Library 2.0

Library 2.0 - user-centered, encouraging particpation, and focusing on bringing the library to the customers through diverse tools and services. Flickr, rss feeds, and instant messaging are some of the many examples of library 2.0 services that libraries are incorporating to better reach and serve their customers. I think that each of them can add value and can make for a more broad spectrum of services.



I liked what the article 'Away from the Icebergs' had to say, in that there should be a middle ground between abandoning core values for new trends and being unwilling to recognize or adapt when changes do occur. I think that Library 2.0 services can benefit a library so long as they aren't the entire focus, but something that complements the traditional model of library services.

Technorati

After spending some time on Technorati, I don't know that I would use it on a regular basis. If I were looking for blogs or blog posts based on a particular tag, I'd just as soon use Bloglines or Delicious.

del.icio.us

I like delicious and can see using it in addition to the bookmarks saved on my computer. Having them accessible from any computer is a definite plus, and it's also helpful to see what other people are saving using the same tags as me.


It could be very handy at a reference desk - librarian staff can collaborate on which sites to add, decide on the tags, and have it available from any computer.

JaxCat Search Gadget

The JaxCat Search Gadget is a pretty handy addition to the blog. It has enough limiters to get a decently specific search, but I'd prefer if it'd open a new window for the search results. I'll have to play with its location on my blog though, what with LibraryThing, Flickr and the blogroll already taking up so much room. I don't know that, if it weren't right at the top, I'd remember to use it.

LibraryThing

I am really impressed with LibraryThing. It's a great way to keep track of what I've read or what I want to read. And there are so many tools and features, I could easily spend quite a lot of time on this site. Altogether I found it pretty easy to use and it's something that I would definitely recommend to others.

Online Image Generator

Wow, so many options from The Generator Blog alone. I don't know exactly what I would use them for, other than something just for fun. But it's neat to see how creative people get with them. The Chuck Norris Random Fact made me laugh, and I've always been curious about what my name is in Elvish, but in the end I went with Einstein.

Bloglines

There's quite a lot that I like about Bloglines. It makes it incredibly easy to both keep up with blogs I regularly read and keep them organized. I like being able to group blogs into different folders, and I like the search options to find other blogs that I might enjoy too. It definitely is a time-saver, connecting to my blogs from one website rather than going from site-to-site.

RSS feeds are a terrific tool for libraries, particularly in keeping people updated with the latest and greatest - programs, additions to the collection, book reviews, etc. JPL already offers several feeds of its own, for the individual branches and for programming.

Flickr and Libraries

In searching through Flickr it's easy to see that libraries have made great use of it and for all sorts of reasons. There are groups dedicated to specific library systems (UGA, New Jersey Libraries, State Library of Victoria), groups for ALA conferences and student chapters, and for the Second Life Library 2.0 project, among many, many others. As a local example, the Bartram Trail branch of the Saint Johns Public Library system has a photostream giving a tour of the new library with shots of the Children's area, meeting room space and workroom: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjcpls/2406422242/. There are similar photostream tours for the other branches as well.


I happen to like the Flickr group Libraries and Librarians: http://www.flickr.com/groups/librariesandlibrarians/. It has 2,315 members with 18,706 items added so far. Here you'll find pictures of library building exteriors and interiors, library signage, all sorts of programs and presentations, homemade READ posters, you name it. If it's library related then it's probably in this group. And so in this capacity, Flickr seems like another great tool for libraries; a way to familiarize people with the building and layout, promote programs and services, and just have fun.

Framed Mandarin Library

Mandarin Library with frame
Originally uploaded by sara's 2.0 photos

Here's a framed version of the library entrance, using the Framer option from http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/. Just on this site alone there were some pretty neat options to manipulate photos. And that's one of the great things about Flickr, that it allows anyone to write their own program, and so you get these really creative 3rd party applications that allow you to do all sorts of cool things with your photos.

Mandarin Library

Mandarin Library
Originally uploaded by sara's 2.0 photos

Here is the first picture in my Flickr account, with more to follow shortly. I've found the whole process to be pretty straightforward, from uploading into Flickr, tagging and describing, and posting to Blogger. Flickr is a pretty neat tool, and there's just so much that can be done with it. I know libraries and librarians in particular have run with it, and even have their own group for posting and sharing pictures!

71/2 Habits

I think for me the easiest is #6 as I really enjoy learning about new applications and gadgets. Of all the habits #1 might be the hardest in being more specific in a goal from just learning about and playing with the technology to examining how I can use them effectively both personally and professionally.