KCLS goes 2.0 (perpetual BETA) # 19

I don't know...web 2.0? Is it really the next big thing? I guess so, for the youngsters at least. But I have to say, up until this program I had not even heard of, let alone tried, the majority of topics listed in our 27 things, and I'm not very old. And now, after having been exposed to the majority of the list, I really don't see myself using most of them. But if others do and those "others" are the majority of the library patron base (which I'm not even sure they are) then I suppose the library should keep up and change. It seems a very complicated and deep issue and I'm actually surprised that I would be reluctant to accept new technology in a library setting, since I feel I'm pretty tech savvy in other areas of my life. I guess the Library has just been held in my mind as being separate and timeless in the way that it operates. That was always part of the comfort and familiarity of it for me. But I can also take comfort in knowing that the issues of upgrading, revamping, and keeping up with new trends in technology and information distribution are being discussed, so that the library I grew up with doesn't fade away like the rest of my memories.

Google, slow your roll! (# 18)

Now this is an interesting concept and one I think I could very well use in my every day life. I do have a list of favorite websites that I sometimes check when looking for information on one particular topic and it can be a pain to have to search each site individually to find the information I'm looking for. Consolidating the search into one engine which just looks through the website of my choice is a welcome convenience. This could pretty easily be applied to the library in terms of research and database searches.

So now, without further ado...my own personal search engine:

My Search

I preferred the Google version, not only because I already have a login for google, but because it was also faster and looked more familiar, since I use google all the time.

Generate Me! (#17)

This is the best possible application of internet technology ever!

Wiki What? (#15)

I suppose any Wiki is only as good as those who contribute to it...that to me is the potential success and danger of such an endeaver. Of course assuming the infomation is "good" a library could use such a resource for any number of things...from reading lists to policy manuals. It could be quite a useful thing if done well.

LibraryWhat-cha-ma-call-it (#14)

Now, this LibraryThing is pretty neat. I like seeing what other people like. It's also cool to see the covers of your favorite books displayed on your blog. The only thing I didn't like was the actual search function on the LibraryThing site. I couldn't find a way to narrow my search to find a specific title by a specific author, which seems like a pretty basic option to have when searching for books. In any case, I was able to find quite a few titles I have on my bookshelf at home...and now the whole world (or the 2 people that read my blog) can see them too!

Del.icio.us i.s. O.K. I. gu.ess. (#12)

I suppose I can see the value of having bookmarks compiled by library personnel for use as a weblink database. I think the only problem might result from an inconsistency of tag terminology which might keep people from finding links because they are not using the same descriptor as those who key worded it. If there were a set range of key words one could use to label and search links, it might make it easier to find things you're looking for. But I guess it's a relatively minor complaint. But yeah, having bookmarks be accessible from any computer would be nice...it's murder trying to memorize URLs and it's a pain looking things up.

Get your Face out of My Space...and get a First Life! (#9)

MySpace: Okay, a lot of people use it...a lot of young people. I can see the value in familiarizing staff with the mechanics of the site, and I suppose it doesn't hurt to have the Library have a "space" for the kiddies to visit (although I'm still not convinced someone looking for library resources would use MySpace to find them).

FaceBook: Same as above.

Second Life: This is a GAME. I don't get why people think it's more than that. The only thing that sets it apart from other MMOs is that it's a really bad game. Calling it a "social networking entity" is pure spin. It boasts millions of "registered" users, but what they gloss over is that only a handful of people actually consistently "play". Of course they'd be able to claim an outlandish number of users since it's free to register and download the client. But if one actually wanted to do anything substantial in the game world, the user would have to fork over real money. So, no...I don't see any value in exploring Second Life as an avenue to expose new people to the library...especially given that only a few people actaully play the game. If the library really wanted to tap the deep waters of MMO subscribers, they'd be better off building "Library Island" in WoW.