Thing 8 - Curation Tools

I have really enjoyed this activity. I had never heard of flipboard before but have now set up an account and have started several library and book related magazines. I think that it could become a valuable resource as well as a way of staying aware of ideas and trends. I guess it's quality depends on the pages followed, and I did feel that some of the initial interest pages had some trashy articles, but I will search out more sources.

Pinterest is an old favourite and I continue to use it for my various interests.

I seem to be getting the bug for studying and also completed a mini course on Open Learn this weekend; whatever next!

Thing 7 : Podcasts

Podcasts are not directly relevant to my work at the moment but I have valued the insight into making them and will consider them in the future. 

I have listened  to the podcasts mentioned in 'Circulating Ideas' and 'Longform' and downloaded the app. They offer a great opportunity to hear what other professionals are doing and to be inspired by new and creative initiatives that can engage and support my readers. I also liked the notion of being in a loop of innovation and best practice. I would like to find some more podcasts that focus on UK librarians and those working within schools.

I continue to listen to my old favourites like 'In Our Time' and 'From Our Own Correspondant'. I find that they are a fascinating insight into the world and its beauty & complexity as well as often sparking off ideas for further research for initiatives, displays, themes and the like!

Thing 6: Reflective Practice

Thing 6: Reflective Practice

I have enjoyed looking at other Ridai23's blogs. Other peoples experiences were very varied but there were also many common threads. I loved the different reasons people came to library work; some fell into it like me but many seemed to know from an early age that it was something that they wanted to do. I was sort of relieved to find out that others were also wary about google holding so much information and also just feeling that it was a bit like having all your eggs in one basket! It also seems that others, like me, have tended to use facebook more as a social toolthan a professional one.
I am thoroughly enjoying the course, and the extended sense of community and shared experiences that comes with it is a much appreciated added bonus.

Thing 5: Online Networks

Thing 5: Online Networks

I have a facebook page but tend to use it more for non-work stuff as I have lots of family and friends abroad. I have joined a couple of library groups including Rudai23 Facebook Group. I am always  thinking about reading and education, so there is some overlap of interest between my personal life and work, but I still think that I would prefer to keep my facebook more for friends and family  
My twitter account is my professional link to the world but I have to admit to having ignored it of late. I think that I have sometimes felt overwhelmed with the sheer volume of information and this put me off slightly. Using lists and hashtags is a beginning in thinning out the info and connecting more directly with groups that interest me the most. I might also have to do some weeding of my follows!

Thing 4- Google

Rudai Thing 4 - Google:

I must admit to being a little sceptical about using Google+ and the amount of information that they hold but as I already have a gmail account and use blogger I decided that integration seemed to make sense!
My picture for my Google+ is a cartoon/avatar version of me while I get used to privacy settings etc and I am enjoying playing with other tools such as photos and calendar. Joining the Rudai23 group on Google+ meant that I could create a circle and start to talk to people and I managed to download the Rudai23 blog list on to my blogger! I feel that I am learning so much and the support from the team and other participants is amazing. Next stop hangouts on air!

 

Rudia23 Thing 3-Linkedin or About.me

This has been quite a learning curve but I am really enjoying being stretched! I think that I was lulled into a false sense of security as I already have a Linkedin account and thought it was okish. The about.me has proved a little more challenging but I think that a lot of my problems stemmed from trying to edit it on my mobile device.
The concept of a professional brand feels a little alien to me but I have used my photo consistently and can see how this immediately seems more polished and professional. I hope that my brand comes across as a professional who in spite of a varied career has always had children's learning and love of reading at its centre.
I have atempted to join the Rudaí23 group on LinkedIn and my application is pending.
I have started to read some of my colleague's blogs and managed to download the OPML on to my new feedly account.
There is so much to learn and I feel the support from the team is amazing.Some cathching up to do but feeling optimistic!

Rudai 23

I actually started off as a primary teacher and still like to stay in touch with this by tutoring and sitting on Governor commitees of a local primary school. Children's love of reading and learning, and the education of the whole child are fundamental to my heart and lead me to outdoor education and then on to the library! Not a straightforward route perhaps but one that strangely seems to make sense. I have spent the last few months taking school assemblies to talk about the Summer Reading Challenge, and this summer is full of children's crafts and activities as well as regular library work.
I really enjoy what I do but do worry about the low importance of public and school libraries on the political agenda as I do think that libraries play a vital role in the lives of children and adults in their local communities.