Implications beyond text

Since Web 2.0 is SO interactive, it is only logical that library services are moving into images, audio, video and beyond. In looking at the websites for class this week, I was struck by three thoughts.

1. Even the best ideas may need to be presented in multiple formats.
2. I like when things are explained to me, rather than assumed that I know how to make something work or why something is being done a certain way.
3. I have a low boredom threshold. In other words, if something doesn't catch my attention quickly, I move on to something different.

I liked the websites that made creative use of the technology, like Westmont Public's Flickr pics that were linked to the catalog. I also love the Sunnyvale Public use of podcasts with both the voices and stories. However, I was confused by the Curtin Univ. site and felt it didn't have enough information to make it work.

In my own setting I would like to get at least images, if not a video library tour up so people who miss the orientation tours can take one online. I would also love to explore a Flickr account to chronicle library events and people. I think my users would love to see what happens in the library when they aren't there or cannot attend a particular event.

I live to IM!

This week's assignment to create IM profiles is a snap for me! I already can be found at

• eastbaySF in Yahoo
• veldheercarlsonk in AIM
• krisveldheer in Google

The easiest one to find me hanging out in is the Google chat and sometimes I take advantage of Meebo to use multiple chat clients as well. I even downloaded the Google Chat client onto my Blackberry so I can chat on the go.

For me the beauty of IMing is that I can leave the chat client running all day and people who want to catch me without picking up the phone can just IM. I also like an IM client because in the case of Google it records my conversations, so over the course of a day I can come back to previous conversations. Of all of the current Web 2.0 tools, this is the one I cannot live without.

Surveying Wikis

I really like wikis as a tool for greater cooperation. Of the wikis we looked at, I think the one I like the best is from U of Minnesota. The wiki seems like a great way for everyone to stay informed and participate at the same time.

I am very interested to see where OCLC's wiki is going in particular how Open World Cat is going to change the way we catalog books. I need to add that one to my bookmarks file and keep reading it.

Class Blogs and Other Thoughts

Here is the blog I set up for my online class on developing a successful eBranch. This is not my first attempt at a blog and in fact I maintain another blog for our faculty.

In looking over the blogs for week 1, I came to the conclusion that the beauty of blogs is there adaptability. Each of the sites I looked at was shaped by the community it served. They cannot be compared to each other. I think that is one of the great strengths of Web 2.0. Finally the web is living up to its potential to be a truly user driven, interactive place.