Using MashUps

Since I didn't have a clue what a MashUp was prior to this week, I was rather surprised to discover I had actually been using them (like looking for the Starbuck's in Chicago or the Cracker Barrel's on I-95!). For the class, I looked at several. I used BillShrink to determine if I had the cheapest cellphone rate (I do!). I used SocialScan to see how often my Section's website was listed (58 times - THAT goes into the statistics report this year!). Finally, I tried Frekfly to get the low-down on my upcoming trip to Chicago (I can't say I was impressed with this one. I get better info from Weather.com.

Next was my visit to Rollyo. I read the blog of The Annoyed Librarian, and her opinions on her right to privacy within her blog. I found a few postings from The Shifted Librarian. I looked at the posting entitled "Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid" (okay, I am). Finally, I went to the posting from Librarian in Black, and the information on the ALA Privacy Toolkit. I also decided to do another search, on Facebook, and found an interesting posting on putting your library in Facebook (also from Librarian in Black). Since this is something we are considering at work, this is useful information.

Finally, I did create my own Rollyo account, and made a Health search (as I edit the NOAH, it seemed like a good idea). I used Rollyo's suggestions, but made some subtractions and additions. I made it public, so I wonder if it would be used

Using Podcasts and YouTube

This is the first time I've had problems with one of the applications recommended for the class. I've subscribed to Podcasts (for personal information - mostly knitting podcasts) via Itunes for awhile now, but I had a terrible time searching Odeo - it was slow, and the directory was not really user friendly. I did finally get it to search successfully and was able to subscribe to a feed. However, I think I will continue to do podcast subscriptions through my Itunes feed.

YouTube is a lot easier to use. Since I teach a class on CINAHL, I decided to look for a video on searching CINAHL, and I found this one from Salve Regina University's McKillop Library. This is an excellent way of getting information to patrons in the offices, and allows them the opportunity to learn a database or search engine, and still be in the privacy of their own space. It also would permit them to work at their own pace (since they can always repeat the video if something goes by too quickly or the phone rings!) The only drawback to this kind of presentation is the hardware and software required (which presently, our library does not have).

Using Flickr

I've been using Flickr for awhile now. I used it to post photos from a reunion and wedding I attended. I also used it to post photos from the NY-NJ Chapter. It was a useful way of letting everyone see the photos, they uploaded in a reasonable amount of time, and (when I didn't need them there any longer), they were easy to delete. Flickr has proved very useful for disseminating photos of events. Within the library, it could certainly be used for event photos, as well as for dissemination of photographic information to a community (staff choosing images for a particular publication, for example).

Here is my Flickr site. And, to whet your appetite, above is a photo of my friend Vera and I at our high school reunion.

Using GoogleDocs

I've actually used GoogleDocs in the past - we did some local, Chapter-based spreadsheet revision as a group, and it worked out rather nicely. I'm not too keen on the Presentation software (really limiting as to size of image you can use), but I can see usefulness if you don't have an image heavy presentation (I usually do, though). I'm suspecting the pay versions of these online products offer a lot more flexibility, and were I to be doing a lot of file sharing, I believe I would consider that. Right now, the free version will work quite nicely.

In the meantime, here is my published slide show (all two slides of it!)

Using del.icio.us

I've been using del.icio.us since the Web 2.0 telecast, and though I'm not proficient yet, it is already proving useful. I do like the fact that I can get at my bookmarks from anywhere in the world. I've never been a big "bookmarker" simply because I never seem to have the bookmark I need at the computer I'm using!

The idea of setting up institutional accounts, and using them as alerting tools for staff presents real possibilibies. It also would facilitate resource sharing among researchers. I believe this is something we can definitely use inhouse.

Social Networking Tools - Or Welcome to Facebook!

I set up my accounts with Facebook and Linkin. I much preferred Facebook (you can see my profile here. I was able to locate several of my colleagues very quickly, and add some useful utilities. Our Library is considering using Facebook for our staff. For those who are used to it, it could be a potentially friendlier atmosphere for communication (and a way to select JUST the applications they use the most, in a format that is easy for them to find).

However, I do think new users should be cautioned about just what information about themselves they should make available. I can see libraries needing to formulate guidelines for their staff!

MLA Class Blogs and Wikis

Just an alert about the MLA Class Blog and Class Wiki

Take a look.