Thing 18

I have used Wikipedia on many occasions and even cited it in an essay. It was on natural versus controlled vocabulary for the Principles of Information Retrieval module of my library qualification. Wikipedia had the best, basic definitions of what the two things were.




I have also, in the past, been interested bt the debates that can occur - one where a contributor was accused of anti-semitism in a biography they wrote (I couldn't see it myself, but I wasn't all that familiar with the subject) and versions were changed on a daily basis. That became more fascinating than any of the entries!

It is great to have so much information available but it is important to ensure that the facts are correct.

Thing 17

I have joined Humsbox - a wiki for staff dealing with humanities subjects in Oxford. My initial thoughts are that it is a bit difficult to navigate but, as explained in the email inviting me to join, it is a work in progress. My brain doesn't always work in the way that these things are set up! I do not yet feel competent to contribute...

Thing 16

I've started a conversation but I will have to wait and see what happens...

Thing 15

Help! I am no longer living in the 1930s! I am now firmly in the 21st Century because I have a Twitter account.

So, I've signed up, I've asked "what IS happening?" and I've clicked on 'Follow' for The Tate, Penguin Books and Grey Thinking.

I guess it is a way of rapidly exchanging comments but I can't yet see what effect it will have and how it relates to libraries.

'Twittering women' never had good connotations...

Thing 14

I have created a Linkedin account. It is an interesting way of making details of your professional life available - I wonder how much people are approached about their work or are offered new opportunites?

The Reading List function is good - easy to use - although I included books I am reading for pleasure, which may not be of interest professionally!

Linkedin is a much more 'serious' site than Facebook - you cannot become a fan of such things as 'sleep' or 'Joyce Grenfell' or take part in strange quizzes. I am not yet sure how interactive it is.

Thing 13

I have been on Facebook for some time, in order to keep in touch with friends around the world. I was reluctant at first but now I enjoy keeping up with other people's lives.

The groups I am part of and of which I am a fan include the British Library, Unshelved (great cartoons about libraries from the point of view of staff on a desk), Penguin, Maya Angelou and Haruki Murakami. It is great to have news of these people and groups, all set up in one place.

And thus, it is a good place for libraries to broadcast news of developments and changes, new stock, opening hours and other useful information. It also fosters a greater sense of a library as a community.

On a less useful note, I also am the founder member of the Jean-Pierre Mialon Appreciation Society...

Thing 12

Ahh, Library Ninjas. What a great thing YouTube is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZdeVuEJ-s0

Thing 11

I have subscribed to podcasts of BBC Radio 4's Midweek, having listened to it on my computer at home. It is really useful to be alerted to new episodes and - should I wish to - add them to my MP3 player.

Thing 10

I have added the Zoology Library to my network - lots of websites about birds and bees!

Thing 9

I susupect Delicious may be more useful than I thought. My username is crowleye_1975 and I have added some helpful, librarianly bookmarks such as OxLIP+, EThos (the British Library's thesis service) and ABE Books.

Thing 7 & 8

I created a Flickr account and loaded some pictures of Oxford in the snow. I then edited a couple on Picnik. Both were simple enough but in comparison with Snapfish or the Kodak Gallery that came with my digital camera, they seemed a bit too simple.

Things 1 to 6

I have finally made some progress! I have set up my iGoogle account, I have signed up for a Google Reader and I have subscribed to some RSS feeds - the blogs of two ex-trainees who are avid readers. Great stuff!