Wikis

I use wikis for several things in my job. The continuing education coordinators from all 50 states have a wiki. We use the wiki to share information and to ask questions. We also use it when planning our annual meeting.

We have a wiki at work to discuss changes and updates to the library's website.

I am on a grant committee and we use a wiki to write our documentation. One person writes the original document and everyone else can edit the piece.

I have found wikis to be very useful.

Tagging

I have a Delicious account and I do use Delicious, although maybe not as much as I should. What I like about Delicious is that I have my bookmarks no matter where I go. I also like being able to share bookmarks with my friends. Another cool thing about Delicious is that it recommends websites based on my tags. Very cool!

Social Networking

I have a facebook account. I did not think I would use it a lot and I do not post a lot. However, I go in at least once a week to see what my friends are doing. It is a good way to keep up with people when time is limited. I think facebook and myspace are good ways for libraries to get the word out about events that are happening at the library. I read the newspaper, but a lot of younger people don't. I think one way of reaching them is through social networking tools such as myspace and facebook.

Google Docs

I created a word document in Google docs. I then invited a friend to add to the document. I could see where this would be very handy for libraries that have a tight budget. Not having to purchase Word, Wow! This would also be a useful tool if you are on a committee that has to write or revise a document. I thought this was a very cool tool!

Videocasts

I took a look at some videocasts on YouTube. The one I found interesting, about libraries, was Berkely Public Library. It was a little quirky. I think YouTube is great and a great way for libraries to publize themselves. If you can come up with a cool video people will watch it over and over again. It is also a great way to advertise library events.

Podcasts

I love the George and Joan Thinking Out Loud podcasts. I added them to my rss feed. George and Joan are library consultants. They do the Thinking Out Loud podcasts for InfoPeople. Some of the podcasts they have done recently are The Future of Newspapers and What It Means for Libraries; How Libraries Can Survive; and Best Practices for the Customer Focused Library.

These podcasts are really great and I recommend them to everyone.

Flickr Mashups Take 2

It worked! I was finally able to upload a picture to my blog. Of course I still cannot upload directly from Flickr. :-(