We started tracking Google writer and Zoho almost a year ago - our staff developed a comparison/cheat sheet on the products, so staff would know what they could do and what they couldn't.
I think it is fascinating that Zoho keeps adding applications - not only can you do word processing, spreadsheets, etc. but now you can ALSO use Zoho Project for project planning and management, Zoho CRM, Zoho Wiki for easy Wiki development and much more.
In our libraries, this is a good resource for those people that don't have a PC at home and are working on something over time, and they don't have access to an external drive or storage device. Using one of these online applications allows them to work on a novel, a large report or assignment and save it. Granted if something happens to the application provider, you could lose data. But it is definitely useful, gives you easy access and is better than not having anything.
Friday, August 17, 2007
#17 Editing the 23 Things Wiki
I have to say that I enjoy the ease of editing in most Wikis - it makes it very easy to add your thoughts and ideas.
I added a blurb on YouTube to the 23 Things Wiki because I LOVE YouTube. I was visiting friends in Austin, TX this past weekend and we found ourselves looking at various silly things on YouTube at one point.
I showed the dark music video "I want to be a Librarian" where the 2 gorgeous young librarians basically lure a young man into the stacks and smash in the compact shelving. Then we also looked at code monkey and a few other really silly vids. It was great fun.
But YouTube is both fun and practical - you can get the word out on programs, parties, movie nights and other things at the Library. You can film short "how to" videos for people and post them on YouTube. So a fun tool is also practical. I like that combo. :-)
I added a blurb on YouTube to the 23 Things Wiki because I LOVE YouTube. I was visiting friends in Austin, TX this past weekend and we found ourselves looking at various silly things on YouTube at one point.
I showed the dark music video "I want to be a Librarian" where the 2 gorgeous young librarians basically lure a young man into the stacks and smash in the compact shelving. Then we also looked at code monkey and a few other really silly vids. It was great fun.
But YouTube is both fun and practical - you can get the word out on programs, parties, movie nights and other things at the Library. You can film short "how to" videos for people and post them on YouTube. So a fun tool is also practical. I like that combo. :-)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
#16 Wikis
I actually have a good friend who has done a lot of work on Wikipedia and so I've known about the power of the Wiki for awhile.
In terms of its application in a library, I'm seeing all sorts of innovative uses. We've started exploring Wikis for both staff and the public. We used the Wetpaint Wiki site (the same used by Nancy Pearl) to start a Wiki on our Inaugural Literary Orange event last April. It was fun to post information on our authors, our event, etc.
Internally, staff have developed branch wikis, to meet the needs at our branches. We've also started a system-wide staff Wiki, to share policy, procedures, pathfinders, etc. And this Wiki is really starting to take off - we are using it to share documents as we work on the development of policies; to help us organize other resources and tools that all of us use. We have been cautious, but a number of interested staff (thanks to 23 Things and various other programs and trainings that have been available) are starting to really explore the potential of the Wiki software.
I'm looking forward to further developments - I do think the Wiki software encourages cooperation and communication, all of which benefits our staff and system.
In terms of its application in a library, I'm seeing all sorts of innovative uses. We've started exploring Wikis for both staff and the public. We used the Wetpaint Wiki site (the same used by Nancy Pearl) to start a Wiki on our Inaugural Literary Orange event last April. It was fun to post information on our authors, our event, etc.
Internally, staff have developed branch wikis, to meet the needs at our branches. We've also started a system-wide staff Wiki, to share policy, procedures, pathfinders, etc. And this Wiki is really starting to take off - we are using it to share documents as we work on the development of policies; to help us organize other resources and tools that all of us use. We have been cautious, but a number of interested staff (thanks to 23 Things and various other programs and trainings that have been available) are starting to really explore the potential of the Wiki software.
I'm looking forward to further developments - I do think the Wiki software encourages cooperation and communication, all of which benefits our staff and system.
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