OTHER WEB 2.O APPS

     The second last (almost there!) Learning 2.0 assignment required an acquaintance with two additional Web 2.0 tools. Several peers have been raving about Google Earth. Others have been seeking connections with me on LinkedIn. Of the two, Google Earth is my favorite.

     I am still exploring Google Earth. I love the ability to see over my neighbors' fences. The housing tract I live in is filled with above ground swimming pools, more homes have than have not.  The ability to easily move from Google Earth to Street View is nice.  Street view is not always available (not on my street).  I hope to learn about Google Earth's ocean views with my son.  He loves all things related to Earth and her oceans.

     LinkedIn frustrated me.  Minimal services are available for free.  A paid subscription is required before one can access additional features and resources.  Aren't LinkedIn's users seeking employment?  If so, the next logical thought is that a person seeking a job or career advancement does not have unlimited monetary resources.  I would be more prone to use this website if additional features were included in the free subscription.  Also, the "People You May Know" is just plain creepy.  How do they gather this information?  One of the names listed was my cousin's wife, someone I have never corresponded with electronically.  I guess an in depth examination of their user agreement.

     I did visit Google Books as a lark.  I sought a quote about towels.  I knew the book, just not the page of the quote.  I was surprised that the book was not the first hit in the result list.

     Google Earth might be a useful tool in libraries.  Librarians can use it to assist with geographic, oceanic, and cartographic reference questions.  I could not think of a use for the free services offered by LinkedIn.  Libraries and their staff would benefit more from memberships in the American Library Association and other professional organizations.


Today's links are library related.  Titles are self-explanatory: 
American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/
Canadian Library Association: http://www.cla.ca
Music Library Association: http://www.musiclibraryassoc.org/
American Association of Law Libraries: http://www.aallnet.org/
Canadian Association of Law Libraries: http://www.callacbd.ca
Art Libraries Society of North America: http://www.arlisna.org/
Canadian Libraries and Librarianship: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/6/7/s7-2000-e.html

     I hope the members of the United States Armed Forces had a nice Veterans Day today.
     Today is Canada's Remembrance Day, similar to our Memorial Day.
Be well all.
Katie