By Karen Bonanno
In the last half of 2010 I set up a survey to collect information on what Web 2.0 applications were being used by school libraries for their library & information services.

The demographic background of the respondents  (teacher-librarians and librarian).

School description

School sector

School description

What Web 2.0 applications do you use for your library & information services?

Wikis and blogs were popular amongst respondents.  A couple indicated intranet library pages were used to provide information on new resources and information for parents and staff.  Web 1.0 tools were still being utilised, for example, library websites, newsletters and emailing staff.

Other Web 2.0 applications were used and the output/display was embedded in the wiki or blog, .e.g. social bookmarking and group collaboration tools.

A general feeling was to avoid using the Web 2.0 applications as a gimmick with no educational worth.

For what purposes do you use these applications?

A range of purposes were presented in response to this question.

• Staying informed with what is happening within department or with colleagues, e.g. using Twitter
• Posting resource reviews and information on new books and programs of interest, e.g. using blogs and wikis
• Providing library news, e.g. Book Week
• Communicating with parents, students and staff about upcoming events
• Managing flexible timetabling for staff
• Sharing information with other colleagues, e.g. shared learning with co-curriculum planner and team teacher in lesson planning using wikis
• Bookmarking relevant resources, e.g. using Delicious
• Presenting student work
• Embedding code into web pages
• Teaching tool about digital safety and use
• Hosting group discussions on a topic

Why do you use these Web 2.0 applications?

A common use was to disseminate information to staff and students about new resources/technologies, web links for research and professional development and presenting student work.  Blog utilities allowed some input by students for book reviews and comments on library needs and events.

Wikis were used as an integral part of the curriculum development as a planning space to develop the unit and then as the hosting space for the work being undertaken by students.

One respondent indicated the use of Web 2.0 applications as interactive teaching tools and information sites to help teachers develop proficiency in using these tools in the classroom.

Another stated, “I follow people on Twitter who aim to assist teacher librarians with links to new technologies and other shared interest events”.

Please provide relevant web links for your top Web 2.0 applications used for library & information services.

Note: Most of the web sites listed below will provide a tour, so if you are not familiar with the application then take the tour to find out more.
Also, YouTube hosts many tutorials on these tools so don’t be afraid to go and search YouTube

Directory of Web 2.0 tools for schools

Blogs
http://www.blogspot.com
http://edublogs.org/
http://www.weebly.com
http://wordpress.com/

Bookmarking
http://www.delicious.com/

Brainstorming
http://bubbl.us/

Group collaboration
http://voicethread.com/

Interactive posters
http://www.glogster.com/

Secure social networking space for teachers
http://www.edmodo.com/

Social information network
http://twitter.com/

Wikis
http://www.wikispaces.com/
http://pbworks.com/

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