Wikis, Online Applications & Tools

I already knew a bit about Wikipedia, but not much else about Wikis. I have now learnt that Wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian, and that Wikis are quick because the processes of reading and editing are combined. They are also in a constant state of change because anyone can add, delete or modify the information contained within them (creators may even deliberately leave gaps, hoping that someone else will fill them in).
Unfortunately, this also means that the information added to them is not necessarily correct!
After exploring some of the library wikis, I think one of their best uses could be as a collaborative tool in the sharing of best practice ideas, as in the Library Outreach Wiki.
http://libraryoutreach.pbwiki.com/

Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati

So far, I've spent a lot of time reading about Technorati and Delicious and exploring their applications - but I eventually needed help from the lovely Donna to be able to apply these (I now have Technorati linked to my blog) Not sure I'll be using these a lot - but at least I know a bit about them now!
I found Rick Anderson's article "Away from the icebergs" very interesting - he points out that as Web 2.0 technology continues to emerge, there will be a move away from our patrons' expectations of just a physical library collection. They will expect to be able to access information in all types of format, including digital collections of journals, books, blogs, podcasts, etc. - and it will be part of the librarian's role to educate library users in the use of these technologies. Libraries also no longer have the monopoly power in the "information marketplace" that they possessed in the days before Internet use became widespread.

Instant Messaging and Skype

I have set these up (with help from Jo!), and can see that they would be very useful - especially to communicate with my children overseas!

Play Week

Well, as you can see, I really enjoyed Play Week (so much so that I have been reluctant to move on!). I especially enjoyed playing around in the Generator Blog, and FD Toys etc., and found Library Thing very useful for keeping a record of the books I've recently read (or might want to read again in the future). http://www.librarything.com/catalog/margw

After a long break from 23 Things (interloans has been busy, and I had a 2 week holiday in Australia in August!) - I guess I'd better move on.

I am a Daffodil What Flower Are You?

My PaloozaHead!

http://www.paloozahead.com/976814-c594

Watching the Fish

Watching the Fish
Originally uploaded by maggiew2

Beautiful fish from our library fishtank

Jo and Margaret

Jo and Margaret
Originally uploaded by maggiew2

Sketch of Me and Jo at Louise's birthday party (using Dumpr ) www.dumpr.net

My star sign

Coffee to go with the cake!

Librarian's Morning Tea

My creation
Originally uploaded by maggiew2

Eating again!

Cakes!

Cakes!
Originally uploaded by maggiew2

Decided also to add to my blog these fine examples of librarians' creativity! (made for Kerry and Helen's farewell party)

Flickr

I have found "flickring" fascinating, though after a week I am only just getting the hang of it, and now it's time to move on - but it's definitely something I would like to explore more in the future!

June Flower

June Flower
Originally uploaded by glassjudah

I thought this flower was lovely and bright for the winter, so I have decided to add it to my blog!

RSS & Newsreaders

What a relief - didn't think I'd even know where to start with our RSS exercise, but once I attempted it, I found it quite straightforward (although very time-consuming, seeing it's easy to get side-tracked while looking for interesting RSS feeds to add!!)

On to Flickr now - another challenge for me to grapple with!!

23 Things

Well, I have done the first task - this is all new territory for me, but I'm sure it's all part of life-long learning. (but I think I'm going to find it all very challenging!!)



MHW