Localize your learnings (Flickr)

In each lesson of the SLA 23 Things, participants are asked to localize their learnings. In other words, how will they use the tools discussed that week. When you begin using various tools, you might look at what you can share with that tool. For example, what photos can you place in Flickr? But you also should think about what you can use that is already in that tool.

Here is how I use Flickr professionally:

1. I search Flickr for Creative Commons license photos to use in presentations. Photos can convey concepts more easily sometimes and they also can spice up a presentation.
2. I post photos from events that I attend (e.g., SLA conference) and then use those photos in related blog posts, etc. Sometimes those photos are also used by colleagues in newsletters (with my permission).
3. I create custom name badges for events using Flickr photos and Flickr toys. I did this for the people who worked the Upstate NY library camp, making us easily identifiable. I've also created a cool badge for myself that I use at events (and instead of those "hi my name is" tags).
4. I use photos on my web site and blogs.
5. I look for photos that illustrate something...like photos of book scanners.
6. I look for photos that show me what a place looks like. For example, before heading on a business trip, I may look for photos of that site online. That gives me a better idea of where I'm going.
1. BTW I answered a question from a woman who was moving to this region by linking her to Flickr photos of the region. She had no clue where she was moving to and those photos helped (especially the photos of the snow!).
7. Thinking of libraries specifically -- We can see what other libraries look like and think about how we might change our own libraries. BTW there is a pool of library signage that show the good, bad and ugly of the signs we use! Very educational.

Some people use Flickr to create photo documentation of a process or create slideshows in Flickr that are their presentations. Those are good uses too, but not ones that I have used yet.

What have you done with Flickr and how have you localized your learnings?

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Technorati tag: SLA23Things