R/W Tools (Week 2 Blog 2)

Most of the R/W Tools discussed in this week's readings I have heard of. Many of them are just that: I have heard of them, know their basic concepts; but have not used them. It's amazing what resources exist today not only for students but for people in general.

There were a few concepts that I know little or nothing about other than the information provided in the articles and what we have discussed in class. Reading about them only makes me want to learn more and try them for myself. One of the most interesting to me are pod casts. I have used them once or twice in the past, but haven't made them something I refer to for information on a regular basis. I plan to make it a point to incorporate pod casts into my "Internet activities" in the future. The information they provide will help me to expand on what I am learning in my classes at Albright. I believe it is very beneficial to get information from many different sources.

Another concept that seems very innovative to me is Library 2.0. How many people have time to visit a library and search for what they need? I think offering a Web 2.0 program for library members and librarians will make the idea of using library services more appealing to the public. (Especially Net Geners who rely so much on technology) The ability to communicate with a librarian via the Internet rather than face to face will help those who may be apprehensive about using such a program more apt to try it since it offers a sense of direct communication and support. Library members also have the opportunity to communicate with each other; making the library itself more like a community.

Google docs is also a great R/W tool in that users are able to create documents on their computer even if they don't have the program/software to do so (such as Microsoft Word or Excel). I have not used the application only because before taking this course I had not heard of it. I am lucky enough to have Microsoft Office on my personal computer at home and have not needed any alternative. Google Docs is a great concept as I know many people who do not have a program such as Word on their PC and need to create a specific document. For them, this program would come in very handy.