Cool Tools For Library 2.0

Shelfari is an online social cataloging site that allows users to build a virtual bookshelf. They can rate, review, tag and discuss books with online friends. Users can join groups and discuss topics with other users of the Shelfari website. The site can be linked to your blog, facebook page, and myspace page. Listen to the following podcast to learn more.www.shelfari.comShelfari PodcastPodcast Transcript

Google Sites is an online application that makes creating a team web site as easy as editing a document. With Google Sites, people can quickly gather a variety of information in one place -- including videos, calendars, presentations, attachments, and text -- and easily share it for viewing or editing with a small group, their entire organization, or the world. All you need is access to the Internet, a google account (gmail) and a small chunk of time. It's free and easy to use.podcasttranscript

SlideShare is the world's largest community for sharing presentations. With SlideShare, you can upload your Power Point presentations to share privately or to publish to the entire SlideShare community. You can use SlideShare to find presentations that interest you and network with other users. This podcast explains ways in which SlideShare will be useful for librarians.Listen to the Podcast (5:00)Transcript

Meebo is a free, web-based, instant messenger. It makes it possible to aggregate all of your IM buddy lists into one instant messenger, making it possible to talk to all of your friends through one single IM service. Plus, it is also a great tool for libraries in that it allows patrons to interact with the reference desk virtually. This podcast explains the features and benefits of Meebo in more detail.Listen to the Podcast (4:20)[Transcript]

Google Calendar is a free time-management tool available to anyone with a Google account. This very handy application contains many useful features and can be used in a variety of ways. In this podcast, you will hear about some of its major features, as well as how the calendar can be used in the library setting.Listen to the Podcast (4:14)[Transcript]

Brainify is a social bookmarking tool intended for students and faculty at colleges and universities. Brainify users bookmark web sites relevant to college courses and academic subject areas and (ideally) share those bookmarks by forming and joining course-specific or subject-specific groups. Bookmarks on Brainify are not only tagged -- they are also categorized within a browsable taxonomy of academic subject areas. In this podcast I describe a few of Brainify’s features and discuss reasons why students might want to try using Brainify.Listen to the Podcast (5:00)[Transcript]

Vimeo, an anagram for 'movie', is a video hosting and sharing site that allows users to upload 500mb of videos per week. What sets Vimeo apart from other video hosting sites, namely YouTube, is that it stores a copy of the original file, and when enabled, allows other registered users to download the film file instead of just streaming it. With High Definition capabilities, and social networking features, Vimeo is an attractive medium for sharing either personal or professional videos.Listen to the Podcast (3:08)[Transcript]

Evernote is a note saving tool that functions on the web, on your desktop, or on your mobile phone. This podcast describes the basic save and search features of Evernote and includes some ideas for organization or library use.Listen to the Podcast (3:57)[transcript]

Last.FM is a social music service that tracks what you listen to, learns what you like, connects you to other users, and recommends songs from a vast array of "scrobbled" music. This podcast is an introduction to the features and functionalities of the Last.FM website. Last.FM is a great way to share your music while being exposed to a world of new music, all based on your own musical taste.Listen to the Podcast (4:28)[Transcript]

This podcast discusses how knowledge of a foreign language is important for librarians, and how Livemocha can help. Livemocha is a fun and interactive way to learn a new language using in-depth instruction, conversational tools and exercises with the help of native speakers, and motivation to continue.To begin, take a placement exam and then continue on to lessons at the appropriate level. Livemocha incorporates social networking into the learning process by allowing members to offer comments and advice on each student’s work both written and audio. You can practice with a native speaker in the Livemocha chat area. Livemocha is an entertaining and innovative way to learn a new language. For more information visit Livemocha.com.Listen to the podcast (6:04)[transcript]

LucidChart is a free web based application that produces quality flowcharts and organization charts. The application allows documents to be created, edited, and stored online. This podcast will discuss the main features of LucidChart such as the editing tools and multi-user collaboration abilities. In addition, an overview of LucidChart’s capabilities and background are also provided.Listen to Podcast (4:02)[transcript]