Videos online

Before completing this test drive I thought that YouTube was the most commonly known video sharing website. I have used Vimeo a few times in the past but I wasn't familiar with Dailymotion or Google Video.


I used Google Video to search for videos on the Queensland dust storms. I tried the same search on Dailymotion without success. All the videos that I tried to view took a long time to load but I persevered with Carnegie Library - the greatest escape. I'm so glad that I did as it's the most amazing video. I love it.


Libraries could use online videos in training staff or clients. For example in my work area videos have been made of how to look after precious books and documents. Other online video possibilities could be highlighting special collections within the library, author talks, and curator talks.

I hope that you enjoy Extreme sheep herding!

Mashups

Mashups combine applications such as Flickr and Google Street View to create a new service which makes the content more appealing and usable.

I had fun exploring SuburbView. I checked out houses for sale and to rent in my suburb. It’s a very comprehensive mashup incorporating images of the interiors of the houses, Google Earth and Google Street View. I’d definitely be using this site if I was buying a house as it would save so much time.

I was surprised to see so many Twitter sites listed in The MashUp Awards. I selected Twash to investigate further. Twash is a database that contains awesome tweets (their words not mine!). You can add a twash or vote on twashes to improve or lower their ranking. To be honest I was disappointed in the 10 most recent twashes that I viewed. I expected a higher level of tweet from the description given.

The wonderful world of Google

I had heaps of fun exploring these applications. I knew about Google Books and iGoogle but hadn’t spent much time exploring them prior to this exercise. I use Google Maps regularly and find it to be a great resource.

Google Translate

This is a very useful application. I had an entertaining time translating various words and phrases and translating the State Library of Queensland website into French. Google Translate would be a useful tool in assisting clients from a multicultural background. I’m looking forward to using it next time I’m on the reference desk.

Google Books

I carried out some searches and spent far too long reading the results! One search was for "dogs" and The call of the wild by Jack London was one of the titles found.

iGoogle

I have previously set up my page so I added more gadgets to my page and changed the theme.

Google Calendar

I set up my calendar and added some entries. Libraries could place this application on their websites to advertise upcoming events such as author visits and training programs. The opening hours could also be incorporated into the calendar.

Google Maps

I love using Google Maps. I created a map showing the location of the CBD bookclub meetings.

Podcasts

I've always enjoyed listening to podcasts but I must confess that wherever possible I select to stream rather than to download the podcasts as I don't want to exceed the limit of my broadband plan.

As I have an interest in local history I listened to a couple of the Walking West End podcasts located on the State Library of Queensland's website. I also listened to a podcast from the British Library’s Taking Liberties exhibition. Both these podcasts were very interesting.

Another podcast that I investigated was ABC Brisbane’s Conversations with Richard Fidler where Richard spoke with Robert Forster. I am a fan of Robert’s work so it was wonderful to hear this podcast.

Now if only I had some extra time to explore more podcasts!

Google Docs

Google Docs is a wonderful application. It's so easy to use and great for when one is working collaboratively. No more multiple versions of the one document! The hardest part for me was trying to think what to create for my document for this exercise. My document has been shared with L2TD@slq.qld.gov.au.

One use for Google Docs in my work is when I am ordering consumables for a few different areas. Towards the end of the financial year I usually ask these areas for a wish list. I obtain prices, give them feedback on availability and obtain feedback on priorities to purchase. In future I will be able to create a document in Google Docs that we can share and take it from there. It will make the ordering process so much easier.

I am looking forward to using this application in the future.

Folksonomies & Tagging

Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking site which allows users to save, tag and share their favourite bookmarks to a central location. This enables them to be accessed from anywhere. It’s a great way to discover new and interesting sites. I’ve been aware of the existence of Del.icio.us for some time now but have only just created an account. I found it to be an easy process and have added several bookmarks.

Technorati

Technorati is the leading search engine for blogs. I’ve browsed the most popular page where blogs are organised into categories for easy access. Just to give you an idea of its scope - there’s the top 100 blogs by fans and by authority, top 15 searches, top videos, movies and news. I’ll definitely be subscribing to this page!

LibraryThing

Basically LibraryThing is an online catalogue of your book collection. Once you have added your books you can access those that have been loaded by others. You can search for titles, sort and add tags to your books. It’s a great way to pick up new reading ideas and also to discuss books with other like minded people. You can see some recent titles that I've read on my LibraryThing widget. I know that I'm going to enjoy spending more time at this site!

RSS Feeds

What’s not to like about RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feeds? RSS feeds are an easy way of gathering information without having to check numerous web sites on a regular basis. I created an account with Bloglines and was offered a selection of RSS feeds to receive. A few of the feeds that I have subscribed to are:
· the OPAL training blog
· the Powerhouse Museum’s Photo of the day blog
· training dogs blog
· The Courier-Mail’s blog – Gadget Girl
· BBC news
· The State Library of Queensland’s Exhibitions blog

I’ve been busily sorting my feeds into folders as I’m afraid I got a little bit carried away initially! Also as you can see I’ve also added an ABC news feed to my blog..

Social networking

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are increasing in popularity, bringing people together from all around the world. I set up a Facebook account at the beginning of this year and wondered why it took me so long to do so. I find that it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and to catch up with those I haven’t seen for a while. I’ve also joined groups such as ALIA and IFLA and become a friend of the West End Library. It’s easy to lose track of time on Facebook!

Twitter is another great networking site. It’s a great way to keep in touch and also to find out information. Individuals can become followers of say the State Library of Queensland and be kept up to date about activities and happenings and also be able to give feedback.

Libraries can take advantage of these social networking sites
· as a marketing tool to advertise events and exhibitions,
· to alert clients to any changes in service delivery, such as the introduction of One Search at the State Library, and
· to encourage client interaction.

Wikis

Wikis are wonderful. I mean, who hasn’t used Wikipedia? A wiki is a great way of bringing together shared knowledge on a topic and entries can be edited very easily. If an entry is found to contain errors or misleading information, it can be easily edited. If required, it is easy to backtrack to earlier entries as a complete history is saved with each edit. In a library situation wikis can be used to increase client involvement (for example by contributing book reviews and adding tags), or as an industry/staff resource (such as Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki or perhaps as a resource for the serials section).

I looked at a few wikis, the first one being the SJCPL Subject Guides wiki. I thought that this wiki was very useful as it groups topics into commonly used subject guides such as Family History and Computer Classes. It provides links to the library’s catalogue and databases as well as external links.

I was amazed at the depth of information on Wookieepedia. It made me realise how little I know about Star Wars!

A really great wiki is Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki where library staff from all sorts of libraries share their knowledge, ideas and successful programs that they have developed.

Now I just need time to explore more wikis!

Smiling happy sheep

I’m quite fond of sheep in, I must admit, an admiring from a distance kind of way. So when I was on holidays in the UK several years ago I kept taking photos of sheep. The people I was with thought that I was very odd – after all didn’t I come from Australia where there are lots of sheep? But the sheep were so very picturesque standing in their green fields. It was a nice change from seeing them in our quite often brown landscape.

I was browsing through Flickr and couldn't resist this photo published by ieatstars -http://www.flickr.com/photos/ieatstars/3243861816. Here's another one published by Craig Richardson - http://www.flickr.com/photos/craig_r1978/110960949/ . Unfortunately all the images I wanted to post are copyright protected. I'll keep searching though!

Welcome

Well I’ve finally done it. After months of thinking about it I’ve created a blog. My friends have been blogging for ages so I’ve got some catching up to do! Seriously though, I’m very pleased to be part of the Licence 2 Test Drive program as it will give me a much needed incentive to try out the various web 2.0 applications. I’ve been enjoying hearing and reading about web 2.0 for a while now so it’s great to be able to do some practical work at last. I’m determined to be web 2.0 savvy! Also it’s an exciting time for libraries to use new and emerging technologies to reach out, connect and interact with clients.

I love reading blogs. They are a great way to communicate. I can see that they’d be a very useful tool for libraries to, for example, advertise events and new services, and to inform clients in general about library related matters.