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.