Thing #16: Wikis

One example that popped into my mind of how we can use wikis in the library is to create pathfinder or subject guide wikis that stay updated (after I read the "Using Wikis to Create Online Communities" discovery resource I noticed that was one of the suggestions). I also think that using wikis internally among staff is a great idea, although it seems that we already have SharePoint to keep groups up-to-date.

I found Princeton Public Library's book review wiki interesting and think that would be a good idea for our library. The Librarian Chick wiki has a wealth of resources that seem really useful.

Thing #15: Library 2.0

I think that integrating 2.0 tools into our work makes things more interesting for us and our patrons, and it makes the delivery of information more effective and convenient. Take Flickr for example - patrons can see the programs we have available for them on Flickr, and staff can get programming and display ideas from the pics too.

I read the Rick Anderson article, Away from the "icebergs," and I agree that we should bring our services to our patrons instead of making them come to us (putting our services online). That is how we will stay relevant.

Thing #14: Technorati

I haven't really used Technorati before, and I did find it interesting to poke around and find new blogs. In looking at the top searches, I found it interesting that both Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Aniston were listed. I don't get it. However, I didn't find it surprising at all that Paris Hilton was listed, though I don't understand the obsession with her either. Also, I thought it was kind of funny that cheat codes were listed as a top search because I always see teens printing out cheat codes at the library.

Thing #13: Del.icio.us

Although I didn't have a personal account, I've used del.icio.us at work. We have a link to our del.icio.us account on our SharePoint page so that everyone in the group can share links. I decided to go ahead and create an account for myself and start bookmarking.

Thing #12: Rollyo

I created a search roll for vegetarian/vegan sites because, duh, I'm vegetarian. It's called Veggielife and includes websites on veg cooking, shopping, health and general veg lifestyle tips. After I entered the websites I usually use, I checked Alexa and found some that I hadn't seen before.

Select...VeggielifeSearch The Web

Thing #11: Goodreads

This one is easy for me because I've been on Goodreads for a couple of years. It's a great way to keep track of the books I've read (so that I can recommend them) and the books I want to read. To find new books to read, I regularly check to see what my Goodreads friends have been reading.

Shelfari is also a great website that basically serves the same purpose as Goodreads, but the difference is that you can see your bookshelves with the book covers on them. So, Shelfari is definitely prettier. I've shown these sites to our patrons, and they seem to like both of them.

Thing #10: Online Image Generators

For this avatar, I went to www.customsigngenerator.com and chose "Avatar Maker" on http://www.txt2pic.com/avatars/. It was fun to play around with different image generators.