#17 Web 2.0

Common themes in the Library 2.0 debate around library renewal include user participation, 'harnessing' the user in design and implementation of services, allowing users to contribute to library Web sites and catalogues through tagging and reviews, and federated searching.

I subscribe to the Library of the future Dr. Wendy Shultz writes about in "Infinite Futures: To a temporary place in time...", a 3D service and Library 3.0 world where virtual collections exist and books and librarians have avatars and online personalities. A world of librarian “superstars” based on customer ratings. The physical Library (Library 1.0 to 3.0) is not replaced, but expanded and absorbed by digital technology. Library 4.0 is the 'neo-library: libraries as mind gyms; as idea labs; as art salons (commentary and annotation)'. Her concept of the 'knowledge spa' also appeals, "...meditation, relaxation, immersion in a luxury of ideas and thought...a retreat, a sanctuary, a pampered experience...fine words, exquisite brandy, smooth coffee, aromatic cigar, smell of leather, rustle of pages—to the dream economy’s library, the LIBRARY: a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt..." Kind of like the SLV of the future.

#16 Podcasts

A search of podcast directories Yahoo Podcasts and then Podcast.net under ' Location' Prague found Radio Prague's "Charles Bridge legends" which sounded interesting. I wondered if the Podcast was about the statues lining the bridge or perhaps the beggars freezing in the snow in winter? Unfortunately I was unable to hear the podcast as additional plugins were required and I couldn't download them. Although I was able to listen to a podcast of a talk on our own Web site.
A broad "book review" search on PodcastAlley
found 200 hits, everything from Commuter Reviews, to Comic Book Noise and the Comic Book Haters to the New York Times Book Update.

The Library already uses Podcasts effectively for media releases, events and latest news.

#15 YouTube

Here is a video I found on YouTube showing the work of Paula Rego. Early in her career, she was part of the London Group, exhibiting with David Hockney and R. B. Kitaj.

I am amazed at the breadth and depth of YouTube content. Apart from what's on offer here, Teacher tube and Science Hack offer educational and instructive videos. Not to be overlooked to answer an inquiry. Our Web site already uses this technology for staff talks about collections.

#14 Web 2.0 things

Had a quick look under Visual Art in the Web 2.0 Awards List and found a site based in W.A. TheBroth.com enabling collaboration of artworks from around the world, a virtual library of online art that constantly changes with the input of users. Interesting idea, although I didn't find any inspiring work on the site.

I was curious about the world of Widgets. Yourminis
allows you to select and customize widgets for blogs, websites and desktops. They look like mini versions of Web sites and are really cute. According to their blurb, Widgets let you watch Youtube videos, browse flickr photos, read news and rss feeds, listen to MP3 music, and more. I tested the Amazon and Ebay widgets and then added them to my blog in two easy steps. See above. This was fun.

#13 technology

The thing that I find amazing about technology is how quickly it changes and how well we embrace the newness of gadgets and techie things. Communications technology has changed the way we work and connect with people. Most inquiries are now emailed to us from around the world and we can send an image (reference quality) and a response almost immediately rather than the weeks this would previously have taken. Most people email, text message, or connect online rather than by phone or face to face. Sometimes this can be a blessing.

The Encyclopædia Britannica Online, defines technology as the development over time of systematic techniques for making and doing things. The term technology, a combination of the Greek techne, “art, craft,” with logos, “word, speech,” meant in Greece a discourse on the arts, both fine and applied. It first appeared in English in the 17th century. By mid-century, technology was defined by such phrases as “the means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment.” Even such broad definitions have been criticized by observers who point out the increasing difficulty of distinguishing between scientific inquiry and technological activity.

While there is cause to be very optimistic about technology for the way it helps us in the workplace and in the domestic sphere, some days it leaves me with frustrations and also concern for what technology is doing to our planet. But most days, I look forward to the discovery of a new way of doing things.