Quest 6: Tagging

I like Del.icio.us and have created my own account--click here to see it. I can see so many advantages to using Del.icio.us over my "Favorites" list. The biggest advantage is accessibility. Being able to access my favorite links from any Internet equipped computer is a big plus--I share a computer in my cube at work, usually work at one of two computers at the Reference Desk, and have a laptop computer at home. So now, I need to only sign in to my Del.icio.us account, and then in the words of Emeril, BAM!--I have access to my favorites--it is just so...well, delicious.

In the world of reference services, it would be quite handy to have a Del.icio.us account that is accessible by reference staff at all the branches. We could all share the best sites we have found to assist our patrons; it's like creating one big clearinghouse for the best of the best websites to do our job.

Until this exercise, I hadn't played with Technorati at all. I had heard the term, but I didn't really know what it meant. I see it now as a pretty powerful way to search for blogs. The Advanced Search feature is full of ways to search for what interests you--and the results do vary depending on if you're searching by keyword (got the most hits here as I would expect), tags, or in the blog directory. I took the time to claim my blog (look in the sidebar for the Technorati button to add my blog to your faves) and I like the idea of a watchlist. I haven't created a watchlist yet, but I'm all for making my favorite searches easier. After browsing Technorati for just a few minutes, I was struck by how international it is--there are blogs from all over the world! Technorati...another tool I will have to spend more time exploring. It's easy to get hooked.

I haven't always remembered to add tags to my posts in the past, but after this exercise, I'm going to make a real effort to be sure I do!

Quest 7 Photos! Photos! Everywhere!

Their Eyes Wall Hanging
Originally uploaded by nlw29407

Okay, I love Flickr. I was lucky to take the SCSL course at the Main Library earlier this year and have been playing around with it ever since. I've just uploaded a picture I took at our branch of the quilted wall hanging by Nora R. Williams. It shows Janie, from Their Eyes Were Watching God, looking up to the sky and watching God. Janie's hair leaps off the wall hanging--it's a wonderful piece of art. The wall hanging will be leaving our library to go to Main and be part of an exhibit in the Saul Alexander Gallery during October. So, if you want to view it in person, be sure to stop by the gallery next month.

I think Flickr would be wonderful for new parents who have family members scattered around the world. Just upload all those cute baby snap shots, and all the family (with Internet access) would be able to enjoy them!

To see all my Flickr photos, click here.

Quest 5: What Fun!

This quest has been a blast! I'm not a big fan of the Simpsons, but I still enjoyed being Simpsonized. I've already created a couple of images using Image Chef and can't wait to make more! I can spend hours on CraigsList--it's amazing to see what people are giving away for free. I recently got a new laptop (I'm sitting on my sofa now watching TV while creating this entry--I LOVE wireless) so perhaps I'll use CraigsList to sell my old desktop computer.

After a week of play, I'm ready for Quest 6!

Turtles on the Town

I had the opportunity this weekend to go to the SC Aquarium to see the art exhibit, Turtles on the Town. These decorated turtles previously were scattered all around the town, but I decided to wait until they traveled back to the aquarium for final display. They will be auctioned off next weekend at the SC Aquarium to raise money for their turtle hospital. Here's a picture of the turtle who greets you at the entrance to the aquarium--he is called "Lowcountry Cooking":

Here's the link for the exhibit information: http://www.turtlesonthetown.com/default.html

If you want to see my other pictures of the turtles, click here.