people add to topical discussions. One library actually had their library’s mission and five year plan posted. They really wanted people to add and edit it. Interesting.

I went to a wiki to try to add an image, but couldn’t figure it out. So, I’ll add it here!

Krsna's playground

This is leaving the material world.

Govardhana Hill –where Krsna and His devotees enjoy loving pastimes.

Podcasting — I Like

carolconroy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:10:42 +0000

I complained about RSS feeds because I didn’t like things invading my space, and yet I like podcasting, which is really just audio RSS feeds. I think it’s because it’s sound and not text. I read so much text during the day, that having it sitting there waiting to be read is too much. But having the audio—I don’t have to do anything but sit back and listen. I don’t have to think about being at the radio or tv at a certain time, but can have it ready for me when I’m ready. I can take it or leave it.

I have classical music from Aspen, Old Time Radio, Mugglenet, Open Heart New Age Music, and my Hare Krsna music and lectures from my spiritual master A.C. Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada. Lots to choose from depending on my mood. Ahhhhh.

RSS Feeds – friend or foe

carolconroy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:42:25 +0000

Well, my immersion into RSS feeds was not for me. Talk about information overload! I don’t like the idea of information constantly flowing to me. I looked at Google Reader and NetVibes and was completely turned off. I guess I’m just old fashioned, but I like going to a website when I want to, a blog when I want, getting news when I want, contacting friends when I want. I don’t need a place where the latest update on my interests are pushed on me. This is not how I inform myself. If I’m little behind that’s alright. Slow down you move too fast! I find the concept very distracting.

For those who don’t like people or things infringing on your space, this is not for you (or me). So for the moment, I will have nothing to do with RSS feeds, and feel my life better for it. Each to his own! The only positive for me about RSS feeds and the philosophy behind it is that it’s “pushing” or motivating me to get out of this material world!

Hello world!

carolconroy — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:12:57 +0000

I’m here. I’m present. They say that writing down your journey helps you keep track of where you are so you don’t get lost; at least you can find your way back if you do get lost. And maybe this blog can even be a small signpost for others as we share the journey.

I’m taking an adventure in learning Web 2.0. How will this help me in my journey out of this material world? Not sure — entering the electronic world is assuredly a part of the material world; but just as you can use a splinter to take out a splinter, I hope to use this blog as one way to head back home, back to the spiritual world. Sound incredible? Yes, but God works in mysterious ways. I’m still learning to accept and enjoy the wild ride.

I’ve already come so far, experienced so much. I don’t want to forget my mistakes or the things I’ve learned or the great blessings I’ve received. Writing it all down is a good excerise.

Sooo–Onward and Upward!