Web 2.0 and Thing #19

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

This is Web 2.0 winner it's a site that plays, in real time, BBC radio. I feel like I'm there, traffic reports, weather, and music. Unfortunately, BBC TV is not available over here, at least through this site. There is also has a huge library of stored shows to explore another time.

Technology related Thing # 7: DVD vrs. web

In the fall I was on a friend's cable televisions show talking about storytelling and, ironically, the Summer Reading we are now not having. I eventually got a copy of the show in DVD from the director. (and they charged me $40 for it) Now my friend, Ellouise Schoettler, has learned how to post video content on her blog and has kindly put mine up.

Instead of trying to duplicate the DVD, I can send that exact blog address to friends, family, and practically everyone I know at the click of the mouse. Neat.

Mashups & Maps--Thing #6

Going back to try mashups again.
The Map Builder is insiting my street is in Hobart, NZ. Odd, as I actually have a friend in Hobart.
Tried again on my real house in Wayfarere http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/62516
While not easy to use, it is a bit more intuitive. Both of these sites probably have instructions somewhere--but well-hidden.

Google Docs/Online Productivity tools Thing # 18

Online Productivity Tools--Google Docs. Attemped to load a file , it finally worked http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AV5cr64zyd1hZGdzc3FkM2NfNGR3bXZkOWZm&hl=en
I can see this site being useful for going between computers. I often need something at work I have at home and now use a web based email as a conduit. This would be better.

Zoho does not seem to working well--kicks me out, but the intro makes it sound useful as well

Thing # 16 Wikis

I have a bit of experience with these, one of last summer's students created one for my storytelling class--while listening to me lecture. So I know how easy they are to make. It was used a bit by the class, she supplied most of the content. It would be an ideal place for students to post their class assigments once they had handed them in. But library use of Wikis is new to me. It was interesting to see how many various uses libraries around the country put these to.
however--many dead links--this is an area where Maryland 23 falls down occasionally. Makes me wonder if these have on-line bookclub possibilities.
"Wikis level the playing field even further, completely democratizing the process of designing a website. " This quote from Web Junction is a enticing statement. This article also told me what Wiki means--quick in Hawaiian.

Library 2.0--Thing #15

Library 2.0 Thing #15
The video The Machine is Us/ing Us" was downright inspiring. The learning, if one can call it that, going on each time a person interacts with the web. Though the re-thinking ethics, privacy, family ...was a bit disturbing as it does not seem many are taking the time to think let alone re-think. The educating patrons that rick Anderson mentions (Icebergs http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/2.htm)hits home now as we are thinking about having un-manned libraries for part of the time and under-manned for most. There are many people. adults and children, who have no idea how to search for information, titles, etc. They will simply swim or sink. These short essays also make we feel Montgomery County is far behind the times and not making a real effort to catch up. Our catalog is a barrier to users, a simple thing like a spell checker or an offer of close terms would make a real difference.

Technorati Thing #14

I signed up for this site and tried it out. My least favorite so far. The nusinance factor outweights the utility. Seems a good site to get lost on and not in a fun way. I looked up a few subjects--the hits were not interesting and way too personal. Travel to Ireland got a few good ones http://technorati.com/lifestyle/travel/article/belfast-northern-ireland-ready-for-travelers/
I don't think I have ever heard of anyone, other than those doing 23 things, using this site.