Thing 17 - Prezi and slideshare

In common with many other people I like Prezi.  It allows you to create a contemporary feel to the visual element of your presentation, emphasising how each individual element is part of the whole and how they relate to each other.  ( I feel very much at home with this concept as I've never been that good at creating linear structures!)  What did impress me was the clarity that it will bring to my presentation planning and the ways that you can draw the audience through the narrative, and by zooming, not lose the overall picture.  I can also see the benefits of visually representing the importance of concepts by size of font - they are there but greater attention can be given to the ideas when needed - not overwhelming all the time.  It may also generate the feeling of a much more "spontaneous delivery" of a talk, as it appears a little less like notes for a written speech and more in line with sharing images and ideas.  That said, the ideas still have to be there in the first place!  I think that many of the points that are made in "steal this presentation!"  still apply to using Prezi though - if I can combine the two people may just stay awake during my talks?

I've only really encountered Slideshare when lecturers have been kind enough to share their presentations to be seen again after the event.  A very valuable opportunity to reflect on any learning points.   
(I really hope virtual cvs don't becoming required - I found that example incredibly superficial, with not enough factual information to back up a serious application.  Marketing glitz irritates me anyway and there does need to be some substance to what is presented.)

Thing 19 - Catching up "integrating Things"

Nearly caught up - which is just as well as a new term is about to start, so a great deal of energy will be directed that way for the next few weeks.  Maybe I'll surface sometime towards the end of October!  Good timing for this breathing space.

In terms of actually using all the "things" rather than merely exploring them, these seem to fall into 3 categories; ones which I am using, ones which I hope to come back to, and those which, although I'm pleased to know about them will be kept in the metaphorical bottom drawer until there is an express need for them.

Of the last category, certain networks such as Linkedin don't really fit my needs just now, and I'm definitely not yet in the market for publishing (advocacy from a couple of weeks ago).  The same goes for actually attending conferences and other networking opportunities, at this end of term there is so much to do that there is little time to consider such opportunities.  Other "things" that I'm pleased to know about such as Dropbox and Google calendar come under the heading of "already have something that does the same job".

I've found some of the tools really useful and now use Google Docs, and Evernote daily, I'm also making better use of my RSS feeds and Zotero sits neatly in the right hand corner of my browser.  I do intend to drop in on the Twitter account and possibly actually Tweet, as well as explore Mendeley and Cilip communities.  Throughout the year I may try some screen captures to help with queries at work, so this intensive look at social media throughout the summer will keep me experimenting with new techniques and ideas for a while yet.  I've also valued the chance to reflect on professional practice, "listen" to what other people are thinking about and have some of my beliefs challenged.

A very interesting and absorbing summer project, so far...

Thing 18, screen capture and podcasting

Jing

I was very impressed with how easy Jing was to use, no problems downloading, intuitive and easy to share information.  I can certainly see the value of this type of recording to help with inductions and frequently asked questions such as searching our catalogue.  At the moment this is restricted to exploring it at home for general interest as we can't download software at work.  Having played with the principles I would certainly be interested in following this up.

I have been involved (at the edges) of creating a podcast, watching the technical aspects from the sidelines, and it demands a great deal of work and expertise to create a professional end product.    I know personally, that I'm much more likely to try a visual explanation (hopefully with sound) than just a commentary.  I'm not sure if that is just my learning style, or if it is indicative of modern ways of communicating information, however I can see that for capturing a seminar or talk for wider dissemination over the  net at a later date this could be useful.  It would allow more people to "take part" than those who were physically present at the time useful in when training and travel budgets are limited and time is a very precious commodity.

Thing 16 - Advocacy

I like the distinction between activism and advocacy and have now had the chance to have a good look at the useful collection of various advocacy tools - something which I always felt I should get around to.  (These "things" are great for giving you space (and impetus and guidance) to get round to doing what you always thought you should do!)
On the smaller end of the spectrum (probably more akin to marketing/promotion though) there is also the creation of networks within your organisation, those people with whom you interact daily and who can be very powerful advocates for your cause in these hard financial times.  If they're using your services (and valuing them) they may be persuaded to add weight to your arguments and demonstrate how useful you are to the organisation, and more importantly what would happen if they were to loose your services.
And of course, the more dialogue that goes on between libraries and their users the better the service will be, so everybody wins.
I'm not that great at public speaking etc, but having the stats and messages from reliable sources is useful; I'm sure there are better people out there to give the message eloquently and more professionally than I can.   However, now I've thought a little about it I'll be in a better position to state the case if necessary and of course publicise the various campaigns to interested people.

Thing 15 - Attending, presenting and organising events

On the first point, attending events, I endorse this whole-heartedly as I've never been to anything without coming away with new information, new contacts and bags of enthusiasm.  This is despite not being a natural in social situations, so I'm always nervous of networking.  I've found people are really generous and I was lucky enough to go initially with a small group of more experienced folk.  They gave me advice about how to pace myself between lectures, sessions and exhibitors, all of which gave me confidence at this type of event.  (Oh and some practical hints that I've also read on some other blogs for this "thing".  Wearing something comfortable and taking a bag so you're not juggling all the bits of paper that you pick up - those two definitely chimed with me, especially if you're returning home on a crowded Friday afternoon train balancing yourself between suitcases, the refreshment trolley and other people's elbows.)
I can see the value of presenting at events too.  However, I'm still waiting for the right topic, that I know even just a little about, to jump out and say "this is what you can communicate to the world" - or to the 2 people and a dog who've come to the session to get out of the cold.
I have been meaning to see if there are enough people who would be interested in attending an informal local meeting for anyone in the process of, or considering, Revalidation (CILIP). (Probably in a pub as most coffee places are shut by the time people can reach there after work.)  Maybe I should actually get round to doing it, to kick-start some positive action for this "thing".

Thing 14 - keeping it together (referencing)

I appreciate this topic being in cpd23, as it's very timely coming at the start of the new academic year.
Firefox is my default browser at home where I tend to do most of my research, so a browser add-on seemed appropriate.
Remarkably easy to install and use, I like the variety of sources that you can add (useful in this brave new multi-modal world of learning) as well as the note facility.  As I'm starting a course of study this will make life much easier than previous efforts at citing and bibliographies, invariably using well thumbed cards.
I'll probably check out Mendeley so I can comment knowledgeably on both to students who may want to try out other referencing software.

I also liked the search function of Citulike, picking up a nice feel for what people are reading in my specialism.  However, on the prinicple that I will only need, and manage to use, one tool I decided not to sign up to this one, but to go back to it periodically and do a couple of searches to see what topics are being added.