Government 2.0

This article talks about how the government has begun using web 2.0 tools. For example, cities are using Google maps to track crime, the CIA and FBI have been using password-protected wikis to share information, and the State Department has created an embassy in Second Life.

It also discusses some issues related to it - for example, it could be a way of giving more power to the people, for there to be more direct participation, openness and accountability. But it also raises the question if the collective wisdom of the people will really be wise.

L Gordon Crovitz (2008, May 12). From Wikinomics to Government 2.0. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com on May 12, 2008, A13.

Sites to spy on friends

I was just reading this article that talks about different sites that make it easier to find personal details about people, including their birthdates, personal pages, value of their homes, and campaign donations. It's kind of interesting - and scary!

Vauhini Vara (2008, May 13). New Sites Make It Easier To Spy on Your Friends. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com on May 13, 2008, D1.

Texting Library Catalog Displays

Lorcan Dempsey at OCLC recently posted here a screenshot from the Tripod Catalog of Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Swarthmore which gives patrons the opportunity to text details of a search to their cell phones. I thought that was interesting in light of our discussion of hand held devices earlier this year.