Icebergs

Away from the “icebergs” by Rick Anderson

How true this article is - especially the quote "Libraries are poorly equipped and insufficiently staffed for teaching." We need to somehow make it easier for patrons to access the information they need without requiring specific training or assistance. Perhaps more specific links to popular websites eg Google, Hotmail, so that just one click takes them there.

The Library 2.0 concept is an exciting one and we must ensure that we are not left behind, especially in the areas of knowledge and technology. People only need one disappointing experience to put them off a library visit - even if it is only to use a computer & they ignore the books.

Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us

What a neat video clip this is - very clever. And it points out some valid important issues such as copyright and authorship - how can these be controlled effectively on the web?

Technorati

Today we are taking a look at Technorati (http://technorati.com/tag/Learning+2.0) specifically looking for WEb 2.0 blogs, of which there are a lot - 896 in fact with the tag of Learning 2.0.
The section on popular books is worth taking a look at too. Amazing the range of different languages used - this would annoy me I think, not being able to read every message.

I still wonder at the value of spending so much time looking at all this stuff (most of it at home I might add) when surely it would be of more value to be learning about the things people always ask about e.g. how do I make this photo bigger, how can I print this, why isn't this working. It always amazes me that the public expect us to be fountains of knowledge regarding every computer application that exists.

Del.icio.us

This looks like a useful site for people on the move and for groups with a common interest, however I dont know if I would want everyone to see & share my bookmarked sites. Also, there is a problem with currency - several of the bookmarks I tried did not exist anymore.
The YouTube video clip was good at explaining the concept.

http://delicious.com/

Also added a couple of gadgets to my blog today for fun. Smiley face & today in history.

PBWiki Sandbox

Another form of artificial communication! Could be useful for remote planning as was demonstrated in the Camping video clip (which I thought was a great way of describing a wiki).
Interesting to see what turns people on.

Wiki

Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, USA have used a wiki for their Library Research Guides. See http://library2.norwich.edu/guide/index.php/Main_Page

This looks like a great way to organise resources, it also introduces the staff responsible for each area e.g. Meredith Farkas, 802-485-2168 mfarkas@norwich.edu is the librarian for Criminal Justice students at the University. Using this site you can click on subject headings to find books on that topic in the library catalogue and also follow web links to Government departments & online databases. Very useful.

Beatties Book Blog

Lots of info here - recommended by New Zealand Book Council.

Check it out: www.beattiesbookblog.blogspot.com/

Beattie's Book Blog
Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Technology

What a lot of fuss about the new i-phone! There are a lot of people out there who will just have to have one - but they may be disappointed with the product. For instance - you cannot send PXT messages (something even a basic phone with camera can do) and it does not have a flash or torch.
No doubt there will be a new version once everyone has complained enough and hopefully it will be more affordable. There are some wonderful features and how neat to have everything in one package (i-pod, camera, e-mail, internet etc), not to mention all the other little treasures like maps, alarm, weather etc.

Trading card

I found making this card using Trading Card Maker quite easy compared to some of the previous activities. It is quite mind-boggling to see what is available for constructing a wide range of material.