Thing #18 - Web-based Applications

Here is yet another Internet tool that I'm wondering how I ever lived without. The number of times that I've created a document or spreadsheet at home (on one of my computers) or at work and needed it desperately on one of the other PCs is probably in the hundreds by now. I don't know how long Google Docs (or Zoho Writer, or Writeboard , or Backpack) has existed but I could kick myself for not finding one of these before now. I can imagine dozens of uses for myself and some for others. This seems like the obvious solution for so many patrons that come to the library to type their resume but don't think to bring anything to save it on. Oops! When they realize that they can't type a decent resume in an hour and need to finish it later, they panic. How can they save it? By using one of these great services, of course.

It took a few attempts, but I did finally get this to post from Google Docs. Awesome!

Thing #17 - LPLS Staff Wiki

I was really surprised that there were so many sections of the Circulation Manual still available to add since I feel so far behind most everyone else in these exercises. These are the articles that I added to the lpls.pbwiki.com.

Circulation Manual: Missing - Damaged - Lost

This section contains the following articles:
Assumed Lost
Assumed Lost - Billing
Claims Return
Damaged Items
Item Missing Parts
Billing Lost and Damaged Books
Missing Items

I think this wiki is great! I can't wait to see more added. The possibilities are nearly limitless. I see using a wiki for all types of training and for providing new information to staff members. The minutes for staff meetings, the LINK, schedules, calendars, special events- they can all be posted on a wiki for staff members to access from anywhere they happen to need or want the information.

Thing #16 - What's in a Wiki?

We've all heard of Wikipedia and it's questionable content. I like it for some general information but for obvious reasons suggest alternate sources for researchers. I liked the Wikipedia Exercise on the Library Instruction Wiki where the instructor creates what she calls a "mad lib" to show how easy it is for anyone to add spurious information to the site. Most everyone, especially Tennesseans, know about the Seigenthaler controversy showing the dangers inherent in a open publishing and editing environment.

Some of the very things that make wikis so great are the same things that detract from the idea of using them- anyone can add and make changes to them. A wiki might not be the answer for a control freak. Where the possibility for mischief exists, vandals will congregate. Despite my own tendency toward a need to control my environment; I think wikis are a valuable tool for disseminating and sharing information. I can see many uses for a wiki in genealogy research and local history collaboration. Libraries can use one to post how-to instructions, resource guides, genealogy forms, website links, and on and on. Libraries and individuals can use a wiki to coordinate projects of all kinds so that the information is accessible from anywhere an Internet connection is available by everyone involved. The possibilities are very exciting.

Thing #15 - Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

I started reading the articles suggested and just kept reading anything I could find on Library 2.0. That could be why it's taking me so long to complete this Thing. It can be somewhat overwhelming but exciting at the same time. When I think of all the possibilities that Library 2.0 offers, it makes my head spin.

In 11 Reasons Why Library 2.0 Exists and Matters, John Blyberg says that the definition of Library 2.0 coined by Sarah Houghton (The Librarian in Black) is: “Library 2.0 simply means making your library’s space (virtual and physical) more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs. Examples of where to start include blogs, gaming nights for teens, and collaborative photo sites. The basic drive is to get people back into the library by making the library relevant to what they want and need in their daily lives…to make the library a destination and not an afterthought.”

When viewed simply from that perspective, it seems very attainable. Taking the first steps may be the most difficult for some, but we've done that. Moving deliberately forward with careful consideration of each stride, we can build upon these exercises to making our library relevant to much more of our community.

The most thrilling article by far was by Dr. Wendy Scutlz, To a temporary place in time. Her vision of the future with Library 4.0 is very Star Trekian in its holodeck-like prediction. Her library as a retreat sounds like my kind of place.

Thing #14 - Technorati

Technorati is a just bit overwhelming to me. It seems useful for finding blogs of interest, but that probably just scratches the surface of its worth. A search for Learning 2.0 found 17,489 results, 843 blogs, 20 videos, and hundreds of photos. I searched for LPLS and found only 17 posts with three blogs- one of those was in another language (Chinese maybe), one was the LPLS Learning 2.0 website blog, and the third was mine. I tag all of my blog entries with LPLS.
I checked out the most popular blog Boing Boing (a directory of wonderful things) with over 3000 people making it a favorite. Boing Boing is a weblog of cultural curiosities and interesting technologies. It's the most popular blog in the world, as ranked by Technorati.com. It had lots of interesting topics including several entries about Disney- one of my interests. I made it a favorite as well.

Thing #13 - de.licio.us

I've had my own personal del.icio.us account for quite a while now and can kick myself for not taking advantage of it all these months. It's great. I have numerous sites bookmarked on my laptop and desktop so it will take a while to set those all to del.icio.us, but it will be well worth the effort. Now, I have an account that I have associated with my blog: I am ForGreaterKnowledge on del.icio.us.


The benefits for librarians and researchers is clear. I can imagine using del.icio.us or something like it to bookmark and tag all the sites that are frequented to answer questions for patrons. Having access to them from any computer is a tremendous advantage and being able to share those sites with others creates even greater value.

Thing #12 - Rollyo

Rollyo is fascinating! I had no idea that it was possible to create a search engine from only the sites I trust and want to access. Isn't the Internet just amazing? I created a search engine that browses only Rutherford County, Tennessee related sites. I think it may need a bit of tweaking, but you can try it now by typing your search term into the Rollyo box in the left column and selecting Rutherford Co., TN from the drop down menu.

Thing #11 - Library Thing

I had seen LibraryThing before and was not really sure I would find it beneficial to me, but once I took the time to explore the site fully I could see the potential. I liked Andrea's (at Smyrna) idea about adding the books from her personal collection and tagging them with read or unread. That will simplify the decision making process for selecting my next book to read. I've just started adding my books, but a few can be seen on the right column of this page or you can go directly to my LibraryThing list at ForGreaterKnowledge.