Method 7: Bookmarking and Tagging

I found some interesting bookmarks from the San Mateo Public Library (?) - forgot to write down the name. As an academic librarian, I can see how social bookmarking might be a great tool for students who are researching common themes. I don't see myself using them much. As a cataloger, perhaps I am a bit too "hung up" on LC subject headings or other controlled headings. Personally, I don't yet have a glut of bookmarks on my MSN favorites, so see no need to use other sites to control them.

Actually, again I am referring to Amazon.com - but they seem to have a well developed system of social bookmarking and tagging already - even giving you an opportunity to add a tag to a favorite book. When searching favorite authors, I am also given pointers on other authors that I might like that are similar in nature to the books I am researching (i.e. "cozy mysteries"). I am also given the opportunity to see other book reviews written by certain people. In a way - quite gently and quite successfully - I have already been led along the path of social bookmarking. Very interesting. Perhaps later I will come back to the step and do some more exploring. Meanwhile, I am running out of time.......

Method 6: Online videos

I really enjoyed this exercise. I will see whether or not I can post my favorite video as instructed. I enjoyed the library dominoes video, and the Round Rock Library's summer reading advertisement, "Sail away with a good book". In fact, all of the library videos were very innovative! There seems to be a lot of hidden talent lurking in the stacks! I think these kinds of innovative videos are great for showcasing what libraries have to offer. Such videos bring us out of the dusty, musty stacks age, and into the new techno savvy age. Since I work at a university library, obviously our videos might need to be a little more sophisticated, but really - who can beat a puppet show??

I have never been a real fan of Youtube, although this wasn't my first introduction to such videos. Anyone with a computer and e-mail has likely been sent a favorite video by a friend or colleague. Obviously, there is a lot of silliness and other stuff out there. I was warned by my techno savvy daughter to "be careful what I watched". ; ) I really am interested in the library sites, though, and will probably go back at my leisure and watch more, especially the Library of Congress site. I even sent a couple by e-mail to my friends and family for the first time. My favorite was the short clip of library dominoes, but I guess I am supposed to be more innovative and find another. Back in a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fW7MoINvQc

This is the Everly Brothers "All I have to do is dream", one of my favorite songs from my youth. However, I can tell that this is not going to be a clickable link. I am still missing something. Can't quite make it all connect!

I guess I will turn in this lesson as is, though. Then I will go back and see what else I can pick up.