PPLD Thing #3 - Wikis

So wiki is Hawaiian for quick. I can see that since a wiki appears to be one big text document with hyper-links. It is pretty cool to see such a community effort in publishing, editing and policing a web site. Another plus is that you don't need to have the latest technology and the fastest broadband to load and edit a page. I can understand the cons such as vandalism, etc...but unfortunately that part of an open and free environment. I guess the virtual world parallels the real world in that aspect.

The PPLD has quite an extensive wiki on their intranet site. It has info on everything from employee/benefit policies to committee meeting minutes. It even has a staff bulletin board for the posting of items for sell, etc... If you need to know anything about what is going on in our district this is the place to go.

I am still not used to it though and forget to go look for answers to my questions. My entire working life I have been sent memos, e-mails or told new info in person so having to go look for myself is quite the new experience but I am getting used to it.

Part of this project was to look at how other wikis are setup and used.

Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki (http://libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Main_Page) appears to be a very informative place for librarians throughout the world to collaborate and exchange ideas.

SJCPL Subject Guides (http://www.libraryforlife.org/subjectguides/index.php/Main_Page) appears to be nothing more than a card catalogue. It is very restrictive and can be edited only by the librarians at the St. Joseph County Public Library. This seems contrary to the idea of openness that is part of the wiki ideal.

I also looked at Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page). Now this the ultimate in open community effort. To read an extensive history of Colorado Springs, CO go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Springs.

Overall, I think wikis are quite useful for the spreading of information and ideas. I might have to set one up someday to play around with and learn more. Any ideas for the subject matter?

Altered Space: 21st Century Installation Art

If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing this exhibit at the FAC Modern located in the Plaza of the Rockies in downtown Colorado Springs. It’s a small exhibit of just 3 installations but each one has its own dedicated room. All 3 artists are from this region.

Christina Marsh – Colorado College

For a room with nothing more than a photo album lying on a chair, stacks of clothes in one corner, a pile of luggage in the center of the room, an antique side table with a silver tea set and a wall full of various empty white picture frames, this was quite a moving experience. It’s all about transition and moving on with your life while staying anchored to your roots. This hit home with me since my family is in the Texas/Oklahoma area and Evelyn’s is in New Jersey.

The wall of picture frames stuck with me the most. I instantly imagined them filled with pictures of family and friends. But when you go, look closer at the frames. They just aren’t any old frames. Stand directly in front of them and take a deep breath. Think about it and you’ll recognize the scent. They are all made from white chocolate.

During the day, the frames are heated by the lights shining on them. At night, they cool off. The results are that they are constantly changing. They sag and change shapes a little more each day. This just drove home the fact that our lives are forever in transition and changing due to external factors we might not even notice or that we take for granted.

Matt Barton – UCCS

This was quite interesting as well. This is the artist conception of a post-apocalyptic world. Instead of the Hollywood idea of utter chaos and destruction, this installation projects a sense of calm, peace and rebirth. You can actually walk into and around this exhibit. Take a walk over to the makeshift shelter and look inside. Now, turn around and you find yourself immersed in the exhibit as if you were really out in the wild trying to start over again. It was really a strange sensation.

Gwen Laine – Denver’s Carson Gallery

Although a great installation, I have to admit that that I understood this one the least. Like the other installations, this was also about change. It is a room full of transparent prints of hands suspended from helium filled Mylar balloons. The slightest breeze will make the prints spin and move. Also as time goes on the balloons will begin to lose their buoyancy and sink. This will cause the prints to stack on top of each other creating a multi-layered picture of hands.

Overall, this was an excellent exhibit and I would recommend it to anyone. The experience of being able to walk around the rooms and be totally submersed in the installation is incredible. The exhibit runs through April 26, 2008.

For more details, go to http://www.csfineartscenter.org/Altered.asp

Resolutions vs Goals

So much for keeping up with the blog. As you can see I haven't posted anything since Nov. 2007. All is well, I'm still at the Library and love it but that is not the topic of this posting.

I wanted to talk about New Years resolutions and since today is Groundhog Day it may be the best day to bring it up. I mean, doesn't everyone make the same resolutions every year and pretend they have never made them (or broke them) before. I have waited a full month to make my resolutions so I could really think about it. My first resolution is not to make resolutions. I know this sounds like a contradiction but I decided to put more pressure on myself and set goals for this year.

Resolutions are usually made with the expectation that they will be broken. They are usually generalizations of better health or diet habits, etc...No harm, no foul because no one really expected you to do it. Goals are different. They are usually very specific and if you don't achieve them or at least give an all out attempt to achieve them you have failed.

So in this spirit I am going to list, in no particular order, some of my goals for this year. I'm keeping the more personal ones to myself.

1. Update this blog at least once per month if not more. I believe by doing this I'll force myself outside of my comfort zone and possibly become more alert of what's going around me since I'll need new ideas to write about.
2. Lose 50 pounds. I know this will be a tough one. It has taken me a couple of years of half-hearted effort but I am 50 pounds down from my highest weight ever.
3. Call my brothers at least 2x per month. This may not sound like enough but its better than the once every 2 months I have been calling.
4. Read 20 books. I made it through about 10 last year.
5. Complete 4 paintings. I'm horrible at painting but I do enjoy it.

Ok, I know there are only 5 goals listed but I have others that I decided to keep to myself.

As always I'll keep you posted.

Currently Playing: Fatboy Slim - The Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder - Weapon of Choice

Ok, I'm Tired

I started at the library on Oct. 16. It is a lot different than what I was used to. I went from a desk job where I sat 8+ hours in front of a computer and rarely got up and walked around to a job that I am on my feet 8 hours a day. Most of that time is spent walking and lifting books. I don't think I'm going to need a gym membership for a while. The first week I thought my legs and feet were going to fall off. I was sore in places I hadn't thought about for years. Now after 3 weeks on the job about the only constant ache I have is my back. I am living on aspirin and Tylenol but I know the back pain will subside as I lose weight. Which by the way I have lost at least 10 pounds since I started working. All is going well at the library. I get to see a wide range of people and things.

I know this entry is kind of sparse and boring but I think I need to go take some more aspirin.

As always, Take care and I'll keep you posted.