Open URL Technology - Thing 10

From Google Scholar, I found this article on amphibian extinction resulting from global warming. The same results came up using Citation Finder, even when I changed the volume and page information. I'm finding the Open URL concept a little fuzzy and overwhelming, but can see where it's very helpful to be able to go directly to an article once you've found it in a database search.

Here's a link to a Steve Lopez column from the LA Times, found on ProQuest.

Wiki Wiki! - Thing 9

Wikis could be useful for things like handbooks and guides. Processing instructions that change on a fairly regular basis could be included, along with shared tips for implementing new applications.
I'm a little skeptical about Wikipedia since entries can be changed so easily. Knowing that there's a vetting procedure makes me feel a little better. If it's used as a starting point for research, with an understanding that there are more scholarly sources available, it's okay. Verifying information is always critical.

Cloud Computing - Thing 8

See the shared Google doc for my comments.

Social Bookmarking and Tagging - Thing 7

Opening a delicious account was fairly simple. I agree with others, however, who have noticed how crowded the browser becomes with each new add-on. Having shared Pollak Library bookmarks or ones for individual sections could help library users focus their searches. I wonder though if we lose something in consistency in having individuals creating their own tags. How cumbersome will this become as lists of words grow without standardization?

Beyond Internet Explorer - Thing 6

I've successfully added LibX to Firefox and also the add-on for the current and forecasted weather. Being able to check the library catalog from the Firefox browser is a handy feature.

Do you Jing? - Thing 5

Here's a video showing how to find FDR's 1933 Fireside Chat about the economic Recovery Program. These videos could be helpful when a more visual approach is needed to explain how something works. They might also be useful for some staff training.

Sharing photos - Thing 4

Dewey the Dragon, Corona Public Library's mascot. This photo is from Dewey's Flikr set.







Perhaps the Pollak Library could post photos of the different areas of the library to go along with the floor maps.

RSS - Thing 3

RSS feeds are offered by many government agencies. From the EPA feed, I learned that "The City of Los Angeles has the most Energy Star buildings – structures that use approximately one-third less energy – in the U.S., leading the way with 262 buildings completed as of 2008."

Keeping things in perspective

From
The New Yorker

February 13, 2007

Blogging - Thing 2

Web 2.0 technology does open up new possibilities for communication, but I don't think it can or should replace human interaction.

Desert wildflowers

Access BLM (Bureau of Land Management) information about where to see desert wildflowers.

Recent earthquakes in California

Access USGS map for recent earthquake activity in California and Nevada.