#20 Gaming

Although, I'm not a big gamer myself, I think gaming in libraries is fine and it should be thought of just like any other program that we offer to the community. I know there is a lot of controversy on this topic, but I think its another way to reach out to patrons and get them involved and keep them informed about what the library has to offer. Reach out to teens with game tournaments or events, and they may come back looking for information for school or to check out books. Gaming also does not just mean playing video games, but this encompasses board games as well. Games build social skills, and learning skills and in the library provide a safe and organized environment. Why not get adults involved in gaming as well and develop those intergenerational relationships.

The St. Joseph County Public Library has a gaming program and called Save Point. They also have video games for check out. They do charge $1.00 for a 5 days. I'm not sure if we would want to delve into renting video games, but I think it would be interesting to see what our community thinks about gaming at the library.

#19 Drupal and CMS

Being a member of the Lint committee, I have had the opportunity to explore what Drupal can do and create pages, etc. Being a member of the committee has helped me realize how much work goes into creating a a new Lint. I think the benefits of using a CMS are worth the work. One great benefit is content can be posted and edited easily from anywhere. I do not have any experience with Contribute (what we currently use) but I think this software has to be installed on the computer being used. Depending on the settings, all users can create pages and leave comments. The creates more communication and collaboration. I think the new Lint will be kept up-to-date and edited more frequently because it's easy and users do not need to know any computer language or codes to post an item.

The new Lint is much easier to use than the previous. For starters it has drop down menus which help condense information, yet provide a fast way to main pages, regardless of which page you are on. Also, everyone can edit their own contact information and post their own picture for their profile. Overall, I think the new Lint has a cleaner look and I am hoping that the department blogs will be used to build better communication between different library departments. In circulation, I think a blog is needed. We will be able to discuss topics and issues that come up in between our department meetings.

In the future, I would like to try making my own website using Drupal...if I ever have time. :)

#17 Ning

Well, I thought I would be done with the 23 things by the deadline but work, classes and procrastination got the best of me. I signed up for Ning and had no idea how to post the badge to my blog so I have a link instead. The only other social network I belong to is LinkedIn which I joined and never really got around to doing anything with. I never stopped to think how many social networks there are.
I really have to limit what I get involved with as I am superb at procrastinating, so if I ever want to join another network it should probably be the 43 things for getting things done. I can see social networks as a place where a group of people can work towards some sort of goal or discuss a certain topic. For now I think I will refrain from joining anything else that will help me waste more time unless it seems useful.