Thing 18: Online Productivity Tools

The KOHA scope of work document was created with Google docs, and I found it very easy to edit existing text and add my own content: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dctjzkv5_0ghkd4f&hl=en

I liked the simplicity of Zoho Writer, so I signed up so I can play with a test spreadsheet. I need to create one for my volunteer work with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The challenge will be getting the other flotilla officers who report to me to use it since some of them have limited computer skills.

Thing 17: Learning 2.0 SandBox Wiki

Playing in the sandbox reinforced how easy it is to set up a wiki. Here's the link to my creation:
http://marylandlibrariessandbox.pbwiki.com/Favorite+Spots+On+The+Water

Thing 16: Wikis

I was quite impressed with the Oregon Librarian Instruction Wiki, and the great links to all the technology topics we've been trying out: http://instructionwiki.org/Library_2.0_in_15_minutes_a_day.
This quote kind of sums up the concept of wikis "stop reinventing the wheel".

A wiki might work for our implementation of KOHA since there will be many of us working on different aspects of the project.

Thing 15: Web 2.0 and the Future of Libraries

In his article, Away from the icebergs, Rick Anderson says "patrons will expect access to everything". Our implementation of the AquaBrowser catalog interface started Howard County Library down the future path with its ranking of popular titles in search results, faceted browsing, and RSS feeds. AquaBrowser improved access to our electronic resources, and spidering has provided access to a subset of Medline Plus, The Library of Congress' American Memory Collection, and the content of the Library's website.

Moving to the open-source ILS, KOHA, will take us further down the future path. The ability to implement FRBR in the display of titles from our collection, where all versions of a title will be concatenated into a single hit, will be a breakthrough. I'm especially excited about implementing social networking through KOHA. The content that will be added through customer tagging, reviews and rankings can only serve to enhance findability through our catalog.

Thing 14: Technorati

Technorati is currently having technical issues. When I tried to claim my blog, I got "Technorati is borked right now!!!" I was able to add a topic to my watchlist: KOHA. Of course I got all kind of interesting posts, but found some discussions about the open source ILS we'll be implementing. Linked to some of the Top Favorite Blogs, Top Searches, and Top Blogs. Was amazed at the high numbers of "Authorities" (blog reactions).

Thing 13: Tagging and Del.icio.us

The 12 minute tutorial provided a basic visual overview, and then I browsed through the topics on the PLCMCL2 account. "SL2.0 Guides: Tagging" caught my eye with its description "Good article that contrasts and compares cataloging to tagging." http://schoolof.info/infomancy/?p=214
From there I discovered this great social bookmarking PDF: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7001.pdf
The sharing aspect of folksonomy makes this a really valuable tool.

Francis Scott Key Buoy

This photo was taken from my boat on our last Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol, but you don't have to be on the water to see it. If you're driving southbound over the Key Bridge, look into the harbor just to the right of the bridge. The red, white, and blue buoy marks "the spot where HMS Surprise was anchored the night of September 14, 1814 as a British fleet attempted to bombard Fort McHenry. Alongside was moored the sloop of Francis Scott Key who had come out to negotiate a prisoner exchange, and was being held until the battle was over. The next morning, as the smoke cleared over Fort McHenry, Mr. Key saw the oversized American flag still flying over the fort, and was inspired to write down his thoughts in poetry." -- Description from everything2.com. Photo by Auxiliarist Clement Chan.