Return of the Blog People

Many staff members know that I've been maintaining this blog since March of 2006, and I've really slacked off on it over the past year. My reasoning was really based on low participation by the intended audience - CCLS Training Advisory Team members and Library Directors - but I've decided I just need to keep trying.

What inspired me? Well, first of all, I'm writing a grant proposal for training, which will include a Web 2.0 program based on the work of Helene Blowers. I met Helene last year at CODI 2007 when I attended her session called Learning 2.0: Explore, Discover & Play. At that point, she gave me permission to copy any materials she had already created. I have a lot of things pulled together at a wiki I use to keep updated (maybe this will also re-inspire), and just needed a framework for application.

But my real kick-in-the-pants inspiration comes from Michael Stephens and his School Library Journal program called All Together Now. I've been a follower of his teachings for years, saw him speak live for the first time when I attended PLA in Boston and point him out to everyone who will listen as a "library celebrity." What he's doing on SLJ seems like such a simple idea and so easy to do, yet several of us are just blown away by this opportunity to participate. I'm thankful that it is out there to set a benchmark.

While I've been working with Web 2.0 tools since at least 2005, and I've tried to pass on what I've learned, I know new things are cropping up all over and new applications for libraries are appearing every day. Also, in the three years I've been working with Web 2.0 applications, some of the less sophisticated have dropped off and many improvements have been made. I look forward to an opportunity to update my toolbox!

Of course, anyone at CCLS is welcome to participate in All Together Now - it isn't too late! You have three things to catch up on - creating a blog, setting up an RSS feed reader and subscribing to blog feeds, and podcasts (I haven't read this posting yet, but I think it involves subscribing and downloading, not creating, podcasts.) Or you can wait - hopefully our own program, with cool incentives for participation, will begin in the summer of 2009.

If you decide to participate, let me know (comment here!) And if you need help, just give me a shout!