Online applications and tools

It's really interesting to see so many new 2.0 tools coming out that make it so easy to add content to the web and share this content. Some that I hadn't heard of before and that I will use from now on are Zamzar that allows you to convert file formats without needing to download software, Picnik for photo editing which is simple and intuitive to use and Ta-da List for a place to keep all your lists.

Some free webconferencing apps worth looking at are DimDim and Yugma. Doodle would be a useful tool for scheduling meetings.

Slideshare is great. While searching for library 2.0 there I came across this presentation by Mylee Joseph from Public Library Services which looks at ways libraries are using 2.0 tools http://www.slideshare.net/PublicLibraryServices/libraries-and-collaboration-with-local-government-nsw-public-sphere-2009 It is quite good.

Folksonomies & Tagging

I think that delicious would be useful for reference. In the delicious account that I created for this 191session isdtref , I have started to add some useful reference sites including AskNow's delicious site from nla which I think is excellent. I like that way that the site that I have just created can be accessed from any computer and can be shared e.g. in this case the reference team would have access to the password and could add and edit sites as required. Tag clouds are great.

When I searched for bookmobile in keyword in Technorati I got 191 hits and in advanced phrase search 188 hits so keyword probably picks up bookmobiles as well.

I already have a personal Library Thing account so I didn't create a new one for this exercise. I really like it as I often forget the title or author of good books that I have read. I rate them and add the image of the exact cover of the book that I have read if it is available as it makes it easier to find. I had a look at Shelfari - it looks good too but I'm happy to stick with Library Thing.

RSS Feeds

RSS feeds are good for keeping up to date with areas of interest - information comes to you in the one place saving you time. I selected the following sites for my Feed:- OPAL Training Blog, Photo of the day (for something light), ABS 4 Libraries, John Oxley Library Blog and Hi Tech by Gadget Girl (Jennifer Dudley who is The Courier-Mail's technology editor).

I can see how we could use RSS Feeds at work in our staff team blog for professional development to keep up to date with library issues and new technologies.

Yarra Plenty Library has a few blogs including a Local History blog and a genealogy blog. Their genealogy blog is very good and it incorporates many useful links on the side. National Library of New Zealand has a great blog called Create Readers Blog. It is a children's and YA literature blog with an empasis on motivating and engaging young readers.

Social Networking in Libraries

I can see how libraries can use social networking to promote library activities and collections. The following are some good examples:
National Library of New Zealand uses Twitter as does Hennepin County Library .
Many libraries use Facebook for this purpose too e.g. Charlotte & Mecklenburg County .

Mashable is a great website that allows you to keep up with the latest social media developments.

Wikis

I really liked the Mint Wiki from the Mint Museum, Nth Carolina. It clearly states what the wiki is for and has a lot of carefully selected info and links on each exhibition. It is one of the few wikis I have seen that is current e.g. it has information on upcoming exhibitions.
As for a wiki with library content, I like Possible Next Generation Catalogs. State Library of Tasmania's catalog is worth looking at. The catalog makes a suggestion if spelling is incorrect like Google and Amazons do and is really user friendly.
I couldn't work out how to access the Wisconsin Heritage wiki.
I think that wikis are great for the library to set up for book clubs - for posting reviews, putting up links to all things book-related, even showing members how to create their own wiki.

Smiley face moon

I found this photo on Flickr. I can remember being out on the verandah just looking up at the sky and discovering this for myself - I only became aware of media coverage on this event later on. I was quite excited and actually took a photo myself. This photo was taken in Brisbane on 1 December 2008 when Venus, Jupiter and the crescent moon looked for all the world like a smiley face. Check out Smiley face moon on Flickr along with other great photos of Brisbane by this photgrapher.

Ready to begin exploring

Learning is a continuous process and as a boomer I am constantly amazed at how much there is still out there that I want to explore. I have eclectic tastes and am always curious to know more so I suppose I am a lifelong learner. As for Library 2.0, I am mainly a spectator in that I read blogs, watch videos and listen to podcasts that relate to this field. Sometimes I post to a work-related blog and post comments to what others have posted. I have a Library Thing account where I keep track of my favourite books (I am an avid reader - both fiction and non-fiction although mainly non-fiction) and I also have a de.li.cious account where I have some of my favourite websites tagged. I am keen to participate in this programme as I would like to move more from being
a spectator to being a more active participant - I'd like to be more connected. I know I still have alot to learn. This is the first blog that I have created.