Week 7

Here is the URL to my document: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfwjqxx6_0hhxm67dt
I found that it was pretty easy to set up an account, and it looked it was easy to use because of the way it was set up with tabs that showed how to insert pics, and links. Honestly I don't know if it is something I would use on a regular basis unless I had to type a letter or create a document from some group activity. I think it could be used to help people improve their typing skills. I think my favorite feature on Google Docs was the tab that was marked insert when you open up a new document, and then it gives you options like insert an image, link, or I saw you can even add a comment. I don't know what my least favorite feature was, I think maybe it was doing a spreadsheet. Maybe I just have to spend a little bit more time on it, to figure out how to do formulas, and things like that. I think the library could use Google Docs as another option for patrons who want to type documents that will be more user friendly. Sometimes patrons might have problems using Microsoft programs, so this could be another option.

Week Six:Flickr, Don't call me Flicka

To be honest, I was not sure if I would enjoy this exercise, but it turned out to be cool. I think my favorite feature on Flickr was going to the explore option, and checking out the world map. I though it was real interesting to check out pictures that people have taken across the world. I actually put two photos from Flickr on my blog, one was of the library, and the other one was a bamboo forest from Japan. I picked both pics, because I think it just gave off a peacful setting. I especially liked the one with the bamboos. I also somehow manged to put a photo of a plant at my home that I took with my camera phone. If you scroll all the way down its there(along with the library pic). It's not much, but I was suprised that I figured out how to put it on my blog. I think tagging is important beacuse you can discover so many new pictures, and also you can keep track of your pics, if you happen to take alot. To be honest I did not look at any mashups, I do think its interesting that it is something that can be used as a single tool but that it can get info from different sources. I think the most interesting thing I learned was how Flickr had so many options to explore, you can explore the world map, see what pics were put a year ago, what your friends have put as photos. I just found there was alot of cool things to discover, and learn. The library could use this site as a historical tool by putting pics from the past, such as how the building use to look like. It could also be used to show the public who have not been to the library how it looks, and what programs it offers. From looking at the pics through Flickr, it seems there are a diverse number of photos showing the outside and inside of the library. In closing this turned out to be a fun exercise.

Week 5

I have used Wikipedia before to look up info on subjects, but have not really tried to edit or add content which your wiki challenge showed. I think wikis can be useful when you want to clear up any mistakes factual or grammatical mistakes that you find in a particular article, or if you want to add more information to the article. I found the Library Challenge wiki easy to add content to. I added favorites to books, restaurants, movies, travel destinations. I did not find the process difficult at all, I thought it was kind of interesting when it showed to the right when new content had been added. As far as how the library can use wikis for internal uses, I think it could be used as a brainstorming tool. For example it could used to ask staff what ideas they think could be helpful in improving library practices, what books should be ordered, and concerns they may have overall. As far as reaching out to the public, I think also questions should be asked on what their favorite books are to read, why they use the library, and what things can be done to improve library practices. There is always concern on how much access should be given to add or delete content to a particular web page. You always have to be sure that the content is correct. I know for example with Wikipedia, that they have had alot problems with content that had been added which turned out to be faulty, so sometimes they have to put a disclaimer noting this. I think its a double-edged sword. With sites like Wikipedia, its easy to get information on subjects, but you have to make sure its backed up with other evidence.

Week 4

I thought starting an account with Del.icio.us was an interesting experience, never really heard of it before this challenge. I think by using the site you can access a world of information through their search engine, and through other people's accounts. It was easy to set up, but I had to try several different computers at work, before one allowed me to install Del.icio.us buttons on the toolbar that made it easier to bookmark and post items on my account. I think by using this site you can find out what other people are interested in. Also you can see what tags they use to identify a site, I found that people had lots of tags on their account, I guess it is something that can be addictive once you get into. What I found most interesting was how many people bookmarked other sites such as Yahoo. In a span of 5 minutes thousands of other people bookmarked Yahoo to their account. I guess that's to be expected with a popular site like Yahoo. On the other hand only 27 people bookmarked the National Park Service website. Don't know what that reveals if anything. One thing I'd like to share is when seeing what other people had as tags through their del.icio.us account I found an interesting site. The person had a tag listed as NYC, it had this site there: http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/sections/home.htm This might have been something I could have found through some other means, but by exploring del.icio.us. I was able to come across this site. As far as how the library could use social bookmarking, and tags. I think it would be interesting to open up accounts realating to a particular subject, a staff member could open a del.icio.us account and type in subjects related to travel or sports, and see what other people have bookmarked on their accounts. There are always hidden gems somewhere to be found on the net. It could be something the library can use to help people with research assignments, who need more than just books or articles. I think it could help people better their research skills.