Library 2.0

It seems much about the future of libraries is in the conceptual stag, but it seems to be very promising and exciting. We have just started exploring the possibilities of web 2.0 in learn and play, and already there are ways the libraries can use them. I love amazon for their tagging, and user reviews. What if our patrons could tag and review books they have read? What if they could have a "Library Thing" connected to their CML account, so checked out books could easily be added to a virtual bookshelf. Then reviews could be imported from their library thing to our catalogue. Books searched for, and put on a "want to read" list, could be linked to a reserve list. Book blogs, and online discussion forums could be hosted through our site. The potential is huge, but we will have to see what the public really wants, so the technology is not added for the sake of itself. What a great time to be in the library business!

So Delicious

I can't wait to get my own delicious account started. I have tons of bookmarks poorly sorted on my computer. In addition i have some on my parent's computer that have never made it home. Having the ability to easliy classify my favorite sites from anywhere would be a great help when I am working on a project at school, or buying christmas presents for people once a year. I also like the idea that i can see what others have found as a useful or interesting site. Googling can turn up nothing and be a complete waste of time. This looks to be a promising source for me in the future.

All Atwitter

So I am now part of the 1% of America on twitter, don't I feel high and mighty! I joined as caelumm224, my street name, so check it out if you are interested. I don't know how often I will be on to update though. I barely have time to check my email, let alone read about what others are doing. When on facebook, i only update the "what are you doing" box about 50% of the time. Who cares? I added some people I knew, then looked at who they are following to find others. I did find an amusing one I did not know and added. I could have fun with this, but it could be strangely addicting too. I could see the library using it as a "what is happening at this branch update". Today it would say "Insanely busy at the 'Stone. Stop procrastinating people and register to vote when you move!". Must go update my profile now, it has been more than 5 seconds...

Library Thang

When CML first added their "Powe Tools" page, I checked Library Thing out. It has every book imaginable in its system, and every edition of that book ever created too. It is nice that one can check out reveiws of books posted by others, and find like- minded people and forums, where more great reads may be found. I like the idea, but belonging to so many 3rd party sites creates more log in times, passwords to remember, and takes time. When I found out Facebook has a virtual library, I added the application, and started adding book there. I add books that I have read, not that I own, but it would be nice to catalogue all the ones I own too. I have not even put a fraction in yet either. I may not use my Library thing catalogue because Facebook is more convenient, but I think it is a great tool. Is there anything out there like this for music and movies too?

Generation: generators

Sign and text generators allow one to easily and quickly make a fake picture look (almost) real; or at least make you look twice. I found a nifty website where you can pick any number of premade backrounds to play around with. I made this barcode using one of the listed widgets. I could see this as being a lot of fun. This site gives you the option to send it as an e-card to a friend too.

Searching for time wasters wastes time

So after I found 10 RSS feeds for my new bloglines account, I had to go out and find more using various search engines. When i was looking for my 10, I checked my email for various newsletters I get. I found a few that way, which means i can keep track of stuff i'm already reading. I then used bloglines to search for some more, and found a possibility, but nothing too exciting. I then used Technorati, and found another good site form NY Times Magazine. Something else to read though. Will I ever have time for physical print again? I want to check out some other blogs that coworkers find amusing, so I will have to check out the Whetstone blog, add it to my feeds, and the blogs listed there to my feeds. I barely have time to finds the feeds to add let alone read them! Maybe it will be better when power and normalcy are returned to central Ohio.

RSS Heaven

Now I have set up my own personal selection of RSS feeds on Bloglines. It has a selection of library stuff and fashionista stuff. Please check it out if you are interested in either. I have been away on vacation (more on that later, hopefully), and have been affected by THE GREAT WINDSTORM, so that is all for now.