Wikis are very handy

I have just completed the test drive #3: Wikis and have found that Wikis are very handy. I checked out a few of the examples listed and can see the practical applications.

The wiki that lists future catalogues could be used to keep library staff up to date on what other libraries are doing with their catalogues. This information could help libraries decide what their catalogue should offer and help to come up with wish lists for future catalogues. Wikis can also be used for keeping staff up to date with current library events and providing a 'go-to' place for the latest information. Wookiepedia was also very amusing and I will know where to go in future for all my star wars knowledge! :)

I also found the Information Today article about Wikipedia very interesting as I do sneakily use Wikipedia so that I can look knowledgeable when clients ask me about something I have no idea on. I updated the Wikipedia entry for my suburb so that it now lists all the dog parks.

So I am understanding Wikis better and think they are a tool that can be used in the workplace and personally. I am also still very taken with the Commoncraft in plain english videos and think they are an excellent training tool (they can also help with the looking knowledgeable when you have no clue thing too)

I really like Flikr.

I have just done my 2nd activity for the testdrive and have explored flikr. I think free online photo sharing is a fantastic idea not just for social use but for use within organisations too. I have not used flikr before and think I will join up (or atleast check there if I am looking for images). The commoncraft videos are fantastic too!

I used "book" as my keyword and found lots of interesting things. One of my favourites is included in this post. I am finding I like all the close up book pictures and there are also some fantastic images of libraries.

At the moment I have just started reading People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I am enjoying what I have read so far and it is my first one of hers. For uni I am reading articles about the future of Public Libraries which I am finding very interesting.