Blogs, Wikis and More, Oh my!

Well this is my third test drive. I've enjoyed the program so far and think it will be a useful tool for people who are just starting out in their web 2.0 adventure. So far, I've signed up for Mary's SLQ wiki and written a thrilling post (not!!) so I'm sure you will all want to go and read it!!? I've also been helping the LSS staff to set up their first couple of test drives. I think once they've gotten the hang of it they'll really enjoy it. Who knows, they may even want to go home and set up their own blogs. (I certainly hope so).

Dunnotar Castle

Dunnotar Castle Revisited, originally uploaded by bgladman.

After years of waiting...and waiting...and waiting... I am finally headed off to the UK this year! The image I've uploaded is of Dunnotar Castle in Scotland. I came across an article about it a couple of weeks ago and decided it was a place I HAD to visit!

Dunnotar Castle is set on lands inhabited by the Picts sometime between 5000 BC and 700 AD. The castle itself has been visited by many famous figures, including Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace (of Braveheart fame). Many gruesome events have occured at the castle, including the infamous "Whiggs Vault" where a group of Covenanters who refused to recognise the King as their spiritual leader were imprisoned.

I CANNOT wait to visit this place to see if the echoes of history can still be felt...............eeeeeeek!!! LOL.

22nd April PS. I got so carried away by this image that I forgot to blog about the concept of sharing images online! Like all the web 2.0 stuff I've dabbled in this before and promptly forgotten to use it again once the novelty has worn off (except for Facebook, which I use all the time.) I can definitely see the benefits to libraries, particularly public and academic ones and would like to see my POW engage in this type of communication. I think online photo sharing is a great form of marketing and how better to encourage those who don't traditionally use a library to step foot in one, particularly if the images are ones that encourage the notion of the library as a welcoming place (without the SHHHHHH factor!)

Now that I've been re-introduced to the concept I think I'll also set up an account for family when I make the big trip overseas later this year (you didn't think I'd go a whole post without mentioning it, did you?!) so they can see what I'm up to and where I've been. It'll be a great way of keeping all my photos organised as well.

Until next time~ Corporate Chik ~ is signing off! x

My Web 2.0 Journey

My job in a special library requires that I be up to date with new and emerging technologies. I've been reading library blogs for a number of years now and came across the term web 2.0 after reading a blog by one of the "American librarian gurus" -Michael Stephens, Karen Schneider, Jenny Levine- I can't remember which! I was interested in the concept right away and began blogging. Blog writing has never been my forte however (I'm not much good at keeping a diary either) and I've started and discontinued a number of them! Fingers crossed I am better with this one!!

I've been encouraging staff at my current workplace to learn more about web 2.0 technologies and the License to Test Drive program was the opportunity. I'll be acting as a bit of a mentor for my colleagues but at the same time I hope to learn something new too! I'm particularly looking forward to working on podcasts and vodcasts. (and would love a laptop too- HINT Mary!!! hehe just kidding!!)

Anyway, until next time, I'm signing off.

Library Chik xx