It's been fun getting reacquainted with Flickr.  It's a respite from the sometimes overwhelming world of library service & literacy that fills my weekdays.  Lately I've felt like my brain has shut off until it gets a full day of rest from having to comprehend or execute or prioritize or analyze. 


I like what I've heard of libraries or other social organizations using Flickr to show special events, the people involved in the group.  Flickr shares stories and helps people feel connected and inspired to groups they may never meet physically.  Personally, I've been compelled to look up pictures with the tag "Venice."  I just posted some pictures of a recent trip to Venice, Italy, on Facebook; and I realized how little I got to see in the short time I was there.  I'm eager to see other people's pictures, read their comments, and get a better understanding of what I could see next time.

There is a photostream for "Alberta Libraries," (the "group") which my library system belongs to.  I've subscribed to the stream via RSS, and by looking at the photos organized into "sets," it's like looking at a calendar of major events in our province.  I recognize library staff in the pictures who I've met at conferences and during training sessions.  Other pictures show libraries and staff who I've contacted via email or telephone, and I can see what they look like.  This helps build a sense of connection, too; and I can mention seeing them on Flickr the next time we talk.  I've also found some great images just by searching for "alberta libraries".  Flickr's a fun way for me to see what some of my colleagues have been up to!

Here's a pic of my co-worker Lauren from Flickr, taken at a symposium on the future of libraries: