Week 7, Thing 16: Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that libraries are using them.

What I found interesting is that there is a wiki for just about every topic you can think of. As was pointed out, there is a lot of good info out there, but editorial command and control is a concern. Bias comes into play, and misuse is rampant. One user pointed out in the Bull Run PL (I think) wiki that they always verify their info at another source because of the subjectivity of a wiki's editorial content. This in turn raises the question of why not go to that other source right off the bat and avoid the wiki entirely thereby negating its usefulness. I like, for instance, Wikipedia's entry for the Battle of the Somme:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme_%281916%29
This is a great overview to this massive historical event, and it's links provide accurate detail, hence a wiki success! I like the SJCPL subject guides, it works well for libraries and could just as easily read, 'FCPL Subject Guides" for our reference work. What's in a wiki you ask? Well, a bit of everything. That's what makes them viable. But, they must be used with common sense and not necessarily taken as an authoritative source for all things. Verify the info from multiple sources as needed to correctly answer patron (and your own) questions.

Week 6, Thing 15: Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries and blog your thoughts.

I read several of the perspectives about Library 2.0 from the given list. I shall comment on "into a new world of librarianship". While I agree with and understand much of what Michael Stephens, Librarian and Blogger puts out there, I think he asks too much. He wants each library personnel to be part administrator, materials collector, manager, supervisor, out reach coordinator,web expert (nay, even web designer or web master), and oh yeah, reference librarian all at the same time. Think you can handle that? To each his or her strengths I say! I think that is why FCPL is successful; individuals are allowed to take on as much of the right kind of job they are good at. It is a cornerstone of the reference work we do. We have multiple subject area experts in many fields, go find out which of your co-workers is knowledgeable in what area. It is not reasonable to expect one person (a Librarian 2.0) to do it all. I will not name any individuals but we have folks who do much of what Mr. Stephens asks, just not all wrapped up in one person. To do so would create an Uber Librarain, and the rest of us would be looking for new jobs! ~grin~ So while his concept is sensible, it must be combined with individual talents and subject area mastery...I don't know of any one person who can do all he asks, maybe there's one in MLS school now? But each of us that continues in this profession will have to absorb new ways of doing business, to meet the ever changing needs of our patrons. Upon that much we agree.

Week 6, Thing 14: Explore Technorati and learn how tags work with blog posts.

It took awhile but I finally got through this exercise. Technorati, sounds like an Italian sports car. Well I test drove this one and was underwhelmed. Too much going on with this tool. But I must remember there are those out there who do a great deal of blogging and posting of pics etc. so for them this is probably a form of heaven. For me it plucked my last nerve. With Technorati there's
lots to see: I got to see a list of all the 11 Sept. 2001 victims and relive the horror. Oh and then Paris Hilton again. It's like reading the newspaper, all the depressing stuff gets reported. Top Searches is like looking at the CNN home page. Top Blogs was like sorting through junk email and Top Favorited Blogs was like searching through organized junk email. Bleeck! I have to say I do not like it, but at least I learned about it, yes? Ich habe erlernt.

Week 6, Thing 13: Learn about tagging and discover a Del.icio.us (a social bookmaking site)

Here's what I got for my first attempt at listening to the 12 minute tutorial:

ERROR: www.library2.0.ottergroup.com is temporarily unavailable or does not exist. Please check the address and try again.

Delays delays, nothing but delays! Phooey!

Anyway, my impressions: I took a good look around the site and I do see value in creating tags in this fashion. I opted to search out military items, and found wonderful tags for the Abrams Main Battle Tank and the M240B medium machine gun. Curiously enough, these tags also were tied in with people's Flick'r accounts with mad photos attached. For library purposes, one could create some reference links that could be located, say, on the desk top of the ref. desk computer (hmm, how would that work with mobile reference???). I don't think I would use this method for immediate reference, the "traditional" ways seem to work well for me, I feel my patrons leave quite satisfied with the information provided for the most part. But if one had some tags set up for commonly asked ref. questions, there could be a future for that. Interesting idea though, this Delicious (PS--I hate the name, very unmanly!!)

Week 5, Thing 12: Roll your own search tool with Rollyo.

"I am the Great Roll-holio, I need books for my librario!"








Here is my link:
http://www.rollyo.com/rpowell/rps_stuff/

This product will help organize frequently used sites for faster service, both for myself and FCPL patrons.

Week 5, Thing 11: Take a look at LibraryThing and catalog some of your favorite books.

Here's the link to my exclusive library:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/rpowell1

Week 5, Thing 10: Play around with an online image generator.

Well here are 2 stabs at online image generation. The dude is from the Yahoo avatar generator:




Make your own at ProfilePitstop.com