Social tagging 1

I was rather fascinated by the Word Cloud from SHUSH! the Information Services Library blog:

academic access articles available book books browser business choose click company data database databases find first give good google help http information journal journals know library list login metalib might most news next online only other over page resources search select site terms than them think time useful using work

I then realised that the tags can be organised in different ways:
tag options
» view as cloud list
» sort by alpha freq
» use minimum: 1, 2, 5
» show hide bundles

This gives people a choice of how to view their search terms. That choice appeals to me.

Second life libraries and librarians

Libraries and librarians in second life: images from Flickr.

This is Jana Super Hero librarian. Ready to fend of the mind stultifying forces of ignorance:
At the reference desk: able to answer complicated reference questions in a single session!
Super Librarian: figting illiteracy.
Readers advisory: able to recommend another awesome novel for your reading pleasure!

More Flickr images about libraries from second life

Why are librarians in second life?


Hero librarian

Academic Avatar librarians
School library journal. Meet the new you. Alliance Library system

Another Academic Avatar Librarians Poster

Frankly, I am not sure quite why anyone would want to buy into Second Life. The concept seems like fun on the surface, but I think it requires a lot of unwarranted time and effort to keep up a meaningful presence. Besides, the technology is all a little clumsy at the moment and relies heavily on keyboard skills to communicate. Also, with the realities of our own campus consolidation and the demands of our real life personas as librarians, I am not sure where the time effort or inclination will come from to embark on such an endeavour.

I was also disconcerted by the idea that a second life library could be as easily sabotaged by a cloud of flying penises as a press conference. Part of my library tasks at the moment is to consolidate the Churchlands and Joondalup WA Acts of parliament. There are a lot of Acts. It reminded me that in a real world, people need legislation to regulate the behaviour of society and to ensure the protection and safety of all. Just because it is a fantasy world is no reason to believe that people will only behave well. The real worry for me is that Second Life has little or no regulation and lays itself open to abuse as a result. The flying penises might have been funny on one level, but the fact that such inappropriate behaviour was allowed opens the door for even more outrageous, or abusive behaviour. It provides a challenge for others to behave in even more extreme ways. Second life is a world where any sort of behaviour is possible, either for good or for bad and that is not a reassuring thought.

Flickr

I gained unauthorised entrance to the stacks at the Bibliotheque Nationale Paris and stood in wonder at the sight. The Librarian, who was on guard, was implacable. I did not have the requisite authority to enter the hallowed portals of his library. I had come too far to be turned back without a word in my own defence. On hearing that I was also a librarian, he allowed that I could stand on the step and gaze to my heart's content.

This Flickr photo is better than the one I took through the small glass paned door leading into the room.