Thing: 8 & 9 Google Calendar & Evernote

Google Calendar:

I have to admit I’m not using it at work at the moment but have used it in the past for a period of time then went back to using my paper diary. I do not know the real reason for this but it might be because the nature of my work requires me to move around quite a bit so I find it easier and quicker to use my diary instead of carrying my PC and trying to find a socket to keep the battery alive and that's even if the Internet connection decides to cooperate and stay on! However, I use the whole school calendar on a daily basis to check major events happening in the school. I can see the value of having a shared calendar with colleagues and perhaps that is something I should consider for the next academic year.

Evernote:

Again, one of the things that I have not used before. I followed your advice and signed up for an account. Look forward to having fun with it!  http://www.evernote.com/

Thing 7: professional organisations

Professional organisations:

Being a member of a professional organisation can be very useful for someone who works in a fairly isolated environment and does not have the chance to meet regularly with colleagues in the profession. I have been a member of CILIP since I was student at Librarianship School. I like to check its website regularly looking for up to date information and discussions regarding the profession. The membership allowed me to access and receive a number of publications.   

A couple of years ago I joined SLA (School Library Association). I’m finding its website useful in terms of practical advice and ideas for celebrating events.

As a result of taking part in 23 things I'm now linked to LISNPN. I would recommend, International Association of School Librarianship as its' membership is worldwide and includes school librarians, teachers, librarians, library advisers, consultants, educational administrators and others who are responsible for library and information services in schools. http://www.iasl-online.org

Face- to- face networking:

It has been a long time since I have attended this kind of networking. Simply, I have been working in Africa for quite sometime and it is not easy to meet with other fellow librarians, at least in the countries where I was and am still working.

Would E networking replace face to face networking? I have come across some librarians who no longer see the importance of face to face networking. They argue that E networking (blogs and e discussions) are more beneficial and less hassle than having to travel somewhere to attend a workshop or conference.

Thing 6: Online networks

Very useful and interesting thing. I spent  sometimes going through the thing!

1. LinkedIn 

I think by far the most global professional network. It does require time to set and build up professionally. The best way to do that is to add a little each time. I found "Groups" a good feature that help me use LinkedIn in more effective and efficient way.

Another useful professional network tends to concentrate on UK library and informational professional issues compare to LinkedIn. The best way to make use of most of its contents is to be a member. I have been cilip member for quite sometimes and I do enjoy visiting the site regularly.

LISNPN 

Decided to join for the first time. It looks great, fun, relax and enjoyable network. I like 

the idea of having members from 34 countries. I managed to follow some blogs via it. 

 Facebook 

I tend to use face book as a socialising network with my friends and families. it does have the informal flavour therefore I never thought to use it as a professional network despite most  professional institutions and organisations have link to it nowadays.

 

Thing 5: reflective practice

Reflecting on what I have learnt or done is a very useful practice I would love to do more frequently? I was reflecting more during my study but my busy life has taken the good habit away. Most of my daily life activities evolve around achieving and delivering rather than reflecting. Thing 5 “reflective practice” I see it as a way of creating space for myself to reflect not just on cpd23 so far but on other professional and personal matters.

Having my own blog is an exciting experience that was introduced to me by cpd 23. Looking at participant blogs helped me to find and follow interesting and useful blogs. So far the online tools introduced by cpd 23, although I have used them I now know more about them and this will help me to manipulate them. So now I need to use them in a different way to the way I used them before to see how they contribute to the development of my personal and professional online interests

Thing 4: Twitter, RSS, Pushnote

Twitter: I have been using Twitter for quite sometimes but never used the hashtag! Used it now and found it very useful tool that enables me to view all updates by subject.

RSS: I enjoyed going through recommended favourite blogs for keeping abreast of library news. It introduced me to some interesting, enjoyable blogs one of them, “Librarian by Day” which I’m following now and will take part in round 7.

Pushnote: unable to use at the moment hopefully in near future.

Thing 4 expanded my RSS feeds and allowed me to follow many people in the professional I hope I haven’t over did!

Thing 3: branding myself

I started off by reading about branding and why it’s important to brand my presence online. I moved on to check my presence with the obvious one “Google” followed by LinkedIn. Soon I realised that I need to put my thinking hat on to find out how to improve my personal brand.

                                                             

I began the improvement process by looking at my blog’s name. Since this is my first blog and I created it to join 23 things I decided to keep it’s name thinking it reflect it‘s purpose. My profile, I added more information a bout myself. I have to admit, I wasn’t keen on adding my photo because I still cannot see the importance of adding a photo to blog! Correct me if I am wrong !

I do agree with some blogs that branding is a tricky process that requires thinking, effort and time at the beginning. I spent more time than I expect and I still think I need to spend even more time  to get it to the level I would be happy with.