Google Books

I do use Google Books regularly for both home and work.  Although I have not purchased anything directly through accessing books through this search, I find it an extremely useful tool to determine if an item is still in print and available.  The bibiliographic information is helpful and the ability to preview the contents and limited sections of a book aide in the selection process for our library (a school library) so that you are not acquiring items sight unseen.  It gives me the ability to research what is available for each curriculum area of the school and get new ideas for the collection.

Google Maps

I love Google Maps and have used it for several years.  I was impressed that my accountant used it to work out the mileage used for travelling for work purposes - saves me having to remember to track my own mileage!  For use in everyday life, Google Maps has to be one of the most accessible of applications - even people who swear off computers and technology are easily impressed.

Google Docs

I found the chain icon to link my blog to Google Docs.  I will be interested to see how I will be using this 2.0 tool.  Fantastic concept, I'm glad I have had the chance to discover it, now all I need is the time to explore further and think about how I can apply this to my work life.  Maybe I just need a bit of space to play around and wish myself good luck.

Web 2.0

I have used a bit of Web 2.0 in the creation of a wiki research pathfinder for our Grade 5/6 classes.  I was really pleased with it and the opportunity it created for the students to explore new research pathways, but the teachers are not as enthusiastic as me.  They have once again stuck to getting books from the library rather than move to the digital resource.  The concept of Web 2.0, particularly wikis such as my pathfinder, mean that in a school environment students can access appropriate information remotely and school resources can stretch beyond the physical buildings and grounds.  I really like the collaborative concept of Web 2.0 where the flow of information and ideas moves from library to user/s and user/s back to library.  I look forward to the greater use of Web 2.0 in schools because the potential of the "change in interaction between users and libraries in a new culture of participation" ("A new approach to defining library 2.0", July 31, 2009, The LIS Eudcation 2.0 Project).

Newbie blogger

Just created the first blog for the course.  I did have one for my Masters, it is probably still there but haven't felt inspired to add to it.  I hope this one is more successful (and comfortable to use!).
Good luck to all in the course.