My 761 Takeaway

SLIS 761 Final Post: My Biggest Takeaway

My biggest takeaway from this semester is actually related to blogging and using technology to communicate as a student and future librarian. I had a rough start with learning how to blog in relation to using the blogging websites. I tried several and finally settled with Blogger although I still had trouble with formatting and posting. After creating several blogs, I was able to get the hang of things like hyperlinking, incorporating pictures and media, and formatting (especially spacing and font choices). I finally learned how much the theme choice had to do with what one is allowed to change in terms of formatting and other options. I feel now like I can throw together a blog much more quickly because I initially was wondering how librarians found the time to blog and still do the rest of the job! I look back at my first few blogs and can clearly see the mistakes that I made. My voice has also improved, I believe. My writing was initially stiff and formal, but I have gained confidence and feel much more comfortable with writing to both inform and entertain, not simply to inform with the dry, stale voice of an encyclopedia.

My second - but equally important - takeaway in relation to technology is learning how to create a website. I have created one in the past, but this was the first time I created one and included the amount of content that I did. I incorporated multiple pages, hidden pages, and plenty of media. I actually enjoyed the process and was proud of my work, especially when I added my digital curation assignment, which was also layered with content. I am, generally, happy with having learned how to use technology to produce and publish content in ways that I had not before. I was so used to using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so learning new skills, especially ones that will be so useful in the field of librarianship, makes me feel so proud of myself and gives me confidence when thinking about entering a new field.