Our 23 Web 2.0 Things Challenge

You may (or may not) have heard of Infopeople's new training series, Moving Libraries Forward to Web 2.0. To quote from our website: "There is a lot of buzz in the library press about Web 2.0 and its impact on libraries. The California State Library believes that Web 2.0, and the social software that it has given birth to, has tremendous transformational potential, perhaps second only to the introduction of the Internet itself. In recognition of the importance of Web 2.0, the State Library has made a special grant award to Infopeople for a series of FREE training events titled Moving Libraries Forward to Web 2.0."

In preparation for this series, we've all been doing a lot of research into Web 2.0, and along the way couldn't help but hear and read about the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County's 23 Learning 2.0 Things. It struck us that this would be a great thing to do here in California, so we are happy to announce our own 23 Web 2.0 Things challenge for the California library community!

Our 23 Web 2.0 Things Challenge FAQ:

1. Who is this program for?
Anyone in the California library community who’s taken an Infopeople Web 2.0 class.
2. What courses count?
Details, details! Okay, here goes: The May 9 webcast with Helene Blowers (viewing the webcast live or archived counts); any session of the on-ground workshop, Web 2.0: A Hands-On Introduction for Library Staff; any session of the on-ground workshop, Web 2.0: Searching Innovations; the online course, Web 2.0: Developing a Successful eBranch; the online course, Web 2.0: Connecting with the Community Using Social Software; any session of the on-ground workshop, Web 2.0: Teaching the Public About Social Software; any session of the on-ground workshop, Web 2.0: Using Social Software with Teens; any session of the on-ground workshop, Web 2.0: Applications for Children's Services; LLWIP online or on-ground training.
3.How long do I have to complete the 23 things?
From May 9, 2007 to October 19, 2007.
4. How does this online learning program work?
You work at your own pace through the 23 things by clicking on the links for each thing. For each “thing” you do, post to your blog and comment about your experiences. Start each blog entry with the number of the “thing” you did so we can keep track of how you're doing! And remember: it's NOT a speed test! It's all about what you learn and how you apply that knowledge!
5. What if I've already done some of these things?
That's great -- you're on your way, just post a comment on your blog about the ones you’ve done!
6. How will you know what I've done?
Like we said, you'll post information and links on your blog. When you’ve completed the 23 things, email us at infopeeps@gmail.com with the link to your blog and a mailing address. We will check your blog and assuming you’ve reported on all of the 23 things, you'll be sent a flash drive and your name will be entered in the grand prize drawing for a laptop computer. Once the end date of the tech challenge is reached our judges (the Web 2.0 instructors) will review all of the sites, and determine the first, second, and third place winners.
7. Why should I do it?
Because it’s a fun way to learn something new that will expand your personal and professional horizons. Participation is voluntary. You’ll end up with a blog, a Flickr account, a de.licio.us account, and a YouTube account at a minimum. We haven’t found anyone yet who doesn’t love Flickr! If you complete all 23 things, you will receive recognition (and a flash drive), you will be eligible for a drawing for a new laptop computer, AND you couild also win other prizes. How great is that?
8. You mentioned first, second, and third place prizes. What are they exactly (give me some incentive!)?
Wow, it's all about the prizes with you, isn't it? First prize is a Canon SD750 digital camera. Second prize is an iPod Nano. Third prize is a certificate for a free Infopeople workshop of your choice.
9. Can our library do it as a team?
Yes, yes, yes! In fact, we really encourage you to do it as a team. It will be more fun that way to share all you learn, and you can spur each other on to learn and do more new things!