Summary

The most important thing I learned is how vast the web 2.0 technologies are and how quickly they change and evolve. Thus, we must constantly be updating our knowledge so we keep several steps ahead of our users.

The most challenging thing I experienced was getting started on the whole project. Thinking it would be quite difficult and time consuming, I kept procrastinating. Once I got started however, it turned out to be a fun challenge! The next challenge was finding the time to complete it due to work demands.

PVLD can use these technologies to deliver or improve library services by having an "interactive" presence on the web in addition to free web publicity. Now that we are web 2.0 savvy, we can empower our users to learn and create their own web 2.0 technologies!

It was successful because it forced me to find the answers on the web and it gave me practice in using these applications. Yes, this is a useful way to encourage staff development. When I got stuck on a certain aspect, I was able to ask colleagues for some guidance and in turn was able to assist less knowledgeable staff members when they needed help. I've always wanted to be more knowledgeable about these technologies, but there never seemed to be enough time.... So having to do this project challenged me to make the time. The experience was fun and the prize was a good incentive. I feel more like a techie now!!

Task 4 & 5 (Digital Photo/Flickr)

This is a photo of my niece when we visited the Koi Pond at CSULB.

Tagging is important as it readily identifies the photos. Some of my favorite features on Flickr are being able to organize photos into categories as well as being able to add notes to photos. Adding notes to photos seems like a cool idea as it makes them personable for the user and possibly easier to find because they've been tagged in greater detail. An online community is a place online to find like-minded people with similar interests who may or may not live within close proximity to you.

Task 9 (Google Docs & Spreadsheets)

Our library customers might not know that such a tool exists. We should tell them about this site and its benefits, i.e. they can save their information here and be able to retrieve it 24-7, people working on group projects can have one central location to store their information, etc.

Task 6 (Instant Messaging)

InfoDetective1 (01:05:51 pm): Hi! What's up?
InfoDetective1 (01:07:25 pm): Is anybody there?
(01:07:25 pm)pvld2007 is no longer signed on.

Above is my IM. The Buddy List is significant in my blog because these are people you choose to include in your list, whether they be coworkers, friends, etc.

Task 10 (My Space)

One of the benefits of myspace.com is that it's a great way to promote yourself, a service, etc. On the other hand, one of the pitfalls is that if you post online, you need to be careful about what you say regarding your personal information. Myspace.com is so popular because it's a user-driven site that connects people based on their interests.

Task 8 (You Tube)

It's free publicity, a free place to market oneself, a product, a service, etc.

The library can use it to post videos of library programs so people who missed the program, shut-ins, users beyond our walls, (anyone who wants to) can still have the opportunity to view them.

Task 7 (Wikipedia)

My Wikipedia username is Marisapvld.

Wikipedia is an online, free encyclopedia that might be useful when one needs to find information about popular culture. However, if you're undertaking a more serious endeavor, this may not be the site to use because the information is not checked for accuracy and anyone, expert or not, is able to post on this site.