Internet Radio and Web 2.0 wrap up

I've used Internet radio services once in a while, but not regulary. I just tried Pandora and think I've been missing a lot by not using radio websites more often.

Many thanks to the Web 2.0 committee for putting together these great exercises. I learned a lot. There are some tools that I won't use that often, but I like being aware of them. I also realize that I need to work harder to stay up to date on all the great interactive tools available on the Internet.

Online Productivity

I think Google Docs is fantastic. I first heard of it about a year ago from a library patron. I decided to sign up for a gmail account so I could use it myself. I haven't used it too much to share documents, but I've found it very handy when I need to open a file that's in a software that the computer doesn't have.

Tagging

Of course I'm in favor of anything that makes information more accessible, so I think tagging is a good thing. A staff member introduced me to Delicious a couple of years ago and we've been using it at my library to keep track of useful websites at the Information desk. Also, I created a Delicious account to save my own favorite websites. I can remember times in the past when I was getting a new computer and didn't have an effective way to save my favorites, so this is a great tool.

Social Networking

I've had a Facebook account for a few months. For the first month, I checked it a few times a week and enjoyed seeing what friends were doing. Then I started to lose interest and don't check it very regularly now. Also, keeping up with the online quizzes you receive (e.g. What painting are you?) and the virtual cocktails and hatching eggs started to overwhelm me. Even though I don't use Facebook that regularly, I still think it's good for libraries to have a social networking presence. It seems an efficient way to reach those people who live on Facebook and MySpace.

Gaming

I've never been that interested in online gaming, but I enjoyed browsing some of the suggested game websites and I can understand how they would be addictive. Sometimes, parents ask about websites with games for their children, so it's good to have some suggestions handy - thank you. I didn't try any of the role-playing games because I know I won't stick with it and I didn't want to invest the set up time.

Wikis

I enjoyed browsing through the library wikis and seeing how other systems are making use of this great tool. So far, my experience with wikis has been limited to the HCPL programming wiki and yes, Wikipedia, which I sometimes use for some quick start up information about a topic. There are so many innovative uses for it - it works really well as a way to organize and share information (SJCPL Subject guides) and get input from the public (Durham County Library - new customer focused strategies). I also liked how book reviews were organized into genres in the Book Lovers Wiki.

Photo Sharing

Photo sharing through Flickr or Google's Picasa is much easier than trying to send big photo files to people as email attachments. I started using Picasa a few months ago and really like it. I think Flickr would be a great tool to share photos of library programs (if you have press releases) and building interiors with the public.

Podcasts

I tuned in to some podcasts and enjoy the flexibility that they offer - being able to watch/listen to something anytime. I like how many libraries are offering podcasts of booktalks and storytimes - what a great tool to share services with people who aren't able to visit the library regularly.

Tweets

I just set up my twitter account, but like many people, I'm not sure how often I'll be updating it. I do think it's a great way (also easy and cheap) for the library or any organization to send out information and publicize events and services.

Feeding and Reading......

RSS seems like a great way to stay informed and keep up on news that will be useful at work. I have a gmail account, so I decided to use Google Reader. I added 4 RSS subscriptions from Library Journal and NPR. I also added an RSS feed link to my blog for NPR's As A Matter of Fact. It seemed appropriate since it's described as "a blog by and for the audio-loving, fact-finding, truth-seeking, pop-culture-fiending, news-addicted librarians of the world".

Riding the 2.0 wave!

My first Web 2.0 exercise - the blog. The "spotted dog" in the title refers to the spotted dogs who live in my house and let me think I'm in charge. Below is my photo for the week - no theme, just whatever I feel like posting.