#16 Wikis

Wikis are the answer to many a librarians' prayers. They can replace paper folders and can be easily updated and edited. I love the idea of sharing information and having many and varied contributors. A wiki can pool staff ideas to one site and can be accessed and edited from any pc. Staff reading suggestions, booklists, community info, library procedures, web links, council contacts, databases, local history etc etc. The examples in the exercise demonstrate the range of possibilities ie book lovers, Best practices etc.

#15 On library 2.0 and web 2.0

(A train of thought, unedited rant about web 2.0!)I remember reading once that the role of librarians is to make sense of the world of information. This has always been the case and I think it always will. Web 2.0 technology simply provides us with more tools that will enable us to effectively harness the vast matrix of online information. Patrons are always going to need librarians to guide and assist them, just in different ways. The increased digitalisation of information and materials replacing the printed format may allow end users to access a greater ammount of information online from home but also creates greater confusion and no doubt associated anxiety. The physical compartmentalised library (ref, children, fiction etc)has an order and harmony that will continue to be a place of social and emotional engagement, as well as a sanctuary. Yes we will have to bring the services to the patrons via the web with podcasts wikis, blogs etc., but this will just be an added component to the library service. The tactile, physical experience will never go away but it is important to make the library an attractive and comfortable space and follow retail trends in this area. Web 3.0 and 3D virtual visits, avatars...very exciting for all of us. Bring it on!

#14 Technorati

Searching 'Learning 2.0' in Technorati in keyword, tags and directory searching produced a mixed serve of results. Tags seemed to produce a more reasonable number of results. I also tried some more vague and obscure music searches and also found Tags to be more on the mark, often producing just a handful of desirable results. The keyword searching facility seems a bit 'troubled' and needs some work(or is it just me? ie phrase searching, boolean)The authority feature is a good idea in tag and directory searching. Interesting to look at the popular searches, particularly in regards to the upcoming US elections and the concerns and opinions of the US public. Good to see Boingboing is maintaining it's popularity as its always been fun and interesting.

#13 Del.icio.us

Another handy organising tool. I love the idea of bookmarking(tagging)sites to one place. I can be on holidays at an internet cafe or at home and not have to remember sites bookmarked on my work pc. I also had fun searching topics on Del.icio.us and finding like-minded people and exploring their tags.

#12 Rollyo

Nice to be able to limit searches to known or reputable sites. I may use this at work for discovering book reviews for patrons. The recipes searchroll useful too, not to mention my own brilliant (and completely self-indulgent!) personalised searchrolls.

Select...Paul\'s blogSearch The Web

#11 Librarythang

Not a bad gizmo. A good way to convey reading interests or recommendations.

What... me?

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