Thing 16 - Google Docs

I have already used Google Docs, but only very recently. When I started with the FPL a few weeks ago, I setup a google account and was added to the shared list for a document we use for scheduling purposes. However, this was my first experience with Google Docs, and I haven't done anything else besides log in and view this one shared document. Today, as part of thing 16, I logged into Google docs and explored. I created a new document, and found the functionality to be very similar to Microsoft Word. Some of the options are more limited than working directly within Word, however most of the basics can be accomplished here. Additionally, what makes this really useful is the ability to publish and share documents. The whole idea of cloud computing really comes to life with Google docs and makes it a reality for anyone that wants it. I can't imagine why it isn't used more often, and I'm surprised that I haven't encountered its use before in previous positions at other companies. It seems like an excellent solution that would benefit almost any organization or company, as well as individuals.

Thing 15 - Google Maps

I think I may have used google maps in the past, but I more frequently use Mapquest as my online map tool of choice. For this Thing, I took the opportunity to use Google maps instead and familiarize myself with that tool. It is a bit different than the Mapquest site. I like the traffic options, but there is also a similar option on Mapquest so that didn't end up being too new for me. I do really like the tool that allows you to see the "real" view of a location, for example I typed in my home address as the starting point for a location and then clicked on the marker icon and it showed a picture of the front of my house...almost a little creepy, but cool too. Overall, I would say that Google maps probably has more functionality than Mapquest, so I will probably try to transition myself to use Google maps more often, although it will be hard since I'm so used to Mapquest!

I used Google maps to map from my house to the Frisco library. I was surprised to find that the route I take to work is actually the route they suggested. They do have an alternative listed which includes using the TX121 tollway, and I would have guessed that this would be their first or recommended route, but it's not. The link to this map is:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=2100+Torrey+Pines+Way,+McKinney,+TX&daddr=6101+Frisco+Square+Boulevard,+Frisco,+TX&hl=en&geocode=FYhe-gEdzEI9-in1iDvY7hNMhjGBTyLQICrodA%3BFczW-QEdh2s6-ilb02r6BzxMhjHm72CvmFkAwA&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.630055,78.662109&ie=UTF8&z=12

Thing 14 - YouSendIt

I found YouSendIt to be a helpful resource, although not something I currently can see myself using on a regular basis, simply because I'm not aware of having a big need for it. It is however one of those tools that is great to know about, because when the need does arise, I know about it know and will easily be able to solve my problem by going to YouSendIt.

Thing 13 - Tiny URL

I've seen and used tiny urls before, but I've never created one. It may have been my first time using this tool, but it certainly will not be my last! I had no idea that it would be so simple to do this. What I like about it even more is that it allows you to create url "shortcuts" to the portions of websites that you really want to go to. So rather then always having to go to a home page of a website then click on three different links to get to the actual page that you want, you can create a tiny url of the long obnoxious url that represents all of those clicks within the webpage. I will definitely be using this again.

Thing 12 - Facebook

I already have an active Facebook account, complete with profile, photos and lots of friends. I don't log into my Facebook account very regularly, it's more of something I look at on occasion when I'm bored, to see what my friends and family are up to. I do have several friends and acquaintances who use their Facebook account religiously, almost like Twitter they update their Facebook every time they go somewhere or do something, or even think about something. As far as organizations "humanizing" their Facebook pages, I think some do it very well and others don't do it at all. For example, a coffeeshop I once worked at in college is fantastic at humanizing their FB page. At least once a day there's a status update from them with some tidbit of information, sometimes it's the coffee blend of the day, other times it's about a new treat or piece of merchandise they're stocking, and sometime's they use it to advertise specials. I live 600 miles away from this coffeeshop now, but I know what's going on there as if I stopped in for a daily cup of joe. On the opposite side of that is the SLIS department at UNT. I've belonged to their FB group for well over a year, and I can't tell you when, if ever, I have ever seen a status update from them. I think it could be used much more purposefully than it currently is, even with mundane things like reminders about school deadlines, updates on social events, and advertisements on new class offerings in the upcoming semesters. I think the FPL FB page could be used in a similar fashion, to advertise upcoming events and programs, to post information about new books that have just been stocked, to give early literacy tips for kids, and much more. The article about humanizing FB pages really stresses that it's important to post lots status updates and I think this is something that could easily be done.

Thing 11 - LinkedIn

I have had a LinkedIn account for several years, so learning about this "Thing" was nothing new for me. I had not updated my profile recently, since beginning my position at FPL, so I did go ahead and log in to LinkedIn as part of this exercise and update my profile with my current information. I think LinkedIn is a useful social networking tool for some people, but it definitely does not hold a purpose for everyone. I created my account long ago, because it was the thing to do at the time, but since then I have probably only logged in a handful of times. I believe many people use this site to either recruit for positions at their company, or to try to "link" with a recruiter to find them a job. People also use this site to "network" more in the traditional business sense of the word rather than the common "social networking" found today through MySpace, Facebook, etc. I can see LinkedIn being useful for people and I'm glad I know about it so that I can share this with anyone whom it might seem helpful for.

Thing 10 - LibraryThing

LibraryThing is awesome! I've never heard of it before (I don't think). I went to the site and explored for awhile as part of the 23 Things exercise. Then I signed up for an account and added a few books to my library, and then I added tags for those books. It was fun to be able to tag them with whatever I want. I don't however see myself using using that feature on a regular basis. I will probably use LibraryThing as more of a reference to look up books, find reviews of books and other information. However, regardless of how I use it, I believe it is a great resource and I'm glad to know it's there and how it works. I could also see it as a good site to recommend to patrons to find information on books, reviews and more.