Thing 19: Google Docs

I really think I don't use Google Docs enough. I really love how they make it possible to save your information in a variety of formats. I am delighted that there is another resource out there that people can create Microsoft Office quality work on a free platform. At home, my husband and I use Open Office. I personally prefer some of its features to those in MS Office. I think that Google Docs is a great resource that allows someone who is away from their personal computer to work on a document, presentation, etc. and be able to save it online without having to email it to themselves or worry about saving it to a disk drive.

Also, as I was scanning the blog, I noticed that Google Docs admins were taking feedback from users and finding ways to implement the ideas. I think that is a very cool thing. Something I don't really get to see a lot of with online resources.

Thing 18: Wikis

I've been using Wikipedia on and off for a while. It's actually a pretty good source for some info (when verified). Sometimes I skip down to the bottom where the citations are and just click on those sites. My experience with creating a wiki was pretty good. It's easy and I can see how you can make something up to be really cool. I did encounter one problem. When trying to create the subheading "Books" I was unable to do so. I assume it's because someone else off the main page had already created a page with that heading on it. Other than that one hang up, I thought creating a wiki was fun and a good way to let creativity flow.

Thing 17: LibWorm

I think LibWorm is an intersting site. I liked the searching function that helps users wade through all the information available. However, I think the site could use some maintenance. I had a difficult time searching for my library. I was able to find a ton of articles about our public school libraries, though. I think this is a site that could be an information gold mine. . . .if you have the time to spend searching and wading through the tons of information.

Thing 16: LibraryThing

I think LibraryThing is a pretty cool site. It allows me the opportunity to do something that I've been wishing I could do pretty much my whole life: list all the books I own and tell people what I think of them. :) I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I will be starting library school this fall. ;) So far, I think it's pretty easy to use. I like how it draws title information from amazon.com, so it's in a familiar format for most people. I can't wait to find that spare time at home where I can take my laptop to the shelves and start listing away!

I have heard of libraries using LibraryThing for Libraries. That could be cool, but I think for now I prefer to use it in my home.

Thing 15: Digg

Digg is pretty cool. I think it's a fun way to see what other people are looking at online. I spent some time clicking on articles and such that I had never heard of. But I like the fact that it enables the casual web browser to be able to see what is going on online. You don't have to be out there checking out all these different sites. And if you're active enough online it's a way for you to share with tons of others different stories you've come across. Overall, I give this Thing a Digg. :)

Thing 14: Delicious

I like Delicious. My experience so far is that it's easy to use. I had no problem signing up and importing bookmarks. I just went through in about 5 minutes and edited all of my bookmarks by adding tags. I also really like that on this site, just like other social sites, you have the option to keep some of your data private and only publicize certain parts of your profile. I have opted to share some of my links for the purpose of this thing. They are not library related, but more fun in nature (these are different sites I visit when I'm not working, but not all the sites I visit when not working). Enjoy!

Thing 13: Tagging

I think tagging is a wonderful tool that can be used to help browsers find what they're seeking. I haven't been using it on these posts mainly due to my bad memory. I usually finish typing and then forget that I can add labels. I think tagging is possible in libraries, as stated on the 23 Things site it is similar to subject headings. I think they are very similar. I wonder if there would be any way to view/track patrons who would be trying to tag inappropriately. (C'mon, there's always someone!) I say encourage it if we can monitor it.