Implications of Web 2.0

When looking at the implications of Web 2.0 for librarians, there is one certain and obvious change; patrons are able to locate and learn about specific material almost instantaneously. The patron is able to locate materials faster than they can locate materials within some library databases. The patron can buy a book with one click from Amazon, which can change the way a patron uses the library system. Another implication is that because of the accessibility of Web 2.0, there has been a change in the way some libraries catalog their books. I know that at my local library the catalog does have a spell check and will ask, for example, if you meant Cast instead of Caste. Also there are reviews of books from different types of professional literature that can assist you to know if the book is really what you are looking for. Also a patron can download eBooks from the library. So while there are many different features of Web 2.0 that make finding materials and information more rapidly, some libraries have changed some features of the catalog to make the system more user friendly for the end user.

When looking at my personal Delicious tags, I find that the headings for my tags are helpful to me and my needs. I don't know if they would be more efficient for another user though. The vocabulary that I use is relevant to my needs and lifestyle. However, I am not sure that the vocabulary that I use is what someone else would use, who may have a different set of associations. Therefore, I feel that the tags are personally more helpful to me, than some of the subject headings, however, I don't know if my personal words and phrases would meet everyone's needs.

The Machine is Us/Using Us

I believe that Professor Wesch gave the video the title "Web 2.0..The Machine is Us/Using Us for a few reasons. The video discusses the many areas of Web 2.o and how the links and text can be manipulated. He shows, in his video, many examples of Web 2.o, such as blogs. Along with blogs and other various sites, we can add text, pictures and videos. "These tools facilitate collaboration and social connections, they replace desktop applications to make the web platforms, an they provide rich user experiences running regularly updated programming that uses data as a key component. (Courtney, 2007, p. 6)

I think the main idea behind the title "The Machine is Us", is that we are what makes the machine work. We are the ones programing , manipulating and using the Web 2.o. On the other side the Machine is Using Us, means that we are all being programed by the Web 2.0. We are learning, using and sharing on the Web 2.o as well. We are being shaped by the many different things that are available on the Web 2.0. It is a powerful tool for communicating timely information." (Courtney, 2007, p. 6) The Web 2.o has become an important part of many people's daily lives.

Handheld Devices

If I had $10,000 to spend I would choose to buy Ebook Readers. The Ebook Reader costs $250 each with tax. I would buy 40, this would allow for 1 full class set in the upper grades and 2 full class sets in the lower grades. Since the library already has several Ebooks, these could be installed on the Ebook Readers. This would be a wonderful tool for the teacher to utilize when doing a read aloud. The books could be used over and over again without being torn or falling apart. Students would be able to go back and highlight on the screen. It is always helpful to have the entire text in-front of the students when the teacher is doing a read-aloud.

I also like the fact that the Ebook Readers can read text aloud to you which, could help with visually challenged students. Also the older grades could buddy read with the eReaders to model and teach the younger student how to read and change between books quickly. Another feature that could be utilized is a dictionary and thesaurus to help with writing. Also multi-volume reference books are much more portable with a Ebook Reader, and makes it easier for a student to research. I feel that the Ebook Readers are so versatile and the technology of our future.