Social Networking Sites

I think libraries using social networking sites is a great idea if they are used properly. One Facebook feature that libraries could use is the e-vite feature. Libraries could use this feature to invite people to library events or to send library news. Using a profile name other than library would likely prompt more friends. I liked the idea of using names that relate to different subjects.

IM

IM could be very useful for libraries. Two issues with using IM would be making sure staff are online at appropriate times and that patrons know the times a reference librarian can be reached through IM. Another issue might be links people could send. IM is also useful for communications between staff.

More RSS

For me, the easiest method of finding feeds was going to my favorite websites and clicking the "Sub with Bloglines" bookmark--nothing to it.

I liked using Google blog search. With it I was able to find a long-lost friend's blog!

Library patrons might be interested in getting RSS feeds about new or suggested titles at the library, upcoming events, or news.

RSS & Newsreaders

Since I don't really do much web surfing, I don't really think I will use RSS very much. I really just prefer to go to my websites. I think it is a great tool for someone who frequently views lots of websites or blogs. I may use it for news updates, but I prefer to see all the headlines. Bloglines is very easy to use, especially in Firefox.

Flickr

I explored the flickr mashup retrievr. I really enjoyed playing with the sketch application and seeing what pictures would come up--some pretty scary ones and some pretty neat ones. Retrievr makes drawing much more fun for someone who is not very artistic.

I also explored the third party tool Flickriver. I like just having the pictures there without having to search for a particular image. Seeing pictures helps launch my search and imagination.

Flickr Pic

I found this picture while browsing photos that had been added in the last seven days. It is pretty interesting to see what people put out there--some photos are really great! The photo is posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/74526173@N00/2223443256/