Thing 7

• Describe how your library uses email: Our media center uses an email system to communicate with staff and outside sources. Our elementary students do not have individual accounts on our system. Has it improved productivity? It has definitely improved productivity. Rather than having to find someone during the busy day, it is much easier to send an email. We have the ability to send full staff emails. We do the scheduling for our computer labs through the calendar function. We also have the ability to connect with our email system from home which makes it easier to do planning from home. It is true that you need to restrict the amount of time spent working with email. It is easy to get overloaded. One of the things that I have taught my own children is that if you are planning to send something in text, realize that it can be printed, forwarded and saved. If you have a difficult issue to address, it is much better to speak to someone in person.
  
• Share your thoughts on online reference using some of the other Web 2.0 communication tools: I think the idea of online reference is great. Text messaging and IM aren't things that our media center is ready for yet, but I can see how high school, colleges, and public libraries would find it very beneficial. Using the method of communication that your patrons find the most useful is a key to opening doors.
  
• Are you an active user of text messaging, IM, or other communication tools? I use text messaging the most. It's an easy way to get a message sent to friends and family. We used IM with a past software system at school. I set up an MSN account today and will see how it goes. : )
  
• Which OPAL or MINITEX Web conference (Webinar) did you attend? How was it? What do you think of this communication tool? I wasn't able to attend a conference, but did check out some archived conferences on MINITEX Web that focused on the Gale K12 resources. I had some issues with audio when I tried to access the webinars. I opted to look for printable resources instead. There were some PDF handouts on Library 2.0 that will be great references. As to my thoughts on web conferencing, I think it is a great idea. I participated in an online conference through the U of M earlier this year. It's a great resource, especially when travel time can be eliminated. It's another resource that reaches those who live in the outstate areas.