#19 Explore a Web 2.0 site

So many sites, so little time!
Went for the short list. Spring widgets, and Yourminis - The first was confusing - did not explain too much. Yourminis was slightly better. The sharing factor is big. I'm sure we could apply widgets to our working life. Also looked at Goowy - personalise your online desktop, or as they tell us Goowy enables you to "manage your digital life and express youself on the web." Sounds like you could create a desktop with instant links, RSS feeds, news updates, online messaging etc etc and etc. The most relevant site that I could relate to my work, is of course Library Thing. After wading through widget world, sharing heaven, twitterland, lists and lists, coming upon Library thing warmed my heart! What is obvious from this exploration of WEb 2.0 sites, is that the world is becoming a smaller place, compliments of the WWW.

#18 Online productivity tools

Checked out Zoho. The "portable" word, spreadsheet, presentation, notebook, calendar tools etc look useful in that you can access them from any PC. Managed to create word document and notebook pages. Added image and text to the notebook feature, but could not embed it in my blog.
Also twice there was an application error and I was kicked out. So I'm moving on. But "I'll be back" to try and put that thing on my blog!

#17 Add an entry to sandpit

Played around in the sand, added favourite vacation spots, (last big holiday to Europe and Middle East!) read some other posts, and now want to go to Saba! Added name to log on main page.

#16 Wikis and innovative ways libraries are using them

Re-attacking Learning 23 Things in the great year of 2008!
Even though I have learnt much about wikis through contributing to the ATO eLibrary country profiles and Learning and Development wiki, it was interesting to see other wikis, eg special event wikis. Also St Joseph's County Library pathfinder caught my interest with its enriched content and various ways of displaying blocks of information eg special links, special events. Not only did it point me to books it linked to events, tips, history and other websites.

#15 Read about Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and future of libraries

Interesting views put forward by the authors - most saying libraries and librarians need to learn about and join the world of Web 2.0 or be swallowed up. Maybe even set up branches in Second life! Libraries need to deliver services instantly to users, including digital books that the new generation of users will "demand", on their electronic devices - (phones, PCs, Laptops, Blackberries iPods, ).

However, a word of caution from Wendy Schultz, who says eventually users will become weary of the technohustle and will need a quiet place to relax with a cup of coffee and a book :"You know, a library!"

#15 Web 2.0 Future of libraries

I read 3 of the articles. Most interesting quote was "you think they can't have everything? Think again!" Rick Anderson : Away from the icebergs. This is in response to Rick's statement that the 'just in case' print collections are becoming outdated, and that users will demand digital collections. Libraries will need to integrate their services into users' daily pattern of work, study and play, and we will have to think of new ways to bring services to clients instead of waiting for them to come to us.

Such is the online way of life that is permeating our every move and the expectation that instant gratification brings.

#14 Technorati

Certainly is a lot to cover in Technorati. And do I really care that the world is awash with bloggers wishing to share their thoughts, faves, tags, with the world? My search for Web 2.0 unearthed pages and pages of hits, but the first was uninspiring. Marketing had the biggest tag when I searched the tags. I see that you could also create a widget, and book shelf.
I see it as mainly a social site rather than a professional one