YouTube

This site is absolutely addicting, but its also very useful in this day and age when I don't always get to see the news, etc. For example, when I hear about George Bush's dancing escapades, but didn't see it on TV, I can see it here. The mix of content is nice too. This music video is one of my favs:


It's also cool because you can leave comments; people even post video comments and other people film mimic videos. Its a crazy world we live in now, but also fun!

Google Labs and Trends

I love Google Trends...it's really interesting to see what people search for. I entered "King County Library System" and found that people have search for that numerous times from all over the USA and in a few different languages.

I also enjoy Google Mars; it brings out the geek in me.

Google Page Creator looks like the one I'll probably try next. I'm ready to jump in!

Web 2.0 Awards

I looked in the "Communication: Email & Chat" category of the Web 2.0 Awards. The tool that interested me was Campfire. This would be a great way to deal with the challenge of meetings at KCLS between staff at the branches and Service Center. Because we're so geographically dispersed, this would make it less troublesome to meet and discuss about certain things. It could also be good for teams within branches or departments. Its much like Google Docs and Zoho, but with a more interactive environment, including chat. Very cool!

I was also interested in Slawsome, which lets you send voice messages over email easily, but their website was down.

Online Collaboration

Zoho and Google Docs are both very cool for simple document creation and anywhere in the world access to those files. I was actually introduced to Google Docs earlier this year. Its a technology we use often for group projects in our classes. Google Docs doesn't have much flexibility when it comes to more complex formatting, but it is convenient enough. It looks like Zoho has more available in that regard. I think I'll recommend trying Zoho instead of Google Docs next time I'm working on a class project.

Me As a South Park Character

Here I am...okay maybe not, but this was a blast!

Try it yourself!

You as a South Park Character

Library 2.0

I love the notion that “users add value.” This concept has many implications for what constitutes information, how you get information, from where and how.

As Dr. Wendy Schultz said: "Libraries are not just collections of documents and books, they are conversations, they are convocations of people, ideas, and artifacts in dynamic exchange." Because the Web has become, according to Tom Storey, "the center of a new digital lifestyle that changes our culture and touches every aspect of our lives," libraries to will need to change.

Search What You Like

First, I decided to go with creating a Google Custom Search Engine. The reason for this is:

1. I'm familiar with the Google search results formats
2. I already have a Google account and password

So, I created a Google Search Engine called "Shape Public Policy."

Try it out: Google Co-op - Shape Public Policy

The concept is interesting, but I'm not sure how I'd use it at this point...maybe I'll give it some time.