Thing 15 Libraries and Web 2.0

Thoughts on Library and Web 2.0 taken from the book and bibliographical references in 'Web 2.0 and beyond' by Tom Funk, 2009.

• More a series of trends than a basket of "things"
• More and more power in the hands of end-user. They not only 'control' their online experience but also influence others
• Unfortunately, we cannot anticipate the changes coming. Difficult to be prepared and ready in advance. Need to embrace constant change and be open and receptive.
• Rich online experiences at a low cost
• What can we do as librarians?
• Librarians need to participate in blogs related to our services. For example, a teen librarian participating in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series blog or other gaming blogs. They would connect with teens in a direct and personal level
• Our libraries should have their own blogs with reviews and ratings of our materials and newer formats
• Make our OPACs 2.0 with reviews, ratings, graphics of our materials and services
• Make use of online chatting for reference transactions

Technorati

Summing my experience with Techorati from their website: "serendipitous discovery of interesting stuff easier and more intuitive".

Wish we could say that about our library OPACs.

Del.i.cio.us: A cataloger's friend or foe?

Due to my background as a cataloger, I have mixed feelings about Delicious, folksonomies and tagging. I love the social aspect of this tool.

Quite often I'll come across a Library of Congress subject heading and wonder: "which patron is going to use that search term?" LC subject headings have been criticized because of its sometimes vague and technical subject terms.

Delicious is so user-friendly with everyday, common language tags. As a cataloger, I've been trained to keep our authority records clean. What if my library decides to add tagging to our materials? Will I freak out? Hmm...maybe not. I'll know better when the time comes... Would tagging by our patrons complement and enhance our OPAC? Sure! It'll be the best of both worlds.

Online gaming

I'm at work and can't play any games. I explored the gaming links. However, I am going to read Grand Theft Childhood: the Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games Kutner and Olson. I am still not convinced that gaming is 'all' good for children.

RSS Feeds

I love the one-stop reading of my favorite websites, people, and places. You know where to find me if I'm suffering from information overload?

Thing 7 Image Generator

Mashups

Mashups? Its connotation made me dread Thing6. But now that I've explored mashups- I LOVE them and admire the people who create them.
Here's a quote from the creator of the mashup Color Fields: "To those that question the utility of this little application, let me point out that it is a toy -- like all the stuff on my website. Its purpose is simply to provide wonder and delight. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn't that enough? -- jbum

CTLS2.0

DSC01277
Originally uploaded by cityofroundrock

Organizing information- merging the Reference and Circulation collection at the Round Rock Public Library

Wow! I'm a blogger now!

Techno-savvy I'm not; but I'm a blogger now. Follow here for my reviews of 'Just add water' Indian recipes using ready-made mixes.

Ok, not all are the 'Just add water' type. But, the recipes I've picked are easy, inexpensive, and close to authentic.

And best of all, they are better suited to the American palate.

Happy experimenting!