Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with online content (Web pages, pictures, and posts). Unlike traditional library subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines, such as the Library of Congress subject headings, tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data in any way they want.
In the past Flickr tutorial. Library Learning 2.0 participants explored tagging and many even used a common tag to create an association between photos that were individually uploaded.
This week, in addition to exploring Technorati and LibraryThing tagging, we will be exploring at the social bookmarking site Del.icio.us.
Why social bookmarking? Well, have you checked your list of favourites or bookmarks on your Internet browser lately? If you are like me, your favourites list may need require editing or organization. Or, if you do not happen to be on your regular computer, how do you even remember all the sites you have bookmarked?
There are two exploration sections in this tutorial.
- First Exploration: Del.icio.us and Tagging
- Second Exploration: Technorati
Connect
Use these tools to locate blogs and other sites relating to election or other issues.
Reflect
Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool. The following questions may be used to guide your response:
- Now that we have worked with tags in Flickr, Del.icio.us, and Technorati, what are your thoughts about tagging? What are its advantages? What are its disadvantages?
- Can you see the potential of this tool for research assistance or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere?
- How could school libraries take advantage of social bookmarking sites?
