Online sharing of Music with Social Networks Thing 20

Thing 20 came as a pleasant surprise. I had a look at LastFm, a social network focussing on music. I used the account of 23Dingen to explore this site.

Taking a look at profiles, events and listening to various radio stations. Members can add information about artists, songs or tag songs and videos. Members can also compile play list and own radio stations. By enabling scrobbling one can keep track of songs listened to. This track lists are visible to other members. This way one can meet members with similar interests in music.

Another feature that I have found very useful is a overview of concert dates and venues for every artist. An English site with the web address of the concert venues where one can reserve tickets.

There are links to online suppliers where one can order CDs or DVDs.

I have also had a look at the Vlaams site for finding library material. Complete content information for every Cd and Dvd. With a list of similar material. These list can be shared via e-mail messages or blogs. It can also be added to social book marking sites like Delicious.

Online music sharing networks can be a paradise for music lovers. An opportunity to keep up to date with their favourite musicians and also to discover new musicians.

Any use for online music social networks within the library? A library can promote their audio and sound collections using this social network. People can make recommendations. The librarian responsible for purchasing can easily find similar artists or works. Ensuring an up to date and accessible collection.

Online Social Networking Thing 19

The first news article that I have read this morning was Queen Beatrix’s Christmas speech where she commented on internet and social networking.

And this afternoon I am on the internet exploring the world of social networking.

Social networking on the internet can be fun. I have been a member on Fotki, a photo hosting website for 6 years. I get visitors from all over the world and everyday I do some online “travelling” via the photos of other members. It provides an opportunity for people with similar interest to share photos and ideas on photography. It also provides the opportunity to share travel information or travel tips.

Other members share family photos with friends and family, or they are focussed on digital photography as art, or they share photos of their hobbies, varying from a to z!

Fotki is a combination between a photo hosting website and a social network. One can add friends, follow friends, add tags to photos, leave comments on photos or journal entries, leave messages in the guestbook, add to journals or a blog, update a world map with photo locations. It is up to the individual member to decide how much or how little they want to share with the general public.

For today’s exercise I had a look at Facebook, Hyves, 23Dingen Ning and Bibliotheek20Ning. I am also familiar with Linkedin, the business network. I found Facebook and Hyves very general. Lots of discussions about “nothing”. Lots of links to articles, photos and events.

I enjoyed the focussed discussions and links on 23Dingen Ning and Bibliotheek20 Ning. Lots of interesting information pertaining to the world of libraries and information.

The use of social networking in the library? Social networks can provide an updated way of communication between librarians and information specialists. Sharing ideas and offering solutions to common problems in service delivery.

Social networking between library and its users? Opinions from library directors across the world vary from positive to negative in this regard. It is a fact that most of today’s library users and non-users are active on the internet and participate in social networks. They use these networks as form of entertainment. If a library would become active on one of the social networks it would be in order to promote the additional services, events and new releases. A type of “Fun” marketing tool in other words.

Social networks are here to stay and whenever there is a message to be communicated, online sharing should be considered as an option.

Queen Beatrix on Social Networking

Journey of Discovery wil u graag wijzen op het volgende artikel:
Computer Idee Nieuws: Kersttoespraak koningin Beatrix geeft af op internet

Koningin Beatrix sprak in haar kersttoespraak haar zorgen uit over de mensheid. Volgens haar worden we steeds afstandelijker. Door internet zouden we geen echt contact meer hebben.

Dit artikel is afkomstig van Computer Idee. Het complete artikel is te vinden op:
http://www.computeridee.nl/nieuws.jsp?rubriek=284536&id=2518457

GoogleBattle: The latest indicator of cultural relevance.

Google Battle is another attempt to improve the quality of information retrieval using tags. The results of Google Battle sessions are evaluated and incorparated in the online retrieval systems.
djupvik VS. karesuando GoogleBattle: The latest indicator of cultural relevance.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Cataloguing with Library Thing Thing 18

It was great fun exploring and using Library Thing.

It reminded me of my first attempt of cataloguing my Mother’s bookcase. I was about 10 years old, using an empty school book and pen to note all the books alphabetically by author. Wow, was I proud of my attempts when I handed my Mother her “catalogue”!

It was with the same enthusiasm that I used Library Thing today. It was easy to add my books via links from books on Amazon.com and the Koninklijke Bibliotheek.

I also added book covers to make the widget more colourful.

The books in my collection, are also in the possession of other people, varying from 1 to 1084 other owners. Only the English book by Alexander McCall Smith has book reviews linked to it.

Library Thing provides an opportunity for individual book owners to compile a catalogue of their books. Libraries are also contributing to this catalogue. The same concept that forms the base for Zoek en Boek. Providing a catalogue that is accessible to everyone in the Netherlands.

I will definitely return to Library Thing to follow the links to other members with the same book, book reviews and discussions.

Web 2 Site of Choice Thing 17

Deciding on a specific Web 2 website is difficult with so many interesting options available.

So I went to the Web 2.0 Directory on Go2Web20.net. I narrowed my search to the category “Travel“.

I then had a look at the Travelistic site. A website hosting travel videos from members. Videos are tagged for easy retrieval. The website have the typical Web2 features of sharing option to bookmarkers and webblogs and the opportunity for contacting friends.

I found a few interesting videos about Argentina.
http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/9154

Another interesting website was Mygazines.net where one can compile your own publication, choosing from articles and compilations. As a member one can also add articles, compilations and publications. I signed up and did a search for material. I could easily find and view articles. Adding these to my favourite list didn’t work. I signed in twice and received error on page messages. I followed the instructions, I read the help function, it still didn’t work, I left.

Time is precious and if a website or application doesn’t work, it isn’t worth spending time on it. Especially when there are dozens of similar applications and websites available.

User friendliness is the key to the success of Web2 tools and applications.

Online Videos Playtime

Browsing through the various video hosting websites I came across several videos that I would like to share.

On Vimeo I came across a creative video clip where photos were used. Life is Beautiful by Stephen Niebauer.
http://www.vimeo.com/4258946

On Bibliotube with its various categories, I found a nice video about Library Design of the new Veria Central Public Library, Veria, Greece.
http://video.debibliotheken.nl/video/28/3D-presentation-of-Veria-Central-Public-Library-Childrens

Kijk de Bibliotheek, gave an introduction to library services.
http://video.debibliotheken.nl/video/41/Kijk-De-bibliotheek

YouTube Online Videos Thing 16

YouTube is certainly the largest and most popular video hosting website on the internet, with millions of new videos being added every day.

It was interesting to discover all the alternatives for YouTube.

I enjoyed the good quality videos on Vimeo.

I then had a look at Bibliotube. Neatly organized and structured with various categories.

The 12 seconds video “twitters” were fun to watch.

Back to YouTube again. I signed on using the 23Dingen account. I had a look at the favourite videos, added a favourite video that I have found to the list. Used the play list to play continuous stream of videos. Browsed through the categories and search videos using tags.

I often visit YouTube to watch music videos or to watch funny or eccentric news clips. I usually add favourites to my favourite list on my computer. I never had an account since I am not interested in video publishing. I will sign up for an own account to organise my favourites in a play list. No more clicking from one song to the next, just add all my favourites to a play list and then click on play list and listen to a constant stream of music.

Libraries can add videos to their websites to introduce the library services, to provide an online library tour or to give online library orientation. Publishing library videos on YouTube or any other video hosting site provides the opportunity for promotion of the library and reaching a larger audience.

Podcasting Thing 15

My first thought when I heard about Podcasting was noisy music! But I have discovered much more.

I had a look at the podcast directories provided.

Radiocast provides an overview of radio programmes from the public broadcasters in The Netherlands. List of various stations as well as various genres. I listened to a few broadcast. The programmes opened with a player integrated on the website.

Gespod.nl provides an overview of popular Dutch podcasts. A top 40 list as well as a directory with various topics. I chose the Spanish language course listed in the top 40. I added this programme to my own Gespod account. Maybe I will catch a few Spanish phrases while working on my computer. I then clicked on the travel section to see what was on offer. Rooibos Radio caught my attention, but there were no programmes available for this station.

I also listened to some of the audio books “Luisterboeken” on Gespod.nl. An integrated player is provided so no additional software required.

I Googled for book review podcasts and came across the Just one more book website Link http://www.justonemorebook.com/

I added a RSS Feed link to Netvibes. I could listen to these programmes via the integrated player on Netvibes.

Then I followed the link to the Library in Waterberg. I was surprised to see all the features they have under the “Bieb Online” button: pod casts, Twitter, Facebook, Hyves, games, photos, videos. I added a RSS Feed link to Netvibes. A library fully committed to providing online services to their users.

Possibilities in the library? Marketing library services and events and book reviews.

I really enjoyed the journey of discovery through the world of Podcasting. I will definitely listen to the updates that I will be receiving via Netvibes.

Instant Messaging Thing 14

I discovered online chatting and instant messaging in 1999. I installed Microsoft MSN, ICQ and Yahoo messenger on my computer. Online chat rooms were the place to meet people from all over the world. It was fun! Hearing about interesting travel destinations, festivals and events. Keeping in touch with online friends from Australia, India, Middle East, Europe, Africa, United States and Canada.

Some chat room friends were invited to instant messengers. Ten years later I still have contact with some of these friends.

These messengers were text based instant messaging. Video and sound instant messaging have become the latest hype. Many people using Skype to keep in touch with friends and family.

Thing number 14 explores the latest trends in instant messaging. After reading the background information I had a look at Google Talk. I like the way that you can access to various applications (e-mail, blog, Google Talk) with your g-mail account. No separate accounts required.

I also had a look at Aladin and asked a question. My question was asked previously so I got an instant answer.

I then followed the link to the Meebo messenger on the website of Randers library in Denmark. The librarian was offline, but it was clear enough how it should be used. I especially liked the idea of using Meebo without downloading any additional software on my computer. I signed up for a Meebo account and have placed a Meebo messenger on my webblog. Visitors to my webblog can now contact me in real time.

Do we have a place for instant messaging in the library? I would say yes. Instant messaging provides the opportunity for quick online conversations and direct answers to work related questions.
Having a instant messenger on the website of the library provides the user with direct access to a librarian. Receiving a quick answer instead of having to wait for an e-mail reply. Library users can also leave messages when the librarian is offline during weekends.

One often hear that e-mails are not fast enough anymore. People don’t have time for reading e-mails. E-mail boxes are filled with junk mail. Instant messaging might be the answer to this.

Looking forward to any replies on my Meebo Instant Messenger.

Google Talk

After reading the background information on instant messaging I had a look at Google Talk. I like the way that you can access to various applications (e-mail, blog, Google Talk) with your g-mail account. No separate accounts required. I added a Google Talk gadget to my webblog. You can choose between downloading Google Talk software or using Google Talk via the internet. Online messaging is restricted to people in your Gmail contact list.

Gickr.com Animation Karesuando

My favourite place in the world:
Make your own animation

Online Office Applications Conclusion

Journey of Discovery

Today my journey of discovery has taken me to Google Documents. Where I have online access to various Office applications. I can use these applications and store the documents that I create online. Accessible with my Google e-mail account from any computer in the world. Super!

Might this solve my problem with opening documents that I receive in the mail. Compatibility problems are often experienced when trying to open received documents with the software on my computer. I would be delighted if it does!

So let me go and explore .......

Back again after exploring Google Documents, Zoho and Microsoft Office Live Workspace.

Each of these online office applications has its own focus and offer various features to make online document management and planning easier. One thing they have in common and that is being very user friendly. Easy to follow instructions, clear overview and help maual that solves most of the user's questions.

The office applications definitely have advantages for the private as well as the corporate user.

Looking forward to future use of online office applications.

- - - *** - - -

Article on Online Office Applications

I have published an article with my conclusions about online office applications to the internet via Google Documents.

This document is publicly viewable at: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd6dhxrk_0gqrd8gdr

Microsoft Office Live Workspace

The advantage of Microsoft Office Live Workspace lays in the storing and sharing of information. Also in creating an online workspace that can be shared by various people.

I created a workspace and had a closer look at the Trip planner. Templates were available for planning the trip; personal information including name, home/office addresses, hotel addresses, conference addresses, flight schedule; list of items required for the trip e.g. camera, laptop as well as a route planner. After completing the checklist you can print it or store it online.

I realise the value of Microsoft Office Live Workspace in the corporate environment. I don’t see individuals using the extended planning possibilities on a daily base.

ZoHo

I also had a look at ZoHo another online office application. ZoHo offers an extended selection of functions. Among others: word processing, presentations, meetings, planning devices, agendas, chat, blogging, notebooks, Wiki’s and an online repository.

I signed up and then tried the ZoHo Planner. I planned an event, set the date and time and compiled a to-do list. I also requested a reminder when the event is about to start. I changed the time to European Standard Time and received the reminder spot on.

I can see a distinct role for ZoHo in the smaller business environment.

Online Office Applications Thing 13

The world of online office applications was a fantastic discovery. It is one thing knowing off online applications and another when actually using and exploring the details.

I first had a look at Google Documents. Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, forms. My first thought was how they would react to documents created on other computers with various other office applications. How would it handle compatibility problems? Security of information? Sharing of documents?

Within 15 minutes of use I was convinced that I would make use of Google Documents in future. The auto-saving feature when working on a document is a great feature. Not loosing information before actually saving the document.

I uploaded some documents from my computer: a word document, a PowerPoint presentation and a spreadsheet. I could open and edit and save without a problem.

I also created several documents. A word document that I will publish on my webblog and two spreadsheets. One spreadsheet as part of my Google Documents exercise and another containing the gmail addresses of my colleagues.

I have send an invitation to my colleagues and friends to take a look at the documents and to add information to it. While I had the spreadsheet open I saw one of my guests opening the document. I could see who it was and what they were typing in real time. Fantastic! I also get an update on the last user of the document and the time that they saved it.

Looking forward to using Google Documents in future.

Microblogging with Twitter Thing 12

Today I looked at all the fuzz around Twitter. I first viewed the videos to get a structured introduction to Twitter. I then read the various articles with praise and critic against Twitter.

I went to Twitter search page as point of entry. Doing single word searches: “Eindhoven; Wageningen; Sinterklaas”. Following the links to Tweets(messages) about the subject. There I followed links to “Followers” and “Following” and “Listed”.

Most of the users that I have visited also provide links to their blogs.

I also did an advanced search, searching for specific people, famous and friends. Mostly found references to them and not their own messages.

I noticed a lot of messages with Url’s (tinyurl’s). These url’s linked to news articles. Several url’s also linked to blogs and personal websites.

After about fifteen minutes I experienced the first breakdown in service. Twitter not available for “Maintenance purposes”. That reminded me of the hacker episode of a few months back when several social networks were offline for a few days.

The library of the Vredespaleis in The Hague uses Twitter with enthusiasm to promote their services and collection. Many libraries use automatic RSS feeds results as Twitter messages. Clearly sending out a message from an “Institution”, while most of the other Twitter users are individual users.

They say that the power of Twitter is found in the Interaction part.

Today I just observed and didn’t reply to any messages. I didn’t leave any messages either. So obviously I didn’t get any feedback.

Personally I am not convinced of the additional value of Twitter yet. Especially when one have subscribed to RSS feeds and have access to Wiki sites. But I will follow discussions on this topic. I might be convinced at a later stage?

Playing in the Wiki Sandbox

And then it was playtime in the sandbox. What a fun description!

I first had a look at the 23 Dingen Wiki hosted on PBworks. Following links and having a look at entries and comments. I then logged in using the 23Dingen access information.

Adding a comment, publishing a photo, editing an entry and finally adding the link to my webblog to the list of favourite websites.

Easy to use and to contribute.

I then had a look at the 23 Dingen Wiki on Wetpaint. Anyone can add and edit freely without signing in. I followed the link to the collection of photos of libraries in Netherlands. Only 600 photos so many photos are needed to make the list complete. According to Aladin there was 300 library organisations with 1086 libraries in 2005.
Link to Library photos:
http://23dingen.wetpaint.com/page/Verzameling+foto%27s+bibliotheken

The question now, will I start my own Wiki? Not at this moment, but I might search for articles that I am interested in and add some photos.

Pleasant thought of contributing to information that will be stored for ever! Will it be accessible for ever? Only time will tell!

Wiki's in Libraries Thing 11

The wonderful world of WIKI’s! After watching the instructional videos and reading the accompanying articles I was on my road of discovery again!

A Wiki is a shared website where everyone can add and edit information. People contributing to Wiki articles do so because they share a common interest. They will try to add only accurate information. Knowledgeable co-publishers will certainly correct inaccuracies.

I do think Wiki articles can form a general base for a more extended information search.

I then took a look at the Wiki pages of the mentioned libraries.

Library Success : best practices: Lots of information bundled on one website. Various links for the viewer that want to search deeper. This is an excellent place to share information on conferences and seminars and sharing the lectures and information afterwards.

OB Deventer Publiekswiki: My first thought was that it looked like a ordinary website. Taking a further look I realised the added value of a Wiki for a library.

For example the author’s lists, people can freely contribute information about their favourite authors. Offering one click to a wide selection of information for any school project.

I followed the link to Kinderboekenweek 2009. Information plus video fragments plus photos! That will really trigger the interest of viewers. Especially of the younger users, a very important target group for any library.

Providing the library users with such an forum is a great way of getting input and ideas and information about the information and entertainment needs of the users. In most libraries where time is always limited this might be a great way of obtaining and having information published. The librarian still have the ability to edit and delete and add to any of the articles. This way ensuring the accuracy of information regarding the library activities and services.

Tagging

One of my complaints about social tagging was the amount of clutter. I have followed an interesting link to Google Labeler.

Google labeler provides the opportunity to contribute to more accurate tagging and eventual retrieval.

The results of my first 2 minutes of tagging.



The link to Google Labeler:
http://images.google.com/imagelabeler/

My Delicious social bookmarking account can be admired at: :-)
http://delicious.com/journeyofdiscovery1

Social Bookmarking Delicious Thing 10

Today I discovered and explored the world of social bookmarking. I did this via the Delicious website.

First I had a look via the account of 23Dingen. I saved a new bookmark by adding it with the URL. I also had a look at some networks, and the tags that were used.

It is always interesting to see the tags that people use to retrieve their data. While studying library and information science I used Sears list of Subject Headings. I have also used this dedicatedly during my career as librarian and information specialist. I also stick to this when tagging websites of photos.

So it is very frustrating to me when I see the clutter caused by free tagging! The spelling mistakes! The UK vs. USA use of English. To name just two aspects.

It really goes wrong when people have the option of “bulk tagging”. Doing a photo search via a tag and then finding irrelevant and unusable information. It always start out reasonably well, but as the number of members/users increase the percentage of clutter increase.

Then I remember that now it is all about “Social networking” and not about accuracy and quality of feedback.

But I must admit that one does find some useful information and links! Using a tool like Delcious one can easily manage one’s own favourite websites and links.

Professional use of social networking and bookmarking in the library? Combined with RSS feed it could be of value to keep up to date with recent developments and interesting library and information news articles.

So to conclude my opinion on social bookmarking: I will take a deep breath and continue to follow the guidelines that I have had acquired during my training and let other people do whatever they want, in the name of “Social Networking”