We have access to a lot of technological features through OCLS that I use both at work and at home. Some of my faves include (but are not limited to): the online databases (specifically Ref USA, CountryWatch, World Book, H&WRC, InfoTrac, Learnatest, and Opposing Viewpoints... wow, I'm such a nerd). I love that we have free WiFi everywhere, and I love to see people in the library taking advantage of that. I've checked out the features of MyLibraryDV, and it's really cool, too.
I'm not sure what else to write about really, so now, for your enjoyment: A tangent about Shelfari vs. Library Thing!
I'd never heard of Library Thing before today ("gasp! boo! hiss!"), and I was curious about the fact that it seemed like a replica of Shelfari. Turns out LT came first, at least according to the ticked off people on the LT forums. I searched the forum for the word "Shelfari" and came up with a laundry list of reasons why Shelfari sucks.
I think the attitudes I saw there are what sucks. Shelfari is not the first site in the world to take an idea (which isn't copyrighted, btw) and try to improve upon it for financial gain (see MySpace's improvements to the Friendster idea). I was able to find many like-minded readers on Shelfari (instantly, btw) , and I've made a few friends there. I've been in contact with the creators and shared a few of my marketing ideas with them, including how to improve their rather lackluster MySpace page, and they've been nothing by super-duper nice to me.
I just think it's sad that we're ignoring the big picture here which is this: Book lovers finally have lots of options to discuss their favorite topics. This is a GOOD thing, not something to be complained about to no end. Get over yourselves and start talking books!!
::end rant::
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