Thing 6

Oh, how I can get frustrated trying to edit word docs and excel spreadsheets on my iPad!

I do usually end up just going to a desktop computer, but we are trying a new minute taking template for meetings, and typing into an iPad is just so convenient!!

I am most familiar with QuickOffice, although I liked it better before Google took it over!  I just haven't worked with Google Drive enough for me to find it useful.

I tried out CloudOn (another app I heard about at our staff There's An App for That! training), and I did like using it.  It just seemed REALLY slow at times - there was a definite lag between typing and the words appearing on the screen!  (By the way, I have an awesome Zagg Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad - I can't imagine trying to edit or create docs with the popup keyboard on the screen.)

I use Smart Office 2 the most, I think I got it for free on a special.  It was the only one that imported my meeting minutes template correctly, and allows for quick and easy typing during my meetings.

I will be curious to see if the new Microsoft apps for iPad will take off, or if people will be put off by the cost and just stick with apps like these.

I think I will mostly use this for quick edits and idea generation for now - I'm not fully ready to get rid of my desktop computer yet!

Thing 5

I'm pretty much obsessed with note-taking and to do list apps, although I don't know that it has made me anymore productive!

My favorite notetaking app is one you have to pay for - Notability - but I love it and use it all the time for all my work stuff.  I'm trying hard to reduce all my paper notes and sticky notes.  I also love the simplicity of the Notes app that comes standard on the iPad for making simple lists.  It's so easy to use, I use it all the time, and that's where my massive books to read list currently lives!

I have also used Remember the Milk a little, but it's not one that has stuck with me.

I signed up for Springpad and downloaded Bamboo paper.  Springpad seems like it could be fun to work with, but it was really slow!!  Bamboo paper annoyed me because I couldn't type into it.  I can see it being really cool for someone who likes to draw or doodle...and that someone is not me!!  Although maybe I could use it to start exploring my artistic side.

I think it's always good to have a free notes app in your head when you are helping patrons new to the tablet world.

One thing I am noticing as I go through the things is how I hesitate to share and interconnect all of my apps and stuff with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.  It feels a little like oversharing to me - I'm not all that interesting, and I don't want everyone in my business!  I wonder if it's a generational thing or just a personal preference.

Thing 4

I had already installed Flipboard (thanks to our awesome staff workshop There's an App for That! last fall), but I hadn't used it very much.  I spent an afternoon really playing around with it, and I can definitely see that it makes searching for news a little easier.  I tried out Zite as well, but I preferred Flipboard.  I think this would be a good place to see news about libraries from around the world, and to see more book reviews (like I need to read any more book reviews!!)!  I did find it a little tricky to create my own magazine and add content.

I do feel overwhelmed with the amount of information out there at times - I think something like this can make it seem more manageable.

Thing 3

For this Thing, I tried out the Stand Up app, because I know I sit too much at work!  It didn't seem to work very well - other than giving me a little notice for a stand up break - I wish it would go right into an exercise video or something like that.  It just didn't seem to be working on the iPad as intended.  I think setting an alarm may be simpler and more useful. 


I also tried the Wi-Fi Finder app which I think will be very useful - except none of the Anoka County Libraries are listed!  I am going to see if I can do anything to get that updated.


I really like my free calculator app - I use it all the time and don't know what I would do without it.


I am feeling like I am now in the 23 Mobile Things flow - I hope to get more completed soon!

Thing 2

Has it really been so long since I posted?  I have to get moving so I can get the 23 Things done!


While I feel like I know a lot about using my iPad, I found the video and tips gave me more information about what everything was.  I usually just ignore the notifications and some of the menus, and now I know what they are for! 


My favorite tip that I did was to move my favorite apps to the bottom screen.  I'm not very good at organizing my apps - shocking for a librarian - but I can always find the ones I want to use the most, I hardly ever do music or photos on my iPad.   


One thing that was new to me was closing out the apps.  I will definitely use that in future work on my iPad.


I will really try to get a few more Things done soon!

Thing 1

The hardest thing about setting up my blog...trying to think of a name for it that is clever, yet not too cutesy, not lame and boring (like usual), and appropriate for work!

I am very much looking forward to learning about the 23 Mobile Things and loving my iPad even more (like that is possible!).

I hope to actually use all the Mobile Things I keep hearing about and find a way to use some of them to promote all of our wonderful library services!

I also hope to be able to support the great staff at Anoka County Library as they work on the 23 Mobile Things.

The hardest thing about writing blog posts...my tendency to overuse exclamation points.  I promise to try to keep it under control!