Beginning: Things 1-23

What is 23 Things for Archivists?

This is a self-discovery program that allows participants to take control of their own learning. You can do it at home or at work, alone or in a group, at your own pace as you have time. The 23 “Things” are Web 2.0 tools for you to explore and experiment with to learn about the new and emerging technologies that are changing how information is used and created on the Internet today. Some of the “Things” might be useful in helping you work better, some for sharing work, and some for promoting your archives.

The normal “side” bar is at the bottom of each page. There you will find the Meebo chat box to contact a mentor and a list of the mentors, the most recently posted comments, buttons to subscribe to the RSS feeds, and links to blogs you might want to use as resources.

Please go to the Beginning page for more detailed titles and examples of the Things.

Thing 1: Blogging
Thing 2: Online Chat/Instant Messaging
Thing 3: What is Web 2.0?
Thing 4: RSS and RSS Feedreaders
Thing 5: Online Presentation Sharing
Thing 6: Social Networking (Facebook, etc.)
Thing 7: Professional/Career Networking
Thing 8: Microblogging (Twitter)
Thing 9: URL Shorteners
Thing 10: Photo Sharing (Flickr)
Thing 11: Geotagging
Thing 12: Creative Commons
Thing 13: Image Generators/Mashups
Thing 14: Facebook Apps
Thing 15: Widgets
Thing 16: Podcasting/Vodcasting
Thing 17: Video Slideshows (Animoto)
Thing 18: Video Sharing (YouTube, Vimeo)
Thing 19: Online Timelines
Thing 20: Social Bookmarking
Thing 21: Wikis
Thing 22: Google Docs
Thing 23: Online Surveys

Intermediate: Things 24-46

What if I Want More Things?

Finished with the first 23 Things for Archivists? Already knew about those 23? Here’s your opportunity to learn about more Things!

Like the first 23 Things, this is a self- discovery program that allows participants to take control of their own learning. These are 23 more Web 2.0 “Things” for you to explore and experiment with to learn about the new and emerging technologies that are changing how information is used and created on the Internet today.

The normal “side” bar is at the bottom of each page. There you will find links to blogs you might want to use as resources, various ways to subscribe to 23 Things for Archivists, a link to RAO’s Facebook page, and a list of contributors.

Please go to the Intermediate page for more detailed titles and examples of the Things.

Thing 24: More Blogging (Tumblr)
Thing 25: Cloud Computing
Thing 26: Tagging/Folksonomies
Thing 27: Tag Clouds and Word Clouds
Thing 28: E-newsletters
Thing 29: More Social Networking (RockMelt)
Thing 30: Customized Home Pages
Thing 31: Screencasting
Thing 32: LibraryThing
Thing 33: More Photo Sharing
Thing 34: Google Maps/Mashups
Thing 35: Online Media Editing
Thing 36: Directory 2.0
Thing 37: Web Analytics
Thing 38: Organize Your Research Online
Thing 39: Print On Demand
Thing 40: Using Blogging Software for Website Development
Thing 41: Online Meeting Schedulers
Thing 42: Foursquare
Thing 43: More Social Bookmarking (Clipmarks)
Thing 44: QR Codes
Thing 45: Pinterest
Thing 46: HistoryPin

New Things

Thing 42: Foursquare

By Tiffany Schureman

Foursquare is a mobile social networking application that allows users to “check in” at locations, or venues, using the the Foursquare app that they download on their mobile phone. When a user checks in they earn points and can earn badges offered by the venue.  Users can become mayor of a venue by checking in to a location there multiple times.  Both users and venues are able to leave tips for other users, e.g., “this archives lets you use a digital camera for copies.”  When you check in to a location, your friends on Foursquare can see where you are.  Users and venues can attach pictures to their profiles and to their tips.  Another feature of Foursquare is that users are able to create to-do lists at venues and other users can complete these tasks.

Archives can use Foursquare as a tool to market and brand themselves.  Your archives can create a profile on the Foursquare website and add photos and tips.  These tips and photos are viewable on the app when a user checks in. Foursquare also allows you to ensure correct information is being given out to patrons. The archives should leave tips for patrons on directions, hours, contact information, address, website addresses, new exhibits, and events.  Tips and to-dos are mostly permanent so make sure they have dates attached to them and that they are timely.  These are especially helpful if your archives’ location is in an obscure location, for example the entrance to the archives is under the main staircase on the right.  Remember that Foursquare users’ friends can see where they have checked in and users can also share their check ins on Facebook and Twitter, allowing for virtual word of mouth marketing.

More …

Other posts of interest:

A Different Kind of Web
Ask Archivists Day (in June)
A humorous look at Social Media Explained