Method 12

Even though I had a great deal of familiarity with Web 2.0 technologies going into this program I found it to be a very useful experience. This course not only provided a solid background in the most important web 2.0 technologies and concepts but also provided a great deal of illustrations on how these technologies might be used effectively in a library setting.

The most useful lesson for me was the discussions on Twitter and Delicious. These were most useful to me because it showed me a variety of tools in these technologies that I had previously been unaware of (for example, Twitter's powerful search feature). In addition to these lessons, the variety of links I have accumulated throughout the entire course (in library blogs, web 2.0 videos, etc) have been invaluable and will surely help me stay informed in these areas in the future.

I plan on continuing my own development in web 2.0 technologies, and I greatly hope that I can convince my library to adopt some of these practice so that we can continue to be a relevant and useful center of information for our patrons in the digital age.


I hope this project continues and keeps current with the rapidly shifting developments in technology. If another learning opportunity like this was offered in the future I would definitely take it!

Method 11

I think podcasts are a very useful instructional tool for short, how-to's that users may frequently have questions about. The best part about it is the user can listen to it as needed on there mp3 player, no matter where they are located. If the library has wifi set up in the building and/or allows users to use their cell phones, it becomes even easier for patrons to access podcasts.

This is not only a matter of providing good service to patrons, but as was discussed in this topic, is quickly becoming a necessity of providing the expected level of service from younger users who are accustomed to on-demand, quick and personal access to information.

Method 10

I always seem to have problems operating Wiki's. For whatever reason, this time seemed to be the smoothest for me and I was able to figure out how to edit and publish my changes with only one or two missteps.

I think wiki's are tremendously useful to libraries, especially in the area of staff communication. For example, a reference wiki could alert fellow reference librarians about hot topics or assignments that are frequently popping up in a time period.

While the tool is useful, I still find the interface clunky and kind of confusing to jump into. I much prefer the ease and simplicity of the new google wave program. It is only in beta phase but appears to be the beginnings of a powerful collaborative tool, combining the best of wiki's, instant messaging, and email.

Method 9

I have used a variety of messenger programs in the past - including ICQ, AIM, and Yahoo. But I have limited experience with aggregator programs. I think some of these programs might be very useful for a library, especially if they can also centralize activity on the library's facebook and myspace accounts into this program.

Although Meebo, doesn't have this capability it does appear to be a very effective instant messaging system for libraries. Our library is planning on implementing Meebo in the near future (we currently use Pidgin) and the capability to have the client appear on every page of the library website should increase usage of the instant messaging reference service.

I tried sending a message on the tslacdl website because I noticed the user was online, but unfortunately I didn't receive a response. Not having an auto-generated response to let users no the message was received and someone will be with the momentarily might be a problem for people in a situation like I was, who are not sure if the user is away from the desk, or busy with another patron, or just not receiving my message.

Method 8

Social Networking -

I have been a long personal user of Facebook, Myspace and more recently, Twitter. While, my library does not currently have a presence on any of these sites, I hope to change this as soon as possible in my new position. I feel it is incredibly useful as a marketing tool to go wherever the users may be. This could be a physical presence in student dorms, or a virtual one on Facebook. It not only serves as a constant reminder of the library, but also gives librarians the opportunity to engage, listen to and respond to the issues and thoughts of their patrons.

While I think all three options should be explored for libraries, I believe Twitter may be the most useful option, as it is fairly unintrusive, allows for rapid communication to wide audience, and has a very powerful search capability.

Method 7

Delicious is a tool I have been using for a little over a year now and I like a lot about it. The articles I read in this method, pointed out some very useful features I have been overlooking, mainly the social aspects of this tool. I have primarily been using it as a way to access my favorite websites from any internet connected computer. With the Social aspects, I can not only broaden web resources that speak to my interests, but also possible make connections with people who have the same interests as me.

I think this can be a very powerful tool for libraries, and an excellent gateway to the web for library users. The most important thing to do when utilizing it for the web, is be very diligent in how items are tagged and keep on top of the taxonomy being used. The social aspect can also be capitalized to find other interested resources that may benefit library patrons.

Method 6

As with photo sharing, I think video sharing can be a useful tool for libraries if used effectively. One of the more unique strengths of video sharing - is the way it lends itself to being shared among people outside of the video sharing site itself. While other formats can easily be shared, videos on sites such as YouTube, have been reposted on personal webpages like MySpace and Facebook to such an extant that "Viral Video" has become part of our vernacular. While this can greatly increase exposure for a library, I think it also means that librarians should apply some creativity and entertainment appeal when creating a promotional video, to entice others to watch it. The video I posted above does a great job of entertaining while promoting in my opinion