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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Flickr and related photo sharing sites
After my initial frustration with Flickr, I finally set up an account. I keep most of my photos on my laptop, so I set up a small Flickr folder with my recent vacation photos to Vermont. I don't see the need yet to upload my whole catalog of photos to an online site, but I reserve the right to change my mind.
Flickr claims that is one of the best photo sharing and management sites in the world. It certainly is among the most well-known. I used to have a Photobucket account but have since deleted it. My Flickr account was far easier and faster to load with pictures than Photobucket. Another ideal site for novices to learn online technology. Though I made my photo album private, one of the fun aspects to Flickr is sharing capability. Photos can be made public and tagged under certain topics. I did a quick search for Vermont photos and found a number of gorgeous nature shots. Flickr is a fantastic way to catalog, tag, and maintain a collection of photos, and make them available to specific groups of people. Many libraries use a Flickr account to post images from programs and events to their patrons.
I was intrigued by the Flickr mash-up programs like Mappr. Unfortunately, Mappr no longer processes Flickr images, so my hope to create my own map didn't work out. However, I was floored by the sheer number of smart phone apps that are available. Here is a small but interesting list of apps that are linked to Flickr.
Flickr claims that is one of the best photo sharing and management sites in the world. It certainly is among the most well-known. I used to have a Photobucket account but have since deleted it. My Flickr account was far easier and faster to load with pictures than Photobucket. Another ideal site for novices to learn online technology. Though I made my photo album private, one of the fun aspects to Flickr is sharing capability. Photos can be made public and tagged under certain topics. I did a quick search for Vermont photos and found a number of gorgeous nature shots. Flickr is a fantastic way to catalog, tag, and maintain a collection of photos, and make them available to specific groups of people. Many libraries use a Flickr account to post images from programs and events to their patrons.
I was intrigued by the Flickr mash-up programs like Mappr. Unfortunately, Mappr no longer processes Flickr images, so my hope to create my own map didn't work out. However, I was floored by the sheer number of smart phone apps that are available. Here is a small but interesting list of apps that are linked to Flickr.
RSS feeds
I'm an avid reader of book and library-related blogs. In fact, I spend my mornings poring over roughly twenty blogs and message boards trying to keep up with my favorite reviewers and book news sources. I've heard of RSS feeds but never explored them until this project; I figured that my routine of checking each site one by one worked perfectly well. However, setting up an RSS feed has completely changed the way I read blogs and the time I spend doing so. I no longer have to check each blog for new posts - they just automatically appear in my RSS feed. It's such a time saver.
I started out creating an account with Bloglines, but found it to be difficult to navigate. This seems to be the theme of this blog - moving to a different technology site when the first is frustrating. Thankfully, there are numerous options for each type of online technology and the benefit of the 23 Things Project is finding the right fit for my needs. The Help page on Bloglines was nowhere to be found and I just couldn't figure out how to set up a simple feed; instead I kept creating new untitled pages. My patience wore thin and quickly abandoned Bloglines for Google Reader. I already have a Gmail account so switching to Google made much more sense. Google Reader is extremely easy to use. Directions were offered as soon as I signed up; I had an active fee within about 10 minutes of starting my account. The page is organized, uncluttered, and easy to navigate - perfect for novice users.
RSS feeds are great for anyone who wants to centralize their Internet reading in one spot. The only downside so far is not seeing the lovely, personalized mastheads on each blog (but that's not such a huge deal). Libraries woudl benefit from using an RSS feed to keep track of library trends and book reviews, as well as post one about issues that may interest patrons. Literacy is about more than jusy using the computer; it's about using available technology to make our lives easier and more efficient.
I started out creating an account with Bloglines, but found it to be difficult to navigate. This seems to be the theme of this blog - moving to a different technology site when the first is frustrating. Thankfully, there are numerous options for each type of online technology and the benefit of the 23 Things Project is finding the right fit for my needs. The Help page on Bloglines was nowhere to be found and I just couldn't figure out how to set up a simple feed; instead I kept creating new untitled pages. My patience wore thin and quickly abandoned Bloglines for Google Reader. I already have a Gmail account so switching to Google made much more sense. Google Reader is extremely easy to use. Directions were offered as soon as I signed up; I had an active fee within about 10 minutes of starting my account. The page is organized, uncluttered, and easy to navigate - perfect for novice users.
RSS feeds are great for anyone who wants to centralize their Internet reading in one spot. The only downside so far is not seeing the lovely, personalized mastheads on each blog (but that's not such a huge deal). Libraries woudl benefit from using an RSS feed to keep track of library trends and book reviews, as well as post one about issues that may interest patrons. Literacy is about more than jusy using the computer; it's about using available technology to make our lives easier and more efficient.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Concerns about the Internet and responsible use of online technology
I had originally planned on discussing Flickr and Flickr Mashups today. However, my frustration in signing up for a Flickr account is taking center stage instead. Technology is often seen as a boon to our daily lives, making tasks easier or more efficient. Even the Luddite in me is compelled to agree with that sentiment. I own a cell phone, rely on my dvr to record my favorite shows, and am addicted to my laptop. I use email as my primary means of communication, keep in touch with friends on Facebook, track my reading on GoodReads, and even attend class on Blackboard.
The Internet is imperative to our lives now and is often our link with the rest of the world. So why was I ready to (figuratively) throw my laptop out the window last night? I realized that I couldn’t just sign up for a Flickr account and load some vacation pictures without first having a Yahoo account. I didn’t want my Yahoo email address linked to Flickr nor did I want to bypass this by accessing Flickr via my Facebook account. Why should all of my online accounts be linked? I realize some Internet users don’t see the problem with this, but I worry about my online presence and how much information is available to other users. Facebook is notorious for gathering information and owning the content people post on their pages. Would my Flickr pictures suddenly become their property?
Hackers and privacy breaches are major problems online. About six months ago, a hacker created some havoc via my Facebook page and Hotmail email account. I can’t access either of these accounts nor close them. Hotmail and Facebook have claimed that they cannot verify who I am and refuse to intervene. So I have a hacker Facebook page and a real one, as well as a phantom email address that still accepts messages. This is unnerving to say the least. And yet, many online users don’t think twice about the information they publish nor do they worry about the links between various sites. The sheer amount of personal information that can be gleaned from all of these links is impressive.
Though these aren’t new topics, they are becoming more important as the Internet can no longer be separated from “real life.” Our online personas are no longer separate from our personalities; they are just another medium we use. Information literacy is about more than just teaching people to use computers and databases. It’s about teaching them responsible and thoughtful use of this technology. How will they use their email accounts? What type of information will be posted on their Facebook page? What security controls are in place on these sites? What information is collected? How many personal details are scattered on various blogs, wikis, and message boards? Technology use and information literacy courses need to look past the basics and introduce these ideas to Internet users. I don’t think I could ethically teach a class on social networking without addressing some of the concerns that come with these sites.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Welcome!
This is my 23 Things Blog, designed to track my introduction to various Web 2.0 technologies. I have blogged a bit in the past (my vacation blog is sporadic) but this is my first attempt to explore the Web and technologies I may use in my profession. My inspiration is the original 23 Things at Learning 2.0. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do!
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