AZLA and Web 2.0

Tales, Tips and Tools: Google in Your Library
At the Arizona Library Association Conference, November 15th-16th, I attended several presentations that dealt with the new technologies that librarians should start utilizing. The first was "Tales, Tips and Tools: Google in Your Library" presented by Ben Bunnell, Manager-Library Partnerships at Google, who also holds an MLS. He talked about Google's advanced search feature, the book search and Google Scholar. But what I found most relevant was what he told the audience about Google Co-op. This is essentially software that someone can use to create their own database and post in on their site, or have it hosted by google. The implications that this holds for libraries are numerous. Right away I thought that librarians need to utilize this tool. I believe that we could add a link to the library homepage that looks like the google search box, but only searches websites added by the library staff. In this way it is collaborative, and could satisfy librarians and patrons alike. Librarians would know that more reputable sites are being searched, and patrons can do it in the google format they like. I think even having this as the homepage for library computers would be great. I can't wait to try it out.
He mentioned another feature of Google Co-op that could be used in libraries. "Subscribed Links allow you to add custom search results to Google search for users who trust you. You can display links to your services for your customers, provide news and status information updated in near-real-time, answer questions, calculate useful quantities, and more." This might be added to the Google pages in the library system.

Podcasting: Syndicating Your Library to the World
ASU has a Library Channel that is an excellent example of what libraries can do with technology to reach out to the community. The podcasts include an RSS feed, so that anyone can keep up to date with the podcasts and latest news. The Library Channel doesn't stop at podcasting either. They include audio tours, streaming video, and library news. I think I am a more visual learner, because while podcasts don't always catch my attention, the streaming video did. If I were to use this in a library I would do regular video podcasts, or powerpoints on subjects of interest with overlaying audio.

Overall, I came away from the conference hopeful that librarians will utilize some of this new technology. The google presentation was packed, and even though the podcasting was the last presentation of the last day, they had a good number of people who stayed for it.