This is my first time using Zoho. It's pretty neat! I used the Zoho Writer and posted my document to my blog. (Very easy! But I did learn that the blog entries are posted in the order they are started, and not the order they are published, which is why the document appears above and not below.) I also played a little bit with Zoho Sheet and Zoho Show.
One disadvantage that I can see is that although they have a lot of features, some are not there. So for the advanced user or someone who creates elaborate documents, this may not work. I noticed that the undo button sometimes takes a few tries...a quirk or a feature? Personally, the disadvantage is that I use too many Ctrl key functions automatically, and they don't do the same in Zoho as they do in MS Word, as I found out. Oops!
However, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It feels pretty intuitive and looks like it is pretty easy to use, particularly if you are familiar with Microsoft products. The portability is nice, since you can access your files anywhere that you have internet access. And the sharing features sound useful and could be helpful for committee work. It would certainly reduce bandwidth use of sending documents via e-mail. Love the tagging in Zoho Writer, rather than folders. I guess this would also be a step toward pushing things into the cloud. The welcome document really shows that they are working toward what users want, which is always comforting.
I can definitely think of some patrons who could use Zoho. It would give them access to documents from any computer and they wouldn't leave their disk/USB drive behind to be stolen! I thought a downside would be no templates for resumes, but they have them, too! This could also be an alternative for patrons looking for Excel or PowerPoint. And it provides a means of posting fancier things on a blog.
Definitely a tool to keep in mind!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Exploration 5 - LibraryThing
I usually like tools that can be used to manage book lists. LibraryThing is definitely an easy way to do that. I found it simple to use and the tags and folders make it easy for me to find any books that I add. As always, I would need to keep up with adding content...a neverending challenge.
As for library use, I can think of a few ideas for LibraryThing or similar tools. If we wanted to maintain system booklists we could do that. However, Aquabrowser now fills that need. We could show patrons how to use LibraryThing to manage their own booklists. To provide personalized service to patrons, we could maintain booklists for them. It could be a team/branch effort to add suggested titles to the list for those patrons who are always looking for a good read. And don't patrons always ask us to remember what they read anyway? :) Since Library by Mail does (I believe?) maintain records of what people have read, this may be a good tool for them to use. It could also be a great way to create a branch or system-wide staff recommends that could be available for viewing by the public.
Since books are still our business, I'm sure there are other possibilities. But that is all that I can come up with right now.
Oh yeah...and you can find my LibraryThing at CheckMeOut. (Can you tell I'm having trouble keeping all of my accounts straight? I'm now trying to simplify.) It's a small step (and a little random), but hopefully the beginning of something that will grow!
As for library use, I can think of a few ideas for LibraryThing or similar tools. If we wanted to maintain system booklists we could do that. However, Aquabrowser now fills that need. We could show patrons how to use LibraryThing to manage their own booklists. To provide personalized service to patrons, we could maintain booklists for them. It could be a team/branch effort to add suggested titles to the list for those patrons who are always looking for a good read. And don't patrons always ask us to remember what they read anyway? :) Since Library by Mail does (I believe?) maintain records of what people have read, this may be a good tool for them to use. It could also be a great way to create a branch or system-wide staff recommends that could be available for viewing by the public.
Since books are still our business, I'm sure there are other possibilities. But that is all that I can come up with right now.
Oh yeah...and you can find my LibraryThing at CheckMeOut. (Can you tell I'm having trouble keeping all of my accounts straight? I'm now trying to simplify.) It's a small step (and a little random), but hopefully the beginning of something that will grow!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Exploration 4 - RSS
Imagine my surprise when I tried to set up a Bloglines account and discovered that someone had already used my e-mail address! Then I remembered that long ago when I was on a committee looking at new technologies, I set up a Bloglines account. At the time, I did not see a compelling need for the tool. This feeling was clearly demonstrated by my neglect of Bloglines!
Now, skip along to the present. With my current personal and professional interests, and my inability to keep up with visiting various web sites, I can certainly see a use for RSS feeds and feed readers. Although I tend to like everything pushed to my e-mail inbox (I need it in my face, or it is forgotten), this would be too overwhelming. The feed reader allows me to keep it all in one place, but a separate place from my e-mail.
I played with both Bloglines and GoogleReader. I'm still getting used to the look and feel of each, but overall they are both fairly easy to use. The plain format means it lacks character (compared to the actual site) and it takes some getting used to. As I added new feeds, I kept thinking of more to add. It was kind of addictive! Since I have more interest in using RSS feeds, I may actually keep up with it this time. But even this can become overwhelming. We'll see...
For library staff, RSS feeds are certainly a great way to keep up with library trends and ideas. Perhaps this is even more important now that our budget is limiting our participation in training and conferences.
For patrons, we do already offer RSS feeds through AquaBrowser. We could offer RSS feeds for other updates and information about the library--programs, new databases, etc...
Overall, I think this is a useful tool!
Now, skip along to the present. With my current personal and professional interests, and my inability to keep up with visiting various web sites, I can certainly see a use for RSS feeds and feed readers. Although I tend to like everything pushed to my e-mail inbox (I need it in my face, or it is forgotten), this would be too overwhelming. The feed reader allows me to keep it all in one place, but a separate place from my e-mail.
I played with both Bloglines and GoogleReader. I'm still getting used to the look and feel of each, but overall they are both fairly easy to use. The plain format means it lacks character (compared to the actual site) and it takes some getting used to. As I added new feeds, I kept thinking of more to add. It was kind of addictive! Since I have more interest in using RSS feeds, I may actually keep up with it this time. But even this can become overwhelming. We'll see...
For library staff, RSS feeds are certainly a great way to keep up with library trends and ideas. Perhaps this is even more important now that our budget is limiting our participation in training and conferences.
For patrons, we do already offer RSS feeds through AquaBrowser. We could offer RSS feeds for other updates and information about the library--programs, new databases, etc...
Overall, I think this is a useful tool!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Exploration 3 - Flickr
Well, now that I have had a LONG break (and have an imminent deadline!), I have finally returned to the world of Web 2.0!
I played around with Flickr. The Library of Congress has really put this tool to good use. Imagine the amount of information they will get about photos that would not otherwise have been possible! It is also great for students with projects and anyone who just has an interest.
How cool that a Yahoo account can be used to set up a Flickr account! Since I have a personal Yahoo account, I will likely set up a Flickr account. At this point, I am more likely to have the account for personal use, so I did not actually do it yet.
As for library use, a few ideas come to mind. I think pictures speak volumes and would be successful in promoting upcoming programs (e.g. show pictures from the previous year's SRC). Or, if it is after the fact, it can be a "look what you missed, but will hopefully catch next time." We could have pictures of the branches and collection areas...a sort of virtual tour/map. (Personally, I find it much easier to find something if I know what it looks like.) We could also post pictures of all of the staff so we can match names to faces.
Certainly something for me to explore further, but now I must move on to the next exploration...
I played around with Flickr. The Library of Congress has really put this tool to good use. Imagine the amount of information they will get about photos that would not otherwise have been possible! It is also great for students with projects and anyone who just has an interest.
How cool that a Yahoo account can be used to set up a Flickr account! Since I have a personal Yahoo account, I will likely set up a Flickr account. At this point, I am more likely to have the account for personal use, so I did not actually do it yet.
As for library use, a few ideas come to mind. I think pictures speak volumes and would be successful in promoting upcoming programs (e.g. show pictures from the previous year's SRC). Or, if it is after the fact, it can be a "look what you missed, but will hopefully catch next time." We could have pictures of the branches and collection areas...a sort of virtual tour/map. (Personally, I find it much easier to find something if I know what it looks like.) We could also post pictures of all of the staff so we can match names to faces.
Certainly something for me to explore further, but now I must move on to the next exploration...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Library PR 2.0
OK...so a lot of time has lapsed between efforts on this project...
Anyway, I saw this great article called "Library PR 2.0" all about how libraries should be using Web 2.0 for marketing. I recognize that this does limit the amount of control an organization has over its PR. However, in a time where we need to go where our patrons are and really put ourselves out there, perhaps it is worth it. Many patrons, and particularly our younger ones, are not getting our message by more traditional means. This is a great opportunity for libraries. Will we take advantage?
Anyway, I saw this great article called "Library PR 2.0" all about how libraries should be using Web 2.0 for marketing. I recognize that this does limit the amount of control an organization has over its PR. However, in a time where we need to go where our patrons are and really put ourselves out there, perhaps it is worth it. Many patrons, and particularly our younger ones, are not getting our message by more traditional means. This is a great opportunity for libraries. Will we take advantage?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Web 2.Oh!
Oh, wow! I was really energized by some of the articles in Exploration 1. I feel that there is a lot of potential in this assignment to really challenge ourselves to keep up with our patrons and incorporate facets of Web 2.0 into the services we provide and how we provide service. It will be an interesting ride, and hopefully one that will bring me and us to a better place.
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