#4 Web Browsers

I guess I take web browsers for granted really. If they get me to where I want to go I'm happy. I fail to appreciate what they do and how they do it. And I don't go too much into customising. I have used Internet Explorer, Mozilla / Firefox, Safari and Opera. At work, of course, it's Internet Explorer. We are not given a choice and we cannot download software without IT testing and approval. There was, however, a short period of time a few years ago when the IT branch moved us all to Firefox (or was it Mozilla?) as Internet Explorer was considered too great a security risk. But we are back to Internet Explorer again, despite the security issues.

At home, I'm on a Mac (very secure) and I use Safari as my first choice browser. It works well. While doing this exercise, I'm making use of the Tabs feature to move easily between 'Licence @ Test Drive' and my blog. We also have Firefox and Opera installed which I use occasionally. Handy sometimes if a page doesn't open correctly. I am not able to download Google Chrome as the Mac version is still being developed but it looks neat and stylish with speed being it's key selling point.

Firefox has some interesting add-ons. One that caught my attention is called Glue which will give you personalised recommendations for books, movies or music. "Glue helps you find your next favorite movie, book, or music album. As you visit sites like Amazon, IMDB, and Wikipedia, Glue suggest things you'll like." That sounds like a useful reader's advisory tool.

# 3 Podcasts & audio

I had a look at the State Library of NSW videos and podcasts. They are making their events, author talks and exhibitions available as podcasts and videocasts. What a great way to reach more people. I wonder is this something we could do to?

I was also impressed with Learn Out Loud. Even the name is clever. Here you will find no end of podcasts, ranging from self development, sports and hobbies and technology.

There are lots of opportunities for libraries here. To start with, we could provide links to some of these sites from our website.

#2 Mashups

Mashups - how do people come up with these things?

I checked out a great library application from the New York Public Library - Then and Now: Historic New York images from New York Public Library using Flickr and Google Street view. Historical photographs from the library collection have been matched up with the same spot today using Google Street View. You can even have a 360 degree look around. Brilliant!

I also had a look at Real Estate - Suburb View. Just enter a postcode, select the town or suburb of interest and there it is! The average price for property for that location along with a Google map with markers for properties for sale. Click on the marker to find the property price, description and photos. Go ahead and have a look around. Easy & impressive. You can also start your search with Buy, Rent, Share or Report. What a great resource for anyone looking to buy or rent.

Now I'm thinking we could add Google Maps to the library website with markers for our branch libraries and pop-up descriptions. Maybe we've already got this. I'll have to have a look...

#1 Google docs

I like Google docs. What a great idea. Instead of attaching a document to an email, switch it around and attach an email to the document and share it online so everyone is working on the same document. I found a great template for a scrapbook album and couldn't resist using it for some family photos. Then I shared the album with family members. I can see a potential application here for working on some historical family photos. I have been liaising with my sister to gather details on some photos. The document with the photos and text is too big to email. Google docs would allow us the share the document online and make edits into the same version of the document.

For a work application, I uploaded a document that we were using to gather staff ideas for the re-design of the Returns Room space. I thought it would be a good way to keep track of everyone's input. However, I was unable to invite people. I guess this is due to firewall/security restrictions that are in place. Fortunately I was able to share it with TD@slq.qld.gov.au.

Folksonomies & Tagging

I can see some real value in using del.icio.us to build and add to a set of bookmarks with shared input and without the complications of copying & updating to everyone's computers. Gavin from Noosa Library has exported the Noosa Library bookmarks to del.icio.us so that reference staff at other libraries can use them and also add to them.

I am impressed with the National Library of Australia's AskNow Delicious cloud tag.

I have set up a del.icio.us account and bookmarked some of my favourite beading suppliers just to get the idea.

RSS Feeds

I have registered with Bloglines and subscribed to OPAL training, Alianet newsfeeds, The Shifted Librarian and Katie's Beading Blog. It's great that information is just gathered there for me. Now I just need to remember to logon and find some time to read all this stuff....

Social Networking

I now have Flickr, Facebook and Twitter accounts, but I'm not too sure what to do with them. My daughter studies while also chatting with friends on Facebook. It's an integral part of her student and social life. So I'm sure there are opportunities there for libraries to connect with young people through social networking. Congratulations go to Mel who has added Facebook, Twitter and Flickr to the Sunshine Coast Libraries website to provide new formats for promoting library services and events.