Collaborating In The Cloud
Using Web 2.0 Tools To Get Stuff Done!
Robin HastingsInformation Technology ManagerMissouri River
Regional [email protected] As Info Tech Manager, Im
responsible for the network within the library and connectivity
outside of it, all PCs, printers and servers and the various
websites we offer, as well as overseeing some of the Web 2.0
initiatives of the library (wikis & twitter). I also manage the
training both staff & public for the library.Several small
clients around the mid-missouri areaPresenting on Web 2.0, RSS
& other technical topics around the worldSpreading the good
news about how libraries and other organizations can use Web 2.0
and the upcoming 3.0 standards in their organizations.As Info Tech
Manager, Im responsible for the network within the library and
connectivity outside of it, all PCs, printers and servers and the
various websites we offer, as well as overseeing some of the Web
2.0 initiatives of the library (wikis & twitter). I also manage
the training both staff & public for the library.Several small
clients around the mid-missouri areaPresenting on Web 2.0, RSS
& other technical topics around the worldSpreading the good
news about how libraries and other organizations can use Web 2.0
and the upcoming 3.0 standards in their organizations.As Info Tech
Manager, Im responsible for the network within the library and
connectivity outside of it, all PCs, printers and servers and the
various websites we offer, as well as overseeing some of the Web
2.0 initiatives of the library (wikis & twitter). I also manage
the training both staff & public for the library.Several small
clients around the mid-missouri areaPresenting on Web 2.0, RSS
& other technical topics around the worldSpreading the good
news about how libraries and other organizations can use Web 2.0
and the upcoming 3.0 standards in their organizations.As Info Tech
Manager, Im responsible for the network within the library and
connectivity outside of it, all PCs, printers and servers and the
various websites we offer, as well as overseeing some of the Web
2.0 initiatives of the library (wikis & twitter). I also manage
the training both staff & public for the library.Several small
clients around the mid-missouri areaPresenting on Web 2.0, RSS
& other technical topics around the worldSpreading the good
news about how libraries and other organizations can use Web 2.0
and the upcoming 3.0 standards in their organizations.As Info Tech
Manager, Im responsible for the network within the library and
connectivity outside of it, all PCs, printers and servers and the
various websites we offer, as well as overseeing some of the Web
2.0 initiatives of the library (wikis & twitter). I also manage
the training both staff & public for the library.Several small
clients around the mid-missouri areaPresenting on Web 2.0, RSS
& other technical topics around the worldSpreading the good
news about how libraries and other organizations can use Web 2.0
and the upcoming 3.0 standards in their organizations
Agenda
Definitions What is collaboration 2.0? Why do it in a cloud?
Collaboration in the Cloud Tools
Putting it to use!
Wiki - http://litacollab2.pbworks.com/FrontPage
Question time at the end, informal questions during!
What is collaboration 2.0? Why do it in a cloud?
Definitions
Collaboration
is a structured, recursive process where two or more people work
together toward a common goaltypically an intellectual endeavor
that is creative in natureby sharing knowledge, learning and
building consensus.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaboration)interaction among
people, to achieve common goals without the exchange of goods and
services (InfoTech Research Group Collaboration Tools Revisted In a
Web 2.0 world
Collaboration 2.0
2.0 adds distributed computing & collaboration
platforms:Distance
Asynchronicity
Synchronous collaboration voice (VOIP, Skype, etc.) that allows
for instant questioning and quick resolution of issuesAsynchronous
collaboration messaging (forums, email, SMS) that allows for people
in different time zones to work when convenient
Distributed Computing
Distance2 or more creators working on distant (2 feet or 2,000
miles) computersSame platform Google Docs, Blog software, email
(not very 2.0)
Collaboration Platforms
AsynchronousAllow people to work in their own time zone at their
own timeCommon software (or site) that all participants agree to
use
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing
Internet = Cloud (cloud of data)
PC = thin client
Not data storage
Just a connection to the cloud
Maybe backup storage
Collaboration happens out there
Cloud- John Dvorak (in Cranky Geeks web show) once said it was
named the cloud because nobody actually knows how anything beyond
their network connection actually works. Backup storage clouds dont
seem stable or permanent use your own computer to backup as
well!
Backing up in the cloud is a good idea, even if you are
collaborating with yourself!
Benefits
Social Networks = Professional Networks
Peer Networking
Avoiding hierarchies (linkedin direct introductions, facebook
friends, etc.)
Blending Synchronous & Asynchronous Work
Makes a case for allowing use of Facebook, MySpace, etc. at work
blending of social and professional networkingAvoids
bureaucracy!Offers time-sensitive channels or whenever channels of
communication whatever is needed.
Collaboration In The Cloud Tools
Tools of the Trade
Categories
Social Calendars
Social Networking Sites
Social Bookmarking
Social Desktops
Social Wikis
Social Documents
http://web2.econsultant.com/collaboration-groups-teams-services.html
- 125 sites...
Social Calendars
30 Boxes
www.30boxes.com
Google Calendar
www.google.com/calendar
Uses
Keep milestones, due dates, etc. where everyone can access
them
Give others a look at your schedule so they can schedule
meetings, etc. with your time constraints in mind (without a
million emails)
Team schedulingReusable data - many ways to add data
easily!Scheduling services
Social Networking Sites
Facebook
www.facebook.com
Ning
www.ning.com
Uses
(Facebook) use as platform for custom apps (GTD app, etc.)
(Ning) customize extensively
Use message boards, private and group messaging functions to
keep in touch
Store documents in central location
Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=8449172630 GTD
planning/organizing for FBPlan tripsPlan moving projectsStart a
businessPlan weddings/eventsOrganize sports teamsMyOffice groupware
on FB -
http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=20196811016MySpace
has a new API for apps on its platform too new to determine if
there will be anything like FBs tools
Social Bookmarking
Del.icio.us
http://www.delicious.com
Google Bookmarks
www.google.com/bookmarks
Uses
Store references, citations and other data needed by the group
(Connotea, CiteULike for the sciences)
Identify resources for group use
Easy access to group documents, pics/charts and sites
For: feature in del.icio.us send suggested links to other
del.icio.us accountsMag.nol.ia similar to del.icio.usCollaborative
tagging choosing (top down) tags to use in all services (not just
bookmarking services) give you group tag clouds to help users
understand the relationships between concepts in your projects.
Social Desktops
CentralDesktop
www.centraldesktop.com/
MyWebDesktop
www.mywebdesktop.net/
Uses
Single desktop area for storage
Unified working environment for all collaborators
Most apps included (calendar, messaging, office software)
Social Wikis
Wetpaint
www.wetpaint.com
PBWorks
www.pbworks.com
Uses
Building Wiki for U of Tenn in Chattanooga
Central, structured repository for documents
Easy editing interface
Built-in revision, rollback features
Instant updates and notes access
Self-hosted: Mediawiki
Social Documents
Google Docs
docs.google.com/
ThinkFree
www.thinkfree.com
UsesMaryland Libraries 2.1 Blog
Multi-user editing features
Document storage
Document formats (doc, xls, ppt, pdf, odt, etc.)
Docs Ajax (not as many features)- Gears: the ability to save
document spaces on your computer (while flying) and re-connect
after you are back on the net without downloading a copy of the doc
and remembering to upload laterThinkfree Java (laggy)
GroupWare
http://grou.ps
Web site
Desktop client
Mobile interface
Facebook App
Drupal/Joomla (CMS - http://opensourcecms.com/ )
Create your own groupware
Host, manage, control your data
Grou.ps forums, wikis, maps, photo galleries, feed aggregator,
etc.
Using The Tools
Projects
Calendar
Organize milestones and other important dates
Bookmarking
Keep references, citations and resources handy
Network
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Eg. VuFind blog with VoteItUp plugin
Documents
Create deliverables for project finale
Digitization project images from all over the state, country in
one repositoryTraining day get trainers, participants together
(wikis for conferences excellent idea!)Shelf moving organize labor
in easily accessible and easily editable calendar, organize layout
in documentsResearch project set due dates, share citations, create
forums for discussion of problems, create final reports
Backups
Centralized backups for a group
Cloud backups for you
Version control (Google Docs, wikis)
Easily recovered!
Google backups to your computer
Getdropbox.com
Questions?
Robin Hastings
Robin Hastings
