Thing 17: PBWiki

So many instructions, examples and manuals. This was probably the most time consuming and complicated "Thing" so far. I am a hands-on learner so it would probably make more sense if I actually used the PBWiki to create a resource site for a class. It would come in handy if I taught an extended computer class with assignments, examples and handouts.

Thing 16: Wiki

I like the idea that everyone with and inclination can contribute to an information site. Because of this open access if a library chooses to use a wiki for distributing information they have to be diligent about checking for spam, language, grudges...etc.. That being said, I think it would be great to have a site where the public can list things such as poems, events, gardening tips, etc like the Bull Run Library system.

It would be great for handouts, tutorials and PowerPoint presentations that the library could offer in connection with classes.

Thing 15: Library 2.0

I think that OPL is a little behind the Library 2.0 (and sometimes even Web 2.0) movement. The articles listed came out 2 or 3 years ago and we just recently had a MySpace page created! We have been very territorial when it comes to our catalog. I would love to have a catalog with tags and common terms so that patrons can easily find what they are looking for. Or how about allowing patrons to rate books and write book reviews to share? Personalized suggestion lists? Amazon.com and Netflix.com can recommend titles based on past check outs or purchases, why can't we?

Thing 14: Technorati

I am apparently a very boring person because I don't have a lot of interests that I would like to follow a blog about. I could use Technorati to find other people to talk about some of my favorite shows or actors. I could use it to discuss politics but that gets a little touchy.....
The list of popular searches was interesting. I am guessing Technorati is used by more men then women judging by the Top Searches (#4 jennifer garner, #8 paris hilton, #9 jennifer aniston, and #10 vanessa minnillo). Of course I could be stereoptyping (but just for the record, there are no names of men on the list).

Thing 13: Delicious

Where was this when I was in school? Bookmarking and tagging sites for a paper would have been useful instead of going all over the net. Looking at tags of sites that other people had found helpful would have been invaluable and a big time saver. I had created an account over the summer but have since changed computers so the Delicious bookmark was not on my toolbar. I need to put it onto my new computer and use it more often.

Thing 12: Rollyo

If I frequently dealt with specific topics like history, animals, quotations, etc.. I could see using Rollyo to set up some favorite sites. Because I frequently travel I did make a SearchRoll for Tickets. Using the SearchRoll I can just look at prices from my favorite sites and specific airlines. Maybe Orbitz or Travelocity would be easier but they often don't look at sites like http://www.kayak.com for options.

Thing 11: LibraryThing

This was an easy assignment. I have used LibraryThing since 2006. In fact, I have two accounts (you are allowed 201 entries before you have to become a member). My first account is http://www.librarything.com/home/lbrezina. I like it because it makes it easier to keep an account of what I have read, what it was about and if I liked it or not. I also like to option of looking at other reviews and discussing the book.