Thing #13 Social Bookmarking

Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with webpages, pictures and posts. Unlike library subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines (i.e.Library of Congress subject headings), tagging is completely unstructured and free form, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want.

We've explored Flickr, a site that allows users to use a tag like "My Branch Library" to create an association between the tags we've added and the photos that we've individually uploaded. This week, in addition to exploring Technorati tagging, we want to also take a look at a popular social bookmarking site called Del.icio.us (typed in as http://del.icio.us or now http://delicious.com).

Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks. Many users find that the real power of Del.icio.us is in the social network aspect. You can see how other users have tagged similar links and discover other websites of interest to you. You can think of it as peering into another users’ filing cabinet. By bookmarking each user's filing cabinet you help to build an expansive knowledge network.

For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at Del.icio.us and learn about this popular bookmarking tool.

Discovery Resources:

• Check out this short video for an overview of the idea of Delicious.


• Otter Group's Del.icio.us tutorial (8 min video) - A more in-depth tutorial if you need more help getting started.


• Us.ef.ul: A beginners guide to Del.icio.us


• Several Habits of wildly successful Del.icio.us users(Uh Oh looks like copyright violation had this one taken down.)
  

Discovery Exercise:

1. View the video above and/or the 8 minute Del.icio.us tutorial to get a good overview of its features.


2. Take a look around Del.icio.us using the PLCMCL2 account that was created for the original version of this exercise. Note: In this account you will find lots of resources that have been highlighted or used throughout the course of the Learning 2.0 program.


3. Explore the site options and try clicking on a bookmark that has also been bookmarked by a lot of other users. Can you see the comments they added about this bookmark or the tags that they used to categorize this reference?


4. Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool.
   

   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?

   
   

OPTIONAL: If you’re up to the challenge, create a Del.icio.us account for yourself and discover how this useful bookmarking tool can replace your traditional browser bookmark list. You might even want to explore Del.icio.us’ latest addition, a network badge. (Psst! see it over there at the end of the navigation sidebar)

Note: If you do setup a Del.icio.us account, here’s a quick word about the Del.icio.us Buttons. On PCs that have the toolbars locked down, these will install as options in your browser bookmarks. Use the “Post to my Del.icio.us” link to add the current webpage to your account (you may need to log in). Use the “My Del.icio.us” link to view your online account.