Week 6 - Thing 15

Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries. Library 2.0 is term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services.

I see Library 2.0 as a way for libraries to keep up in an ever-changing information atmosphere. There has been a definite shift (and for many a preference) for information from books to an easy "click" on the Internet to the "answer", without having to sift through words on pages of books to find what they're looking for. And now, rules are changing or maybe there are no rules, structure (such as strict subject headings) is loosening, and everyone, not just librarians, is involved in the process of finding information (in creating labels and tags), not just when the library is open, but access 24/7.

Through library 2.0, libraries must learn about the new technologies, and then take it one step further; they must find a way to use it - to incorporate it into library service to become an integral part of this new information network, thereby finding their niche as a player in the information revolution. User needs are changing, the way people use library service is changing, especially for the technologically savvy younger generation, and libraries have to jump on the bandwagon to change to meet these users needs, or be left behind.

From the article, Away From Icebergs, I like the sentence, "One-button commands, such as Flickr’s “Blog This,” and easy-to-use programs like Google Page Creator, offer promising models for this kind of user-centric service." Libraries of the future need to move toward services that patrons can easily use on their own and don't require one-on-one training for information access. Our 24/7 web access is a step in this direction.

From, Into a New World of Librarianship, "This librarian bases all planning and proposals for services, materials and outreach on user needs and wants. User-centered libraries breakdown barriers and allow users access wherever they are: home, work, commuting, school, or at the library." This is a must to keep patrons as lifelong library users. And "a Librarian 2.0 embraces Web 2.0 tools"- we must join and be a player in this information network.

From, To More Powerful Ways to Cooperate, “users add value. For OCLC and its member libraries, this means expanding our definition of “collective intelligence” beyond the library professional to faculty, researchers, library patrons and others by building into our systems services that encourage these users contribute their expertise to the cooperative." This is certainly a new way of thinking in the library community which is possible using library 2.0 tools.

From, To Better Bibliographic Services, "Libraries should get much greater mileage out of the metadata they create." Expanding and broadening bibliographic services through library 2.0 processes would make library sources extremely valuable in the future.

From, To a Temporary Place in Time, "the LIBRARY: a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt. You know, the library." Ahhh, I love my library.

For me, library 2.0 means that I need to forge ahead and keep abreast of the latest trends in information technology and the way information is shared. I need some type of link to learn about new trends as they develop, and then I need to use them and become part of this new information network. This should be a goal for all of us in the information profession, to aspire to keep up in this fast-paced world of change. This is one reason I enjoy working with teens and young people so much, because they keep us aware of the latest cultural trends (and keep us younger than our years) in an ever-changing information-driven society.

Week 6 - Thing 14

I spent a lot of time with Technorati, the search engine for the blogosphere. I never realized there were so many blogs! I did an advanced search of library 2.0 in Blog posts and retrieved 23,725 results, in tags 19,485 results, and in the Blog Directory 353 blogs. I like the tag search because it shows related tags which can broaden the search to find something even more interesting. The interesting thing in comparing popular blog posts, searches, and tags, is that many of the same blogs come up in each category.

I'm interested in starting a watchlist, but not sure I really want to open a Technorati account. I don't feel confident enough about my posts that I want other people searching them. So far, this is the first "thing" I haven't opened an account on. I did see a blog on OPLINLIST that I would want in my favorites, so I may come back later and claim my blog.

One thing for sure, with all of this new technology terminology, we need an updated dictionary that includes all of these new words for the next time we play scrabble!

Week 6 - Thing 13

I spent a lot of time studying Del.icio.us, created a Del.icio.us account, and downloaded the buttons onto my Firefox browser at home. Then I started bookmarking sites and creating tags. I can see how Del.icio.us could be a helpful tool for finding additional info (sites) on a topic using the tags, and really increase the dimensions of a search by branching out in several different directions, including people. I also created a Del.icio.us network badge for my blog.

Somehow, my LibraryThing widget that was working right suddenly isn't working right now, so I have to go back and see if I can fix it.

Week 5 - Thing 12

It took me awhile, but I created two searchrolls on Rollyo, Storytelling and Storytime Resources. I also added several other subject searchrolls from Rollyo to the rollbar for my blog, so I can actually use it. I think that doing a search on a special index of sites like this will possibly retrieve more relevant results on the subjects I research the most. Here is a link to one of my searchrolls on Rollyo, http://rollyo.com/lkucalaba/storytelling/

Libraries I Love

I love libraries! I love working in libraries, being a patron in libraries, and visiting libraries as I travel. I've decided to leave a picture trail of libraries that have been a part of my life. I've only run into one problem with this. Some of my libraries have been moved and/or totally renovated. So I guess the new renovation for a library will work in my picture trail.

Week 5 - Thing 11

I really liked the Library Thing. The hardest part was remembering my favorite books.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/lkucalaba

Week 5 - Thing 10

The Image Generator Thing was pretty easy. The choice was the hardest part! Might come back later and add another.

Week 4 - Thing 9

I found "Search Tools for Newsfeeds" a little confusing at first, but I've finally discovered this is an easy way to find RSS feeds on topics that really interest ME, not just the news. Through Syndic8 I found "Teen Reads", a feed like the Teen Reads website, and this interests ME. I also looked throughout Feedster, Topix.net and Technorati , and arrived at my best favorite feed of all: MrDealFinder: Free Online Coupon Codes
These are online coupons, promotion codes, discounts and free coupons for Dell, Amazon, Kohl's, Target, Best Buy, Overstock, Sears and many other online stores. So there are feeds to interest everyone, even me.

I still would like to create a widget on Feedster, but I haven't quite figured it out yet. And I'm planning to add a Feed Icon in the address bar on the Mozilla browser we use at home for quick linking of feeds. This is great stuff.
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