#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.

Wikis

I found my way to wikis that present library marketing ideas, success stories and recommendations for books, including book trailers.

Libraries are also using wikis for subject guides, community information, local history and for staff intranets and procedure manuals. I am a member of the Reference Action Team and have suggested a wiki for sharing information, ideas, stories and experiences within the team, and with links to the existing intranet. We need an application like this that is embedded in our everyday work activity and gives us an opportunity to apply and practice using new technologies.

Our budgies

Here's a photo of our budgies. Gem is the white and blue one and Fluffy is the yellow and green one. They are both tame and have some free flying time around the house every day. Gem is a chatter box and tries to charm Fluffy with lines like 'Hello gorgeous' and 'Pretty budgie boy'.

Budgies

I found this gorgeous photo titled 'Rainbow of budgies' by fibroblast in the Flickr Creative Commons.