Wikis & libraries

I like wikis that don't look like wikis, such as the BookLoversWiki and the Bull Run Library Wiki, otherwise they're not too much fun to look at.

We should use our wiki more! Instead of sending a gazillion emails regarding a Goldmine glitch, let's post it to our wiki.

Goldmine would be so much more interesting and user-friendly, spunkier if we added some wiki functionality to it, like book reviews and synopses. I'm sure we would attract higher patron use and circulation would take off.

Web 2.0, Library 2.0

"Web 2.0 is the network as platform, spanning all connected devices; Web 2.0 applications are those that make the most of the intrinsic advantages of that platform: delivering software as a continually-updated service that gets better the more people use it, consuming and remixing data from multiple sources, including individual users, while providing their own data and services in a form that allows remixing by others, creating network effects through an "architecture of participation," and going beyond the page metaphor of Web 1.0 to deliver rich user experiences."--Tim O'Reilly

Wow! I would be foolish to not see the value of participating in Learning 2.0. Besides it being an incredibly fun learning experience, the "fun" I'm having is contributing to and enhancing the applications as I'm using them. Collective user intelligence is built into the design of these applications so when I participate by adding my books to LibraryThing or tagging a website in my del.ico.us account, my input is now available and hopefully, helpful to another user. The social computing aspect of these tools is phenomenal for both play and work.

In the no. 2 2006 issue of Next space: the OCLC newsletter, Michael Stephens writes this about librarians embracing Web 2.0 tools, a trait he believes is important to have:

"This librarian recognizes how services might be enhanced by the Read/Write web and how new services might be born in a climate of collaboration. This librarian uses Instant Messaging to meet users in their space online, builds Weblogs and wikis as resources to further the mission of the library, and mashes up content via API (Application Program Interface) to build useful Web sites. A Google map mash up of local libraries created by Chicago librarians is one such instance of building tools via new resources. Other librarians creating MySpace profiles and participating in other thriving communities build connections online where their users live."

Technorati

I found 451 blogs and 26,266 blog posts on Learning 2.0! There's 26,561 posts tagged with Learning 2.0, plus, this one I'm about to add to Technorati! Learning 2.0 is HUGE.

Shon's getting involved with the Learning 2.0 craze, too, and was thrilled when I found Boing Boing: A Directory of Wonderful Things, an award winning blog (blogs win awards?!) and the 2nd most popular blog listed with Technorati. This blog satisfies his techie cravings with all the latest and greatest info. authored by the editor of his favorite magazine, Make.

del.icio.us

This is a great tool--accessing my bookmarks wherever I'm at with any computer having an internet connection. Subscribed to the Obama, marathon and bean soup tags and found some worthwhile websites to add to my favorites.

LibraryThing

I'll continue to use LibraryThing. It's really easy to use and I love the LibrarySuggester, a generated list of books recommended to me based on the books I included in my catalog.

Rollyo

I created my own searchroll, Alaska Marathon Girl, but unsure if I'll use it much. This is a compilation of my favorite running websites, but each one provides distinctive info. from the others. I use the Running Club North website to check out local running results and race information. I use Peak Performance to find cutting edge information on training and nutrition; Sport Alaska for Equinox stats. So, while it's nice to have them grouped together for my running resources, there's no real possibility of the information I'm seeking to be found in more than one of these websites. So, why not just go to this website directly??? Don't know how useful this will be for this purpose, anyway, but can see the importance of it for other applications and topics.

Select...Alaska Marathon GirlSearch The Web

Image Generators

I got my name in lights with notcelebrity.co.uk

Too many generators, too little time! It was hard choosing just one.

There were a few generators with unacceptable HTML coding and Blogger wouldn't display. Eventually, I would like to learn more about HTML.

YouTube

I love this website, and am amazed with the volumes of videos they have on anything and everything.

Last night, Shon and I were talking about our favorite commercial and how we missed seeing it once we stopped our cable service. We found this commerical within a few minutes on Youtube! What is NOT on Youtube?

So as far as any features or components of the site that might be interesting if they were applied to library websites, the opportunities are limitless. Adding visual and audible dimensions to any subject enhances learning and information, and is much more interesting and fun! There's a ton of stuff out there on authors, books, technology, libraries, and countless subjects that could pertain to the library community. There's no excuse not to learn and use this technology!

Useful Library Blogs

Here's a great list of library blogs that are useful and informative. Some are just downright fun!

2006 Best Blogs for Libraries

Technology Sites

Shon has been talking about the iPhone for months now and was so disappointed to hear the release date is set for June 29th. I don't think he can hold out for 24 more days! I don't share his excitement about this product, and instead find it unnecessary and too extravagant.

Yes, it is a cell phone, address book, Web browser, music player and TV rolled into one, BUT Shon already has all of these things. And it's so expensive with a hefty price tag ranging from $499 to $599!

Flickr Mashups

I used the Flickr Wallpaper Generator which is great because it proportionately fits the picture to my desktop without skewing the image and there's also a calendar included that's incredibly handy. Selected an action shot of my favorite runner, Deena Kastor, who will inspire me to get out there and train hard so I can kick-butt at the Equinox. She's my running hero!

Flickr

We recently bought the home of our dreams so are postponing our next vacation until a big chunk of our mortgage is gone, but I'm already planning and daydreaming about our next trip away from the cold winter, and I think Santa Fe is the place to be! I'm really interested in the Catholic and Mexican cultures there, along with the architecture and the yummy cuisine. Plus, we get to see our good friend, Cynthia, who lives nearby.

7 1/2 Lifelong Learning Habits

My very first blog post! YIPPEE!

I think the 7 1/2 habits of lifelong learners is valuable information and gave me insight to my own strengths and weaknesses, namely my weaknesses!

I need to beef up my confidence and learn to enjoy the learning process along the way instead of soley focusing on the end results and being so performance-driven and goal-oriented. It's hard for me to have fun when I put this kind of pressure on myself!

Objective: I shall have fun learning along the way!