Since I started this blog for a Library 2.0 class, and I'm now taking a Library 2.0 seminar I thought that a temporary change would be appropriate. Anyone coming to the blog from the 23 Things course can blithely ignore anything I've previously published, or if you choose, you can go forth and read it. I may even add a few new Manga recommendations here and there, but not on work time. :)
So week one started out with iGoogle, something I've used before. Of course that was before they jumped on the apple bandwagon and it was called something else so it's been awhile. One thing I like is the themes, you can really customize the look of your page. Customization seems to be the big thing with iGoogle, each person can choose which gadgets they like and how they're laid out on the page. I added two new tabs to my iGoogle page and added a few apps to each. It was amazingly easy. Another thing (pointed out to me by a friend who's learning to make apps for Apple products) each gadget is free. Apparently this is uncommon, but a really nice touch.
So how would something like this work in a library setting? I'm not sure, because there are so many apps I had a hard time finding some that were functional. Mind you I did not go look at the sample layouts from other libraries, looking them up by name might be much easier. I can see how having a dictionary.com app, and various other links all in the same place would be very useful. Especially for ready reference. Maybe a customizable map of the campus that can be zoomed in, or that can have destinations drawn on like in Google maps. Or a link to good reads so you can look up information ab0ut books and authors. Or maybe the Library of Congress would be better for that.
I guess the point is that I can see how it could be useful, providing all the things I wanted could be added to my page. I'll just have to look into that, or maybe kidnap my friend the app builder and have him get on that!
No comments:
Post a Comment