Two Social Media Tools

Social bookmarking is a way for many people to save their favorite websites, articles and podcasts online instead of on their browsers. They are created by using one word descriptors called tags. Users can access the link with a shared username and password. They will then be able to store, share, and search their links with each other. Libraries could allow groups of patrons with similar interests to create bookmarks of articles, books, websites, and media that would be shared. Social bookmarking could be useful in allowing groups of patrons to build research lists in addition to using the reference desk for information.

Google has a bookmarking service where you can make lists and store them here: www.google.com/bookmarks

Wikis are collaborative websites that are created, modified, and updated by anyone. The work is made up of many authors instead of only one or two experts. Even though this is not the definitive source of information, it will be easier to keep current. Librarians may need to find topics such as local history that are unsearchable in the standard formats. Social medias are another way for library staff to learn what their patrons are interested in so they can incorporate these ideas into their library.