Additions to the FAQ

Just a few items that I will add to the Frequently Asked Questions portion of the blog. If you have any questions or comments, or if something is not clear, please let me know.

New Questions:

When are we going to see the rest of the 23 things?

I have created a timeline that goes through the 23 things and when they are due. I'm going to evaluate this timeline as I go through the process. The only reason I am doing it this way is so that I do not inundate you with "things" right off the bat and scare you off. Also, I have other projects I need to be working on as well.

You can help me out by giving me feedback (it's anonymous, so you can be mean if you like :) ). I may be able to speed up the release of the "things," though I think the March 31st deadline is going to have to stand.

I have concerns that regular work will get missed because people are playing with Web 2.0 technologies. What should I do?

The rules on the 23 things are fairly clear: supervisors get to determine priorities on work time.

This program is not intended to interfere with day-to-day work and clearly, if you have customers in front of you, or a deadline looming, you should be working on that instead of doing the 23 things. Another point about the program: it's about trying 23 things, not doing 1 thing for 23 hours. :) Please be respectful of your co-workers, and library customers and use common sense about the amount of time you are spending learning these new technologies on the job.

If you are not sure if you are in the right, ask your supervisor.

Are the "things" going to be mandatory to learn in the future?

The answer is "yes" and "no." "No" because the goal of the 23 things is really just to expose you to some to the themes surrounding new technologies.

That said, some of the "things" may be used in the future to support library services. So, some (and I do not know which ones) may become a "yes" in the future. That said, I would expect that the "23 things" training would not be sufficient to support a new service. If, for example, the library were to offer "blogging help" as a service (this is just an example), then I would expect that specialized training would be required beyond the 23 things.

What about new staff? Can I do the 23 things if I am on a sick/parental leave?

New staff are welcome to try the 23 things with the only caveat that the March 31st deadline stands. If you are able to complete the "things" while you are gone on a leave, then you will also qualify for a prize -- the only minus is that I will not send you poster emails. I'll have to get back to you on the status of staff who leave the system entirely. Update: Since the program is only available to library staff, anyone who leaves the system before the deadline will not be eligible for a prize.

Are we going to be expected to help customers blog?

The 23 things should not change expectations about the level of service we offer at our public use computers. If someone were to ask you about blogging at the desk, I would think that you could provide them with 1) information about blogging or blogs 2) examples of a blogging services such as Blogger, Typepad or Wordpress and 3) offer some advice about what is required to start a blog (ie. an email address). I would not expect you to help a customer create a unique design for, add flashy sidebar features to or create convincing promotions for a blog.

You may already realize now that starting a blog is not unlike trying to start an email account.

As you will discover in the future, most of these services will be similar to Google search in terms of what they offer. I *do* expect you to know how to use Google (and know you already do because you told me so). While there may be the occasional frivolity added in for fun, I think you will find most of the 23 things relevant to you professionally, personally or as a possible service in the library.

Can we share a blog together?

Going by the "if it's literally done and you feel no reason to move on" rule, if you can honestly say that you were actively playing a part in "creating a blog" then I say, sure -- go for it. Anything that makes it easier to do these things is fine by me. Maybe there's a "techie" out there you can partner up with to help you with this stuff. Great!

I only do 3 1/2 hours per week and don't have time to do the 23 things, but I really really want to get them done, what can I do?

Talk to your supervisor and we'll see what we can do. In the end, all 23 things can be done at home if you want to. Also, the program is voluntary, so if there just isn't time enough in the day I fully understand. Finally, I am of the sort that thinks there is a way to solve any problem -- talk to your supervisor and we can see if something can be worked out somehow.