Week #6 - #15 - Web 2.0 Future of Libraries

After reading through all of the perspectives on Web 2.0 and where it will take the libraries of the future, I was both intrigued and depressed.  

I am intrigued with Web 2.0's potential for changing how information is provided as well as accessed.  I can see how we librarians need to shift our thinking to a new paradigm.  I could not agree more with Rick Anderson's article "Away from the icebergs".  While he recognizes that librarians work hard to serve their patrons, he makes a strong case for change.  One quote struck me:  "But if our services can’t be used without training, then it’s the services that need to be fixed—not our patrons."  

Looking at another perspective, I especially liked reading Dr. Wendy Schulz's "To a temporary place in time..".  She defines libraries by what they have been in the past, and what they will be in the future: "What are libraries? Libraries are not just collections of documents and books, they are conversations, they are convocations of people, ideas, and artifacts in dynamic exchange. Libraries are not merely in communities, they are communities: they preserve and promote community memories; they provide mentors not only for the exploration of stored memory, but also for the creation of new artifacts of memory." 

I like the concept of libraries being dynamic and working with the patrons that they serve.

So why am I depressed?  When I look at my school's use of technology, I can see that we have a very long way to go.  If we are serious about educating our students for the future, some things need to change.  This course, so far,  has given me a lot to think about.

Week 6 - Thing #14 - Technorati

Yes, Technorati has many features for searching the blogosphere.  As I surf through the popular blogs, searches and tags, I cannot say that I saw anything that truly surprised me.  One complaint I do have about the site - I do not like the ads.  I find them to be very distracting and would prefer that they take a back seat to the site information.  I would also like it better if there was a heading for Education.  

Week 6 - Thing # 13 del.cio.us

Once again, this tool can offer a school librarians so many opportunities to collect and share information with their students. I like the fact that one can list websites, podcasts, RSS feeds, etc.  And it can be tailor-made to the class or subject.  And the user comments can be very helpful to determining just how useful this might be for my library.  I am getting lost in the many links - but for once, I am keeping track of them on del.icio.us.

For some reason, I could not connect to this link- has anyone else had the same problem?   Del.icio.us tutorial (12 min video) 

Week 5 - Thing #12 Rollyo

I created several lists just to test drive this tool.  One was for an AP Government class.  I have a teacher is working very hard to  make her students aware of current events.  Having quick access to a list of daily newspapers could be useful for this class.

Week 5 - Thing #11 Google Aps

When I teach students about doing online research, I always ask for a show of hands as to how many of them use Google (knowing that the answer is 100%).  And why wouldn't they use it?  It is EASY and FAST!  It even corrects your spelling (wish my online catalogue had that capability!).  So I cannot ignore that they use Google - instead, I demonstrate how they need to be selective with the information (evaluating websites for content).  This gives me the chance to sell our subscription databases - I tell them how the information has been reviewed by other teachers and librarians so they do not have to do it PLUS many offer citations (#1 selling point!).  So I consider myself successful if I see the class NOT using Google.

But with that said, Google is a powerful set of tools.  So for this exercise,  I decided to look at the Google Apps.  And I am very impressed with its potential for a school.  Let me list what appeals to me as a school librarian:

1. I can do this myself.  I have the freedom to create it any way that I want. I don't have to wait for a tech person to help me set up the pages, etc.
   
2. The selection of tools is very impressive - I can communicate, collaborate and publish information online.
3. It is FREE.  Did I mention that it is FREE?  Working without money in my budget for the rest of this school year is a reality.  So when the opportunity to get something this terrific for FREE, I am intrigued!
4. It can be accessed from any computer that has Internet access. This is a huge selling point for me - it is all about people having access to information.  
   
5. I won't have to sell the students on using Google.

JOIN A NING NETWORK:  I joined the TeacherLibrarianNetwork.  As school librarians, we often work in isolation.  It is such a delight to be making connections to like-minded people!  And they talk about things that I can use!

PLAY CHECK YOUR TRAVEL IQ: Hmm - not sure if I really liked this one.  Could not tell if I was being complimented or made fun of (Nice clicking but a little faster next time?).

Week #5 - Thing #10 Online Image Generator

 I think this says it all!

Courtesy of 

http://www.imagechef.com/ic/make.jsp?tid=Massachusetts+License+Plate

How cool is this winter wonderland?

Tool found on

http://generatorblog.blogspot.com/

Select the Photo Spread Effect Generator option.

I like playing with these image generators!

Week #4 - Thing #9

Now that I have a better understanding of what RSS feeds are all about, I am on the alert for the RSS symbol whenever I am in a new site. This step alone has provided me with new feeds.  As for the blog finding tools, I am partial to the Google Blog Search (Google just makes everything so darn easy to do!).  And one thing I have learned - there are a lot of librarians out there in cyberspace who have a lot to say!  So much for the image of the quiet librarian who kept to herself!  I think that those days are over (yes!).

Week #4 - Thing #8 RSS Feeds

I understand how someone could spend many hours looking at a computer screen.  This information explosion is mind-boggling!  And now I can be selective and have information delivered to me?  Talk about efficient!  But how this can be useful in a school classroom or library?  The advantages were not immediately apparent to me until I had a chance to look over some schools' sites.  It is neat to see how different schools are using them to share information.  I especially enjoyed reading through the Westwood School's blog.  By comparison, my library is in the Dark Ages.  I think I am depressed - we have a long way to go.  But taking this course is a good first step for me.