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.