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.

Thing 13, Working together

In common with many other bloggers in this enterprise, at work we have access to our internal drives which means we can all work together on projects; at the moment I'm not collaborating on any project with others outside my organisation.  Also, like many others I can't download any software at work.  With these factors in mind I decided to have a look at Googledocs.

I found it remarkably straightforward to use ( I already have a google account) although getting used to "downloading" rather than just "saving" when I was working on the documents at home was a little unexpected (I was in my own little world and hadn't realised which version I was working on!) and some of the formatting was a little odd.  For my own cpd this will definitely reduce the amount of emailing documents to myself so I can access them during lunch.  I also liked the ease with which you could share information with others (without them having to download or sign up for anything) and the control that you have over the information.  I'm a little concerned about the number of google application that I'm beginning to use now - I may need to explore other options just to be on the safe side.

The only wiki I've used (with caution and usually in library information sessions as an example of "care needs to be taken") is Wikipedia, but I can see the potential of joint working with this one.  I did like the Library Routes project and may contribute my own, though it will only be of historical value as so much has changed since I entered the profession!

Thing 12 - Being social

So, just what do I think about all these "new" ways of communicating.  As animals we are social beings, and that has to imply some level of organisation and communication.  We also continually strive to increase the betterment of our lives, either on an individual level, or for the collective good.  Like many other posters I agree that social media is merely a tool for us to use; how we do so is up to us.

Are there any other advantages to social networking in the context of professional development than those already outlined above?

I think it can decrease a feeling of isolation, especially in solo working.  In addition to the other points a supportive network can provide encouragement, as well as ideas and collaborative working to get the best for our users.

Can you think of any disadvantages?

 Apart from the obvious privacy issues and the demands which certain types of network instigate en masse, the biggest one for me is time management; it's another "thing" or set of "things" to incorporate into my professional life, but this is outweighed by the benefits - see below.

Has CPD23 helped you to make contact with others that you would not have had contact with normally?

Yes, although only at a quite basic level.  I've found following a couple of blogs really useful - and added one this week too! I've also foundinteresting and  timely information via Twitter (which I must start using, rather than just lurking).

Did you already use social media for your career development before starting CPD23? Will you keep using it after the programme has finished?

This has developed my usage from merely subscribing to a few RSS feeds.  I will definitely continue to use various methods, but will also try to build in some regular time to review this activity to make best use of the time available. 

In your opinion does social networking really help to foster a sense of community?

I'm not sure yet, as I'm still on the very edge of actively engaging, rather than using the majority as information seeking tools.  Currently, I can see them cementing professional groups, making communication that much easier and also a way of contacting people.  I'm not sure if this can develop into truly online communities without any other form of engagement (I've never been remotely interested in Second Life for example), but as we work in a much more distributed environment, it will certainly save on airmiles.