Thing 13: Document Sharing

Beethoven rocks!

Document sharing would be great for collaboration among library staff or between students. I could see using Google Docs as a wiki; the sharing options make it possible to keep the guest list short or open it to the world. A Library Training Manual would be semi-public for library staff. The library could create a public document on circulation policies (so exciting.) Or create custom guides for students and subjects!



For students, Google Docs would work for group projects; often our nursing students collaborate on PowerPoint presentations. This would prevent the inevitable "I have a different version" and "send me the file!" problems that arise. Students could work on one platform and with one tool.

Thing 12: Cloud Computing

Google docs! I have been working with students, encouraging them to use the Google Docs that are available with the VCCS email.

• Need a free word processor? Google DOCS!
• Need a place to write your paper BEFORE you print it out at school? GOOGLE DOCS.
• No flash drive? GOOGLE DOCS!

Google Docs will not do everything, but for the basics on a budget--and a place that is always accessible, with an internet connection, it works great.

I use Google Docs for my Cub Scout recordkeeping, knowing that one day I can share the information...and pass it to the next Advancement Chair. We could collaborate--or I can transfer ownership of the records, all over the web. PERFECT.

Thing 7: Sharing Slide Presentations.

Slideshare works as both a public sharing space and as a research tool for presentations. Need an expert? Try Slideshare. Proud of your work? Post it for others to learn.

The Good:

• Keep your work in one place. No lost files.
• Use other presentations for information--or inspiration.  
• See statistics/comments on how popular/helpful your work is.
• Cannot go to the conference? See what the experts are saying on the topic. Share with colleagues when you return to the library. 

The Bad:

• Cannot imagine students using it; good tool for faculty and staff.
• Duplicates Blackboard for presentation storage.
• SLOW. Unbelievably slow on my machine. Nearly crashed Firefox (this may be a network/filter issue and not a Firefox one.)

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