Journey's End

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Now that I've completed 23 Things it's time to assess my trip along the highways and byways of the program. Overall my journey has probably been worthwhile from a staff development point of view. My computer knowledge and skills have improved - I can now easily add links and download images to my blog. I managed to complete the second half of the program without too much input from others. I've found out about Flickr, Youtube, iGoogle, podcasts, and RSS feeds. Although some overseas and Australian libraries use MySpace, Facebook, and Second Life I regard these aspects of the program as pathways for social interaction rather than as important highways for studying at university.

After participating in the 23 Things program I think that our Library could explore how other libraries are using new technologies in interesting and innovative ways to deliver improved library services to their communities. We could add websites like Citeulike to the Library webpage and investigate the LOCKSS system for preserving digital materials. Perhaps we could even make a video about Swinburne Library and add it to YouTube!

The biggest problem that I encountered with the program was that it was very time-consuming. I had to do 80% of the work in my tea breaks and at lunchtime. This resulted in much eyestrain because I was continually using the computer all day without a break. I'd like to suggest that any instructions given for completing a task need to be detailed and comprehensive when introducing new ideas to inexperienced participants. For example, the directions for adding a photo to the Wiki required more information for a novice user. If another program is on the drawing board I feel that it should run for a shorter time frame so that participants do not lose momentum.

I appreciate that I've been given the chance to experiment with web-based activities that I would not otherwise have used. I enjoyed writing the blog but probably will not continue blogging because I feel that I spend too much time in front of a computer screen already. I might set up a RSS feed to sites that I subscribed to during the 23 Things program and that interest me personally, so that I can access the updates more easily.