Wikis at the reference desk

The Library Success web site lists several wiki examples. I think that wikis are even more useful for libraries "behind the scenes" rather than for the public. For example, a wiki allows reference librarians working at different shifts (or even at different locations in library system) to share their current research findings. For example, a librarian working the Monday morning shift might find he's suddenly getting a flood of calls about a local news story in today's paper. That librarian can post some helpful research links about the story in the reference desk wiki. Then, other librarians working later in the day can quickly access those same resources, make comments, and add their own resources. A wiki allows for quick collaboration. In the reference world, several heads are clearly better than one.

Disney vacation plan search with Rollyo

The Rollyo web site allows a way for anyone to create and save a customized search of several web sites at once. This is a great way to consistently search only the web sites you wish, rather than searching the entire world wide web. Users have the option of sharing these saved search with others, so you can discover helpful search strategies that have already been created.

Unfortunately, Rollyo puts a lot of extra adds at the top and smack dab in the middle of search results. This makes for a busy and hard to read page.

I created a Rollyo for searching my favorite Disney Vacation Planning Sites.

Library Thing and Delicious Library (Apple computers only)

While Library Thing is a wonderful way to get book suggestions based on my current library, I cannot imagine using it without Delicious Library! (Important note: Apple computers only).

The amazing Delicious Library software allows you to scan the bar code on your books using your Mac's built in isight camera! No typing required! After scanning your entire collection, you can then export the list and even share it on the Library Thing web site. At $40, this is a no-brainer for any one with a sizeable book collection.

Unfortunately, Library Thing charges a $10 annual fee ($25 lifetime) for libraries greater than 200 books. That's why my library stops at 200 titles.

Here is my library on Library Thing.

Fun with Online Image Generators

There are a varitey of fun online image editors out there. Simply enter a few key phrases and an image will appear like magic. The image can be downloaded, printed, or emailed to others. The results can be a lot of fun. Here is my current favorite: Make your own "Dummies" book cover

Library 2.0

Reading about Library 2.0 on wikipedia seemed only appropriate as this web site embodies many of the characteristics of this concept. The article makes a good point that many people enjoy debating about the "newness" of Library 2.0. Some love to argue that these concepts are nothing new. I beg to differ. While involving customers in libraries may have been around since the 19th centutry, the emphasis on this and the web technologies to do so are certainly new.

Libraries must invite customer participation in order to survive and stay relevant. When selecting a book, how many of us have used the online user reviews on Amazon and then gone to our library's web site to procure the book? (My hand is currently raised high). Let's tear down the brick walls around our library web sites and let customers post their opinions of movies, books, etc. This would be a great first step in maintaining a place of relevancey in the online world.

Check out my new Mouse Minute web site

As part of my lifelong learning, I am working on my Masters in Library Science degree from the University of South Florida. This past semester, my project for a class was to create a web site. You can see my results here

As you can see from the web site, Disney and theme parks are a passion of mine! I learned a great deal from this project. The main thing I learned was that is important to take the time to plan web sites out ahead of time. All of my previous web projects were thrown together as I thought of them. Having a formal design process truly helped me organize my web site so that it is easier for visitors to navigate.

Mmmm Delicious!

I had tried the Delicious social bookmarking site about a year ago, but my attention quickly fizzled. I just couldn't seem to get started. However, the excellent quick start introduction here helped me get going with this web site.

At home, I use an Apple Computer and an Iphone. Any bookmarks I save with the Safari browser on my Apple computer automatically synchs with the browser on my Iphone and vice versa. However, Internet Explorer is my only choice at work. Therefore, I have 2 different sets of bookmarks (aka favorites). Add onto this that I sometimes use Firefox at home for my class work and I actually have 3 different sets of bookmarks. Delicious gives me a way to use the same set of bookmarks no matter what computer I use.

I added the buttons at work and plan to add them at home as well. The buttons will increase the odds that I will consistently use Delicious.