Mashups and API

This is the last week of the MLA Web 2.0 101 course. This week we focused on mashups and API, which I was least familiar with.

As a beginning exercise, I explored the mashup “College Search,” which allows you to not only view identifying information about schools within a zip code but also view the schools on a Google map. This is a very interesting application for potential students.

Next, I took a look at Rollyo, which allows you to search select websites, such as blogs. A search of Gabe Rios’ Rollyo librarianblogs on the topic of privacy revealed numerous posts pertaining to policies & procedures within various libraries as well as privacy on the web.

I think mashups and API could have interesting applications for libraries. I was particularly impressed by the HubMed application to search PubMed. It will be interesting to see how these applications are implemented down the road.

 

YouTube and Online Video Sharing

Last week we explored the concept of online video sharing in the Web 2.0 101 course offered by MLA. I have used online video sharing (specifically YouTube) previously — for both personal and professional reasons. I think that podcasting, in conjunction with online video sharing services, offers an excellent way to promote the library to users with a visual flair. I can see where podcasting would be helpful for library instruction and professional development opportunities at a distance.

As an aside: I am Liaison to the School of Dental Medicine and came across several YouTube videos that demonstrate common dental procedures, including a root canal. I shared these YouTube videos with dental faculty, who really got a kick out of them.  

Online Photo Sharing & Libraries

This week in the MLA Web 2.0 101 course we explored online photo sharing tools, including flickr. I have been using these tools for some time for personal life. As far as application to libraries, these tools might be useful for PR activities. I can see posting photos of the library as part of a virtual library tour or re-cap of library events. These online photo sharing tools offer libraries a very visual way of connecting with their patrons.

Web Office Tools: Reflections

This week, the MLA Web 2.0 101 course explored web office tools. Similar to the other tools I’ve learned about in past weeks, I think these web office tools offer endless possibilities for collaboration. I think an added bonus is that the majority of these applications are free (money-wise, at least — see comments below), which is very appealing to often financially-crunched libraries.

I think as time goes on, a number of software products will follow the lead of web office tools, such as Google Docs. My concern is that although there may not be a financial cost involved,  there are still other factors to consider in evaluating the possible effectiveness of implementing such software. What will support be like? Will products be compatible, in terms of features?

Just some food for thought…

Reflections on Social Bookmarking

This week, the MLA Web 2.0 101 course turned its attention to social bookmarking. Although I was already familiar with social bookmarking, this week allowed me an opportunity to “play” with del.icio.us. I think del.icio.us and other social bookmarking applications provide easy ways to not only maintain/ manage Internet bookmarks anywhere, but also stay connected to information in a new and innovative way. The collaboration feature is a common theme that seems to repeat each week. I think del.icio.us allows another opportunity for librarians to connect and serve their direct patrons, as well as the larger community, which is excellent public relations (PR) for both libraries and librarians.

Social Networking Tools

This week in Web 2.0 101 we explored popular social networking sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace. I can see the potential usefulness of using social networking sites to connect and keep up with friends, as well as library colleagues. However, for me, the jury is still out as to whether libraries should invest fully in a Facebook or MySpace page. I’d be more interested in hearing whether students are receptive to the idea of libraries and librarians having Facebook and MySpace pages and whether they would use them or not. Given the personal (and yes, often explicit) nature of some Facebook pages, I also wonder if students would feel comfortable connecting with their campus librarian this way. I’m not critiquing libraries or librarians that try to connect with students through social networking sites. However, I’m not sure if it would be right for me.

Wikis and Blogs, oh my!

This week, as part of the MLA Web 2.0 101 course, we examined wikis. In terms of potential uses of wikis and blogs, I believe wikis promote collaboration and would be useful for group projects. They allow an easy way to track input/changes. As far as blogs, although readers can comment, I don’t see them as much as a collaboration tool. Instead, I believe they are useful for “pushing” information out, such as news/announcements.

 Needless to say, both wikis and blogs definately have their use.

Blogs and RSS Feeds

I enrolled in the Medical Libray Association’s Web 2.0 101 course. Over the next eight weeks, I’ll be learning about a variety of Web 2.0 technologies. The first week of the course is focused on blogs and RSS feeds. 

In response to the questions: How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library? How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?

RSS feeds are particularly helpful for me to keep up with the professional (library) literature. Since I also serve as liaison to the School of Dental Medicine, RSS feeds are a useful way for me to keep up with the latest dental literature.

Patrons would benefit from RSS feeds, understandably, because they enable an easy way to keep up with new information. Although it is relatively easy to set up a RSS feed reader and feeds, I don’t see my dental faculty necessarily taking the time to do so, most likely because they lack the technology skills or confidence. However, if I were to set up the reader and feeds, they might be more inclined to take advantage of this service. This is something that I might investigate in the near future.

Hello world!

Welcome to my blog! I will use this blog to reflect on happenings in library-land. Enjoy!