Week Six

Del.icio.us - I kept getting sidetracked as I read through the instructions. I found an interesting Monty Python video and a site discussing the meaning of words. The instruction video was extremely helpful, simply explained and I think it is such a good idea. When I looked through the library based PLCML2 account and read some of the articles I thought how exciting it is to be working in libraries at this time, and how quickly we seem to be moving away from books to these new technologies.

Technorati - the search for blog posts relating to 'learning 2.0' was interesting, 513 results the first time and that had jumped to 542 within ten minutes. The results were less for tags although I saw a lot of similar information. It still amazes me that there are people sitting at their computers constantly working on their blogs, and a whole lot of others out there reading them. I'm not surprised that Youtube, My Space and Facebook are up there as the popular ones. The good thing about these exercises is that I now understand what these sites are all about!

Thoughts on Library 2.0 - At this rate libraries are going to become rows of computers rather than shelves of books. I hope this doesn't happen too quickly. I think we have to accept the changes in our workplace and work out strategies for delivering the services that our users require - hopefully both books and technology.

The video was very helpful. It is so true, information is no longer in books, on a shelf, hard to find and requiring experts. Digital information is very different and we will have to rethink it. Everybody seems to have the information, we're all the experts, and many want their fifteen minutes of fame. All the rules have changed and for me personally it is 'mindboggling'.

At 'ground level' our patrons don't seem overly interested in the amazing resources available through our digital library, instead they just want to hang out with their school mates, check their Bebo sites and watch Youtube videos.

Library 4.0 - can't even imagine where this all starts to come together! Libraries as 'mind gyms' and 'idea labs' - a Wifree space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, good light, quiet and coffee - now that sounds appealing.