Folksonomies & Tagging

I created my own delicious account about a year ago but have not returned to it for a very long time. This is possibly because I have been using a work delicious account - slqlibrary2. This account is used for one particular work unit to keep a record of various websites that may be useful for a particular project.

One project run by the work unit was to keep a record of all the web pages that mention or use SLQ content, particularly when the page links to images in library's catalogue. As the image links may change overtime, the Library can inform, if possible, various websites of the link changes.

I can see the potential of this tool for research assistance as it will enable one to return to web pages and sites that have been used during research and will be very usful in the creation of a reference list or bibliography.

I also think it is a simple way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere. One very frustrating thing is to have your computer crash or to be assigned a new computer before you have have a chance to export you bookmarks (favourites); with a delicious account your bookmarks will still be available.

RSS feeds

I have now subscribed to five blogs via bloglines. I love books so I thought I would follow the New York Times book review blog...a great way to keep up with new releases. The two work related blogs I have subscribed to are The Shifted Librarian (good to get an outside Australia perspective) and the OPAL training blog (good to know what training is coming up). I have subscribed to Brisbane past and present, a great blog which compares old photographs of Brisbane with more recent scenes and an informative commentary of the images is also provided. And lastly, I have subscribed to my favourite blog, BibliOdyssey. This blog showcases "Amazing Archival Images from the Internet"; the images displayed are from various historical print materials (books, maps, journals etc.).

Amaryllis crocata

Amaryllis psittacina

The two images above are from the BibliOdyssey blog and originally scanned from 'A Selection of Hexandrian Plants, Belonging to the Natural Orders Amaryllidae and Liliacae' by Priscilla Susan Bury.

Currently, for my work I have used used RSS technology to keep up-to-date with what other institutions on The Commons on Flickr are uploading. I also use it for updates on The Flickr Commons blog. I think I will now subscribe to these via bloglines to keep all related RSS feeds together.

Social networks

Social networking sites obviously have much to offer workplaces, including libraries. They are reaching far beyond traditional social groups and friends.

I think the way the Brisbane Film Festival is being promoted via MySpace is great, so too is the UQ Library Search on Facebook. I can imagine students socialising in Facebook being able to access the library catalogue without having to leave the site. Libraries are really placing themselves where the people are. State Library now has a Twitter account........fabulous!

Wikis

My first introduction to wikis was through my previous work life. As a secondary school teacher I encountered Wikipedia, the much loved and over used resource for students, at the end of many written tasks and assignments. I'll admit I was a wee bit skeptical about Wikipedia at first. Gradually, as I learned more about it, I began to change my opinion of it and realise that it give many people a place to start when researching and more.

I enjoy viewing the BookLoversWiki from Princeton Public Library and have even chosen a book for my book group from the top reviews. Library Success: A Best Practices wiki is a very useful resource for all librarians (I have added it to my bookmarks). For my work, I have referred to some of the Best Practice Guides for Digitisation (Digitization) in this wiki. Also, Star Wars fans must love Wookieepedia.

I have added a beautiful photograph to the Veranda article in Wikipedia. The photograph is of Winifred Rawson nursing her son on the verandah of The Hollow, near Mackay, Australia, ca. 1873. I have also put a link at the end of this article to the Queensland Verandas section of a fabulous State Library of Queensland online exhibition - Becoming Queensland. The image below is from the same online exhibition.

Veranda at The Hollow, near Mackay, Queensland,
ca. 1875, Edmund Rawson. Image No. 00010