Web 2.0 Tools

I chose to look at Pandora for this assignment. I really enjoyed the layout and functionality of Pandora. Pandora is a very easy to use music program that plays like a streaming radio. You'll either get music from an artist, or like music from similar artists. This program could keep your ears happy for hours. It's definitely worth a look if you have a favorite band.

Web Based Apps

I believe that products like Google Documents and Spreadsheets are the future of computing. When one is able to access documents and spreadsheets anywhere functionality is maximized. Also, if one could access the internet from anywhere, any time these applications would be a major hit. They would be transcendent of the operating system, computer design, cell phone design, etc. These applications are very useful, however, I don't feel as though all of the Google applications are wonderful. I don't need another calendar to help me adjust. If Google was a calendar everybody, everywhere subscribed to I could go for it. I also don't have use for a lot of the other applications. I do like Google Earth, but unless everyone goes Google some applications aren't that helpful.

Wiki's Again

My blog is now registered as a "Favorite Blog." This exercise has been very helpful to me. I am now looking into using a Wiki along with my current Blackboard account for student employee information. I think that this could be very beneficial.

Wikis

I prefer a Wiki over most conventional browsing options. I have been using Wikipedia for awhile and will confess it to be a minor addiction. I like having different customized Wiki's. For instance, I like to use Wikipedia as an encyclopedia, while I would use a more detailed Wiki for other, more detailed information. I like many of the aspects of a Wiki.

What I really like about Wiki's:

1. The search bar to navigate a Wiki is very useful. It is so easy to get into a Wiki and search for any information one is looking for. If one searches through a Wiki he'll also find that multiple titles within the Wiki could be identical. However, if for example, a movie and a TV show had the same title they could be subcategorized (Film) and (TV).

2. Information on a single page. I enjoy that a Wiki will chronicle tons of information about a single subject on a single page. And, if more information is needed about within that page a link can be clicked to go further with that piece of information.

3. Breakdown of materials. Within a Wiki one could review a book by giving a review of the beginning, middle, and end. Or, a speech could be broken down into similar headings. Making a Wiki readable seems to be quite an easy task.

4. I like the appearance. I am more drawn to the appearance of a Wiki and therefore would rather work with a Wiki than a blog. While a blog at times feels cluttered and hard to navigate; I feel right at home with a Wiki.

Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

Reading these progressive library pieces make me think of my experiences with libraries. I didn't care for going to the library when I was a child. I would find a children's title I enjoyed occasionally, but for the most part I wasn't into it. However, when I started working here I started getting into the library happenings. I loved the look of the 2nd floor and the future it conveyed. I also loved the fact that younger generations of patrons felt comfortable and enjoyed using the library. I have changed over from someone who didn't care for libraries, to a library staff member, and now a library staff member that wants to pursue library school and work within a library for a long time. I enjoyed reading the "Away from the "icebergs"" piece because I think it correctly painted the picture of an evolving library, which I find very exciting. I was at my parents house recently (Ironton, OH) and the drove past the local library which has been remodeled. I couldn't get enough of looking at the place. It now looks so warm and inviting. It's someplace that I would now love to go. I have been changed personally by changes within libraries and I think that the future of libraries is very exciting.