web 2.0 sites

I looked at the short list (www.seomoz.org/web2.0/short) and recognized a few sites that we've used with Library 2.0 and some sites that I've been using on my own for a while.

I checked out a few sites and decided to fool around with yourminis where I searched through A LOT of widgets. I tested out a few, and decided on a simple countdown. A countdown to the second of when I will be getting on a bus to Waterloo. I'm really excited to go, but time is going almost too fast - I have so much to do!

I liked the yourminis site. There were a lot of choices and it was easy to post it on my blog. The widgets I saw were not really 'useful' applications in a 'Library setting' but they are fun.

yourminis :: widgets

publishing in blog

Publishing my document here was easy. Im happy I didnt have to fiddle around and figure it out. :)

zoho writer

So this is kind of cool, an online word processor. Saving it here is useful... Don't need to worry about sending attachments in Word, and have the person you're sending to have Word Perfect, open it and mess up all the formatting. Another thing, if you were to save documents here, then you can access them from any other computer... I like it.

...Not sure if this counts as a simple document...? I don't have too much to say on it. It's a straighforward site, easy to use if you're familiar with Word. ooh all the keyboard shortcuts work too.

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sandbox

to finish off week #7, we had to 'play' in the sandbox. I posted my favourites to favourite author and favourite food, and then I added a new topic (i hope that's ok) for favourite tv shows.
Favourite author was JK Rowling... surprise, surprise! I linked her official website and posted a picture of her. then i left a comment on chris blog...
done week 7... woohoo (bedtime!)

wikis

Ugh, so I had a post... and I was almost done, then my computer did something and now it's gone. Anddd the autosave draft thing didnt work out either. Grrr. (AND it's not like I write out what I'm posting on paper first *coughJoancough* so I have to write it allll again.)

Ok - Activity 16: Check out some library related wikis and post thoughts.

Book Lovers Wiki: Nothing really new, but I think it would be a nice addition to our library. Maybe a link off of our website? I know that the CYS staff like choosing books to be put in the 'staff picks' display... it's sort of the same idea. Just with ratings, reviews and recommendations from library staff and patrons too.

Library Succes: This wiki was huggggeeee. But organized. I didn't look through much of it, but I checked out the Programming link. I found a pretty nifty Children's Program database. (Would have been nice to find at the beginning of summer ;))

ALA 2006 New Orleans: I agree with Sarah, a nice idea for a big event. Would have been useful for Homecoming with so much going on, organized by different people. Maybe for Summerfolk too..... there are lots of possibilities.

I think I'm done for now. It's almost time for Big Brother. :)

library 2.0 perspectives

I feel a little behind on this... I'm a bit busier now that I've realised I move back to Waterloo in 2 weeks. There are things I'd rather be doing, and things I should be doing instead of this but I'm determined to finish it (and win an iPod).

Perspectives --
There is so much potential for growth and change in libraries with new technology, I think it's great that librarians are taking such an interest and learning about what's available. Librarians need to 'embrace Web 2.0 tools' - providing patrons with new and improved resources (ie. blogs, wikis etc.) I thought the term 'technolust' was pretty funny. ("New technologies are not implemented for the sake of coolness or status" ) I'm pretty sure that libraries try to improve services for patrons, and generally try not to add new technologies simply for the sake of coolness. The process that goes into adding new technology needs to change... change speeds. Libraries will need to be quick at keeping up, and spotting new technology as it becomes available to keep up with library users.

The second perspective I read had ideas for growth specifically regarding library bibliographic services. Some ideas I like include: the option of ranking search results based on circulation, ratings etc. and features similar to Amazon (reviews, tagging, and other user participation) As I read this, I was actually shocked to see that someone hasn't jumped on these great ideas and cashed in yet. "The comprehensive menu of choices in a single place" is a great idea. Links to books store inventory, options to purchase online instead of borrowing, displaying search results and availability of libraries nearby... it's endless.

Okay, I think that's enough from me. I'm going to try and start week seven activities tomorrow or Sunday.