Searching Twitter

The basic search within Twitter is quite straight-forward. I used the words "digital" and "library" and got screens-full of tweets in reply.

I used Twoogle, to search Twitter and Google using the same words. Both returned comprehensive results, the top results of course being where the phrase digital library was together. I quite liked the split screen between results and being able to scroll separately.

I noticed though, that although the Tweets were often in English, the websites mentioned in them, might not have English content.

A popular trend listed on Twitter recently, has been Google Wave. Its a cross between email, chat and search engine, blogger, and social networking site.

Watch this video: http://wave.google.com/help/wave/using-wave.html



You can search Twitter from within Wave - and it will keep collecting new search results as they occur.

I can't wait to start "Wave"-ing

Exercise 22 - Social Networking and Libraries

I find the concept of a Library having a "MySpace" page or "FaceBook" page, very interesting.

Having examined several such pages, I can see that it is a good idea. Its a great way of reaching patrons - current and potential. Its a fab way of keeping people up to date with what is going on in the library. Letting people see that libraries aren't all about books. Its also a good way to get feedback from people too.

Interesting also, was the commentary about some libraries wanting to ban usage of such social networking sites from within the library. Isn't this "censorship.?" Doesn't this go against most librarians' principles?

I agreed with Meredith Farkas (http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2006/05/10/libraries-in-social-networking-software/) totally. Make a rule that is for everyone. That doesn't exclude one set of patrons.

What I did find funny, was seeing libraries listed as being "male" or "female" and "single." etc . . . LOL!

Exercise 21 - Social Networking

Well! I am already a member of FaceBook and Bebo.

I have to admit, I use Facebook loads more than Bebo. On FaceBook, I set up the North Shore Libraries group, some months ago. We now have 31 members. I made the group "invitation only" just to preserve our privacy.

The idea was to use it for social chit chat and goss across all the libraries. Another way of connecting the team together. We have some pictures posted, although the group has been rather quiet lately (largely, I expect, due to everyone being too busy working on Web 2.0 in their free time).

I joined Bebo a few months ago - mainly because I have teenage international students, and they wanted me to view their photos. Good way of keeping an eye on them too LOL!.

I recently found another social network site, called Perf.net. Not sure about that one. You can have too many membership I have found!

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8282916470