Tiny URL

This seems like a handy little tool, especially if you share a lot of links. To try it out, I used the URL of a trailer for a film documentary that I enjoyed in the theatre last year, "September Issue," the story of how Vogue Magazine's biggest (and heaviest) issue of the year all comes together. The TinyURL for this review is http://tinyurl.com/septvogue, quite a bit shorter and definitely more memorable than www.youtube.com/watch?v=lffDrp4uAlQ.

Facebook

Originally, a couple years ago, I created a Facebook profile so I could keep up with my kids. Then more and more friends, especially in my age group, started becoming part of the Facebook network. Now I find that there are many more ways to use Facebook apart from keeping up with your friends. Next to real people, books have a place on my "friends" list, so naturally I was interested in looking at library and book-related pages. I think the Frisco Library does a great job on its Facebook Page. It stays current and puts art and photos to use. Just needs a little more activity from Adult Services. (Uh oh-- that would include me!) Other pages I have found interesting and helpful are Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Texas Book Festival.

Linked In

I enjoyed exploring the Linked In site and connecting with other librarians. I took the opportunity to look at Dr. Heezen's profile. I think that the primary usefulness of this site would be for job searching and career building. If I were moving to another city and looking for a poistion in the library field there, this would be an excellent resource. It is a good way to build a professional network, much more efficient than passing out business cards at Chamber of Commerce "Meet & Mingle" events. Unless, of course you like face-to-face contact.

LibraryThing and GoodReads

I like using both LibraryThing and GoodReads as resources for book clubs--suggestions for books, reviews, read-alikes, and so forth. LibraryThing and LibraryThing for Libraries are amazing in the amount of information and resources they offer. I've encouraged members of our book clubs to post reviews of books they have read in our catalog through LibraryThing for Libraries, and there is one member who does that regularly. I use the GoodReads website for reviews and recommendations on book club selections. I placed the GoodReads link on my Facebook page--making me a literary social mediaist (right?)

LibraryThing also offers our library another way to publicize our programs, through LibraryThing Local. I added an announcement about this month's book club meeting. (Do I get extra credit for that?) This site could be added to the distribution list for library event publicity.

Social Bookmarking

This is a fun "thing." On a snowy day like today when I am housebound (in midstate Arkansas), I can envision spending whole afternoons discovering websites on subjects I am interested in. I also like the idea of having my own bookmarked websites available to me from wherever I access the Internet. Since "Delicious" made me think of food, I bookmarked a couple of recipe websites on my account. Then I looked at other users' recipe bookmarks, and that opened up a whole new world!

I think that social bookmarking would be a great thing for libraries to utilize and encourage, with the usual disclaimer regarding reliability and accredibility of websites. In fact, we might even find our patrons doing some of our reference work, as they come up with and share creditable resources from the Internet.

Tagging

Does tagging belong in the library? Does it replace or complement subject headings? Should we encourage or discourage the practice?

Whew! My first response to use of tagging in the library is "loss of control!!" Therefore, I don't think it will ever--or should ever--replace subject headings. But as far as complementing subject headings: YES! Then it becomes one more way for the user to explore avenues of information. Does this inspire intellect, curiosity, and imagination? I think so.

Should we encourage or discourage the practice? Rather than encourage or discourage tagging, I think that librarys should use the practice to enhance library services. This is what LibraryThing does, giving additional ways to search out information. Users familiar with tags will probably find the library a friendlier place when tags appear in our catalog.

Instant Messaging

I've responded to instant messages before, but never initiated them. Today I sent IMs, and in the process, learned more about Office Communicator. Instant Messaging can be seen (to paraphrase Monk) as both a gift and a curse. It is a great means of quick, efficient communication. On the other hand, it can be seen as one more interruption in our already chopped up lives. Like many things, it is a good tool, but it can be abused.
I like the idea of an IM reference service. To me, that is meeting the desires of our public. However, the name itself implies "instant" service as well as instant messaging. An IM reference service cannot be offered unless one or more librarians can be dedicated to the service for whatever hours it is in operation. And, given the economic status of most libraries, that won't happen without serious rearrangement of the budget.