A wiki is a perfect example of Web 2.0 technology; it is a blog site created for social and public use to disseminate information and allows anyone who is registered to add or change the information available. Wikipedia is the most famous wiki available online, though it does have a few problems. There are some instances of incorrect information being posted in articles and lack of authoritative resources, but overall it is an excellent site to learn about any topic imaginable. It is also a great example of the public supporting the spread of knowledge and adding to articles for the sake of education.
I've used wikis a few times in my coursework and really enjoy how easy they are to create and use. I'm surprised more libraries don't utilize wikis in their marketing efforts and information literacy goals. A wiki is the perfect platform to introduce information literacy concepts, answer patron questions, clear up misconceptions and confusion, and allow patrons to communicate with each other regarding IL topics. I included the use of a wiki in my mock teaching session because I thought a wiki on the library website was an ideal way to follow up with class participants and continue their literacy education.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Del.icio.us
Del.icio.us is a tagging website that I have already used in previous courses. Like Rollyo, it is an excellent resource for organizing website and making some sense of the numerous sites I tend to bookmark on my laptop. I have so many folders of websites and toolbar shortcuts that I tend to forget some of the great sites I've come across.
Tagging is essentially like an electronic file cabinet, allowing users to organize sites and find information based on how each site is filed or classified. Del.icio.us allows users to organize websites and then see how other users have tagged the same sites. This function creates a social network and even leads users to discover similar sites that might be of interest. I used Del.icio.us for a project on GLBTQ resources and found that it was an excellent way to organize each resource and recall content easily. I could pull up legal resources or teen page without having to search through other related links. Like Rollyo, this is a time-saving and great organization tool for librarians and information literacy specialists.
Tagging is essentially like an electronic file cabinet, allowing users to organize sites and find information based on how each site is filed or classified. Del.icio.us allows users to organize websites and then see how other users have tagged the same sites. This function creates a social network and even leads users to discover similar sites that might be of interest. I used Del.icio.us for a project on GLBTQ resources and found that it was an excellent way to organize each resource and recall content easily. I could pull up legal resources or teen page without having to search through other related links. Like Rollyo, this is a time-saving and great organization tool for librarians and information literacy specialists.
Rollyo
Rollyo is a resource I had never heard of until reading about the 23 Things project, and now I can't imagine sitting at the reference desk without it! Rollyo is program that allows users to create their own search engines. Users create an account, uploading trusted sites and online resources, and Rollyo then limits searches to just those sites. There is a massive directory of searches that have been created, ranging from information relating to Mac computers to gluten-free recipes. I was particularly amused by the Star Wars search.
I think the benefit to librarians and their patron base is pretty obvious. In a world of seemingly unlimited resources and information sites, this is an efficient way to compile trusted sites in one place and be able to search them without having to wade through the chaff. Rather than rely on Google (as many reference librarians are wont to do), Rollyo will only return results that the librarian has already deemed authoritative and up-to-date. I have so many great reference websites, I full plan on making use of my Rollyo account in my first professional position.
I think the benefit to librarians and their patron base is pretty obvious. In a world of seemingly unlimited resources and information sites, this is an efficient way to compile trusted sites in one place and be able to search them without having to wade through the chaff. Rather than rely on Google (as many reference librarians are wont to do), Rollyo will only return results that the librarian has already deemed authoritative and up-to-date. I have so many great reference websites, I full plan on making use of my Rollyo account in my first professional position.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Web 2.0 Awards
There are so many great resources recognized by the Web 2.0 Awards that I can't even begin to explore all of the interesting ones. I definitely plan on going back at some point and exploring Mango, Standout Jobs, Going, ImCooked, and the various philanthropy sites. However, there is one site listed that I use regularly and support quite a bit: Yelp.
Yelp is a review site that allows users to post and read reviews related to numerous businesses in their town. Many businesses are listed on Yelp and there is no end to the information that can be gleaned form the site. Like any review site, comments should be taken with a grain of salt. However, readers can often get a fair snapshot of each company. They can comment on other reviews and business owners can communicate with reviewers. This site not only gives Internet users more information about the companies they frequent or may want to try for the first time, it also allows business owners to respond directly to their customers' needs. One complaint might spur an owner or manager to make changes, resulting in positive future experiences for other customers. Or numerous ignored complaints may steer customers away, particularly if they see no response from management.
This is an excellent resource for consumers in a world with more choices than every before. I don't even know where to start when making trip reservations, deciding on a restaurant or looking for a new hair salon. I tend to check Yelp before making trip plans, basing my accommodation decisions on positive Yelp reviews. A recent trip reminded me why this is always a good idea. I forgot to check the reviews before booking a b&b in Vermont and, after a terrible stay, realized that Yelp reviewers would have steered me away. I won't make that mistake again!
Yelp is a review site that allows users to post and read reviews related to numerous businesses in their town. Many businesses are listed on Yelp and there is no end to the information that can be gleaned form the site. Like any review site, comments should be taken with a grain of salt. However, readers can often get a fair snapshot of each company. They can comment on other reviews and business owners can communicate with reviewers. This site not only gives Internet users more information about the companies they frequent or may want to try for the first time, it also allows business owners to respond directly to their customers' needs. One complaint might spur an owner or manager to make changes, resulting in positive future experiences for other customers. Or numerous ignored complaints may steer customers away, particularly if they see no response from management.
This is an excellent resource for consumers in a world with more choices than every before. I don't even know where to start when making trip reservations, deciding on a restaurant or looking for a new hair salon. I tend to check Yelp before making trip plans, basing my accommodation decisions on positive Yelp reviews. A recent trip reminded me why this is always a good idea. I forgot to check the reviews before booking a b&b in Vermont and, after a terrible stay, realized that Yelp reviewers would have steered me away. I won't make that mistake again!
NetLibrary and borrowing ebooks
This is quite a hot topic at the moment. HarperCollins and libraries have locked horns over licensing issues/checkout limits. There is a general disagreement and confusion on all sides regarding the ownership of ebooks. Bookstores are going out of business and libraries are losing funding, yet books are as popular as ever. Ebook lending and buying is changing the landscape of libraries and the publishing industry. Ther is no doubt that these issues will stay divisive for awhile.
In the midst of this, NetLibrary has continued to function with few problems and is still an excellent resource. Rather bestsellers and ephemeral topics, NetLibrary is stocked with scholarly nonfiction and educaiton materials. It is a great resource for people trying to find online books that aren't as readily available on the shelves of their local library. Another excellent online resource is Project Gutenberg, a repository of books that are in the public domain. This is the best place to find free fiction downloads, though they are all classic titles due to copyright law.
Downloading from either site can be a bit confusing for a beginner, but a one-on-one session with a librarian, step-by-step guide or even online tutorial would assist people of all skill levels. I had difficulty trying to download an item from NetLibrary onto my Nook and it took a few online searches, digging through blog comments and message board posts before I finally found the solution. Libraries and information literacy instructors are beginning to see the changing tide in publishing and realizing that ebooks are here to stay. Teaching patrons how to read books on their computers and download them to eReaders will not only result in satisfied, knowledgeable patrons, it ensures that libraries have taken their patron's needs into account.
In the midst of this, NetLibrary has continued to function with few problems and is still an excellent resource. Rather bestsellers and ephemeral topics, NetLibrary is stocked with scholarly nonfiction and educaiton materials. It is a great resource for people trying to find online books that aren't as readily available on the shelves of their local library. Another excellent online resource is Project Gutenberg, a repository of books that are in the public domain. This is the best place to find free fiction downloads, though they are all classic titles due to copyright law.
Downloading from either site can be a bit confusing for a beginner, but a one-on-one session with a librarian, step-by-step guide or even online tutorial would assist people of all skill levels. I had difficulty trying to download an item from NetLibrary onto my Nook and it took a few online searches, digging through blog comments and message board posts before I finally found the solution. Libraries and information literacy instructors are beginning to see the changing tide in publishing and realizing that ebooks are here to stay. Teaching patrons how to read books on their computers and download them to eReaders will not only result in satisfied, knowledgeable patrons, it ensures that libraries have taken their patron's needs into account.
Podcasts
I had already been introduced to the world of podcasts prior to my 23 Things project, and listen to them quite frequently. However, I didn't realize that there are so many podcast directories available online and predict that my usual line-up of podcasts wile rapidly expand. I'm not a fan of books on cd and, spending far too much time in the car commuting to Tampa for class, podcasts are the prefect antidote to endless music play lists. My favorites at the moment are Stuff You Missed In History Class, Stuff You Should Know, and Stuff Mom Never Told You.
Podcasting seems to be a relatively recent yet important addition to Web 2.0 technology. There are podcasts on every topic imaginable and they range from short (1-5 minute) clips to longer interviews and lectures. iTunes is the most popular method of finding podcasts, but a quick Google search turned up millions of hits. One of the first, PodcastDirectory.com, listed a wide range of topics, including quite a few on books and literature.
But podcasts are used for more than just entertainment, mini-history lessons, and book reviews. Past professors have replied on them heavily for distance-learning lectures, and many businesses post them on websites in order to communicate with their customer base. In this vein, podcasts are another excellent addition to the tools used by libraries to communicate with patrons and teach information literacy. Patrons no longer have to physically visit the library for information or even instructional sessions. This allows more people to access this information at the same time and no longer limits literacy training to those who can physically come to sessions. They can also revisit information as many times as needed. Librarians can now reach a larger groups at once and tailor podcasts to specific groups in less time than before. All of these factors make podcasting an excellent addition to the traditional library instruction techniques employed in libraries.
Podcasting seems to be a relatively recent yet important addition to Web 2.0 technology. There are podcasts on every topic imaginable and they range from short (1-5 minute) clips to longer interviews and lectures. iTunes is the most popular method of finding podcasts, but a quick Google search turned up millions of hits. One of the first, PodcastDirectory.com, listed a wide range of topics, including quite a few on books and literature.
But podcasts are used for more than just entertainment, mini-history lessons, and book reviews. Past professors have replied on them heavily for distance-learning lectures, and many businesses post them on websites in order to communicate with their customer base. In this vein, podcasts are another excellent addition to the tools used by libraries to communicate with patrons and teach information literacy. Patrons no longer have to physically visit the library for information or even instructional sessions. This allows more people to access this information at the same time and no longer limits literacy training to those who can physically come to sessions. They can also revisit information as many times as needed. Librarians can now reach a larger groups at once and tailor podcasts to specific groups in less time than before. All of these factors make podcasting an excellent addition to the traditional library instruction techniques employed in libraries.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
LibraryThing and other book sites
LibraryThing, GoodReads and Shelfari are three of the most frequently used sites used by individuals to catalog their personal collections. Although I prefer GoodReads for my personal collection, LibraryThing is an excellent resource for individuals and personal libraries alike. LibraryThing allows people to list books and tag them in a myriad of ways. My account is relatively simple, listing books that I've read, plan to read and am currently reading. I keep track of the edition of each book, review and rate them, and track the dates I read the book. LibraryThing also lets me link my account with other accounts, comparing our reviews and looking for similar bookshelves. By looking at lists that resemble mine, I may find new book recommendations. This is essentially a social networking site based solely on reading and book choices. Facebook even has a link to GoodReads so that reviews and changes to my GR account posts onto my FB wall.
LibraryThing offers more than just a space to list books and review them. It allows users to communicate and connect with each other related to their literary interests. Libraries have begun to use this resource to connect with their patrons. They can post reviews, book recommendations, lists of new additions to the collection, and compile themed book lists. Patrons appreciate this interface as a way to interact with their local librarians beyond the physical library. It is one more way librarians can reach past traditional ways of advocating their services and serving patrons.
LibraryThing offers more than just a space to list books and review them. It allows users to communicate and connect with each other related to their literary interests. Libraries have begun to use this resource to connect with their patrons. They can post reviews, book recommendations, lists of new additions to the collection, and compile themed book lists. Patrons appreciate this interface as a way to interact with their local librarians beyond the physical library. It is one more way librarians can reach past traditional ways of advocating their services and serving patrons.
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