What is Social Bookmarking?

Social bookmarking is a way for internet users to store, classify, share and search Internet bookmarks

• bookmarks stored on web not browser
• stored bookmarks are public by default, but can be marked private browsable and searchable by tags, person, or popularity
• resources ranked by the number of users who have bookmarked them, implying usefulness
• websites, feeds, books, videos, shopping items, map locations, etc. can be bookmarked
• collaboration possible through shared accounts, special tag, and (del.icio.us) networks
• RSS feeds available for tags

Possible Library Applications:

• create subject guides/pathfinders

   

• create bibliographies/reading lists  

   

• publicize web resources

   

• apply cataloging and information retrieval skills to the Internet

   

• internal - collect resources relevant to projects or departments

   

• internal - collect resources relating to newest web 2.0 tools and applications for libraries 
• internal - watching information trends

Popular Tools:

Del.icio.us

Digg

Furl

Simpy

Examples of Libraries Using Social Bookmarking:

Lansing Public Library

LaGrange Park Public Library

San Mateo Public Library

What is Tagging?

• one-word descriptors, similar to keywords
• tagging done by any human
• multiple tags possible
• tags can be edited
• tag clouds show more frequently used tags, usually with a larger font and usually within an alphabetized list

Make a Tag Cloud with Wordle