Thing #20 - Emmet Otter Video

Thing #19 - 2.0 Toolbox

I am choosing a web 2.0 award winning site that I already use - last.fm. Last.fm is a social networking type site, but for music lovers. It does require a plug in, but since I use it at home, I decided it would be okay to discuss it here.

What is last.fm? Here is the description from the Web 2.0 awards site:

Billing itself as the social music revolution, Last.fm lets you connect with
friends, discover music they like, discover music you'll probably like and keep
up with music events and news. Download tracks from Amazon or listen to free
online radio.

To use the site, you create an account, download the plug-in, and start listening to music. last.fm tracks all of the songs that you listen to - either on your computer, using their free online radio, or songs from your iPod or other player. As you build up your library of tracks, last.fm shows you neighbors with similar musical tastes. This allows you to explore other users profiles, and see their most listened to artists and hopefully discover new music that you might like.

As far as the library world goes, this probably has limited appeal, except as a way of recommending new music to patrons. But for music lovers, it is a really great site for discovering new music.

Thing #18 - Online Apps

I had never tried Google Docs before. I like that my documents would be accessible from any computer. At work, I might have something saved on the desktop of my office computer, so I am unable to access it from a Reference desk computer. (I should be saving onto my H drive, but sometimes I forget.) I can see the benefit of having all of my files available from any computer. It is also nice that you can upload documents created using Office. I attempted to publish a document in my previous post - the formatting changed when I posted it, probably something to do with Bloggers narrow columns.

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

 

I will now attempt to post this on my blog.

 

Thing #17 - Wiki Sandbox

Posting to the sand box was not too hard. Like Desk Duty, I had a bit of trouble with the scripts, but I was eventually able to post my link. I like the idea of a sand box, it lessens the pressure on first time Wiki users. You can test the waters without worrying about messing something up.

Thing #16 Wikis

I used to be kinda snobby about Wikipedia. I didn't see much use for it. But, I have recently been converted to its awesome power. Say that you need to know who won the second season of Dancing with the Stars, a quick search on Wikipedia and not only do you know who won, you can see who was voted off, week by week. This is valuable information.

I enjoyed looking through some of the more library oriented wikis. I liked the free resources provided by the Librarianchick's wiki. Branches could use wikis with their book groups - members could not only write reviews on the current book group selection, but they could also review other books they have read and make suggestions for upcoming discussions. A subject guide wiki could also prove useful to our patrons. Patrons with expertise in certain areas could contribute their knowledge to a subject wiki that would in turn benefit other users.

Thing #15 - Web/Library 2.0

I like that Library 2.0 is really focused on customer input into the services libraries provide. According to the wikipedia entry, "With Library 2.0, library services are frequently evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of library users. Library 2.0 also calls for libraries to encourage user participation and feedback in the development and maintenance of library services. The active and empowered library user is a significant component of Library 2.0. With information and ideas flowing in both directions – from the library to the user and from the user to the library – library services have the ability to evolve and improve on a constant and rapid basis. The user is participant, co-creator, builder and consultant – whether the product is virtual or physical."

I think that libraries have always been focused on what customers want and need. We are in the business of providing the information that our customers are seeking. Taking advantage of the new technologies and social aspects of the web can provide new ways for us to get input from our patrons. This has the added benefit of allowing patrons to be personally invested in their local library - which could be an added benefit when budgets are allotted and library issues come up during elections.