Week 7, Thing 17

This picture is from bridgepix, from OBX, NC. I got it from Flickr. It was fun to play in the sand. I contributed my blog to the list of many and also added a few things to some of the other pages. I really liked the tips on the knitting wiki page and I also thought it was fun to see that my favorite foods were also favorites of others. I like the idea of sharing information with lots of people and reading what everyone has to say, especially state-wide library wise. This was a fun activity, and it's great to know we have our own wiki to contribute to that we can maybe test out if we decide to create system wikis later.

Sand Castle, Outer Banks, North Carolina
Originally uploaded by bridgepix

Week 7, Thing 16

I heart Wikis! Wikipedia has come to my rescue several times this past semester when creating portfolios for my Biology Class, as well as for general knowledge when I hear someone mention something unfamiliar... Wikipedia is my new Google. I am aware that it is run by people for people so there is a margin of error to be taken in with a grain of salt, but overall, it's user friendly and I like the fact that I can also contribute to the topic if I choose to.

After reading the articles...

I learned that:

• Wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian. http://meredith.wolfwater.com/cil06/
• Everyone can contribute to the wiki entry
• Information on practically everything can be found
• Wikis are not always 100% factual

BCPL could use them for:

• Subject guides
• Annotated Catalog upgrade, making our online catalog like Amazon with pictures and more information besides author, publisher, copyright date, etc. This would make it easier for customers that recall a book by cover instead of author*
• Community Information which would be handy for visiting patrons and staff when they would like to know... "Where can I get lunch?"
• Clearing space off of our shelves and file cabinets for staff manuals, procedures, book club sign-ups, Reader's Advisory, etc. Everyone could have their say about certain things, like programs and Book Recommendations, or even display lists with title ideas.

Overall, I thought the Wiki readings were very informative and handy and I can better appreciate Wikipedia now.

* even though covers are prone to updates and changes.

Week 6, Thing 15

Apparently I have an old soul at a young age. Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely thrilled that I am getting an Ipod to consolidate my music collection and enjoy using the computer, but I still have a hard time thinking of a library in the 2.0 sense. I like the idea of reading real books, and understand the value and accessibility of audiobooks and downloaded varieties, but prefer for as long as my eyes can take it to read page to page. I also understand that in a world of limited space it is silly to have encyclopedias that are probably outdated as soon as they hit our shelves, much like the technology that is brand "new." I like printed things, and I guess that is why I am taking to papercrafting like so many other people at my branch, maybe trying to hold onto the past and quality of using quality papers for various projects like mix cd covers, jewelry, and scrapbooking. As I say this, I am also too lazy to search my University library for educational journals, when I can look them up in the databases available all over campus, so I see where that is helpful.

I agree with Library 2.0 in making the library a more accessible and helpful for patrons and making it more user friendly with updated information and helping people get the most out of our databases, (which I feel I could always be advised on, our webpage is pretty handy when you check it out). I just really like the idea of the Pratt Central library with brass railings, wooden bookshelves, marble floors, etc. etc. much like the Beauty and the Beast library. But unfortunately that may not be the best way serve the public anymore, and like any institution change must always occur so that it is the best for the population it serves.