My Space

I've read and explored the My Space lesson and after talking with a number of colleagues have come to the conclusion that My Space is a useful and interesting way for the library to connect with patrons, particularly with the teens. I like how it functions as a kind of community bulletin board where individuals can make updates to information and plans. It is an exciting and content rich arena for communicating library services and resources that makes use of other 2.0 tools such as YouTube, graphics and sound.

Wikis

Wikis are interesting and I've learned to be less suspicious of them since reading the material here. I used to worry more about authority control, but when it was pointed out that wikis provide the opportunity of correcting errors where print sources are more or less carved in stone until a new edition is printed, I felt better about them. I think you still need to double check facts with other sources, but you have to do that with print source as well.

I don't like the "subjective" nature of wikis. I do like the the way wikis allow pooling of expertice and collaborative editing. I think they have a great potential for the library. We could use them for conference "meetings" in place of "in person" meetings for planning. We have so many meetings and it can be a problem for a department, especially for branches where travel time also adds to the burden.

Library 2.0 and Blogging

I am enjoying reading everyone's blog. I'm finding it more difficult to post in my own blog now that we must comment on our lessons. This is in part due to my inexperience with Library 2.0 and in part because I've been too long out of school to ever again want to participate in assigned essays on any subject. However, I do recognize the value in it. Mostly my experiences consist of "lurking" and I appreciate that my stumbling attempts at active participation is kept within the friendly confines of SLCPL. Why? Because when you are a rank beginner you can always be counted on to say something stupid, ask a dumb question or totally misunderstand the point.

That said, I'm really glad to be learning about all of this and I'm beginning to see the appeal of it. And I can see potential as a way for the library to reach out to it's users and potential users, as well as establishing an improved presence on the Internet. I'm thrilled that we are doing this and I hope that as I learn more my comments will be more cogent.

Ronni