My 2.0 Tools

 

iGoogle-A customizable front page that allows you to import your favorite google applications along with many other use, fun and information, making the website a one stop site for all your needs.

 

Google Notebook- a great 'notes' site that allows you to put in depth detail into to do lists, or copy entire links.  Multiple folders can be created so that similar pages/notes can be housed in the same place.

 

Google Reader- An RSS agregator that allows me to use my existing gmail account to read subscribed blogs, newsfeeds, etc.

 

Meebo- An instant messaging agregator that takes profiles from AIM, GChat, Yahoo and ICQ, MSN, and Jabber.  It takes these accounts and puts them into a single sign-in session so that there is only one webpage needed for all profiles.  there is also the ability to create chatrooms.

 

YA Book Reviews

 

VOYA- Voice of Youth Advocates is the web-version of it's paper publication (although, not as much access without subscription).  VOYA is particularly handy for it's reviews and ready-to-go booklists.  An excellent resource for building a quality teen collection.

 

School Library Journal- Excellent resource for book reviews as well as information on technology trends that influence schools.

 

Gaming & Research

 

Gaming in Libraries Presentation- By Tyler Rousseau.  Discusses, in brief, who is gaming, myths/facts of gaming and how to host a gaming tournament.

 

ESA's Usage Report -  Results of a 2007 survey based on gaming demographics.

 

Video Game Revolution- A website created from the PBS special of the same name.  The website goes over the history of video games, impact of gaming, the creation of a video game and includes a couple fun trivia quizzes.

 

IGN- Everything from gaming news to reviews, gamer blogs, cheat codes, and promotional videos for upcoming games.

 

1UP- The electronic version of Electronic Gaming Monthly.  Perhaps a cleaner and easier to navigate version than its competitors. 

 

My Favorite Games:

Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!- when Tyson blinked, you knew Little Mac's world was about to end.  Still recognized as one of the best video games made.

Katamari Damacy- Basically, you start off rolling a tiny ball (i.e. katamari)  around and pick up little objects, like tacks, crackers, ants, etc.  As the katamari gets bigger, so does your ability to pick up larger objects.  Before you know it, you are wrapping up people, cars and even skyscrapers into your katamari.

 

XIII- Amnesia is tough enough but when you awake from a stupor and guys start chasing your with guns... you've apparently forgotten something really important to know!

 

Guitar Hero- The perfect answer for people who want to acheive rock stardom without all the hassle of learning an instrument.  A great party game.

 

Rayman Raving Rabbids- A collection of mini-games that allows Rayman to take his frustration out on his captors... a bunch of socially demented rabbits.

 

Day of the Tentacle- Alien tentacles take over the Earth and you have to work between three different time periods in order to save the day, erh... world.

 

Pokemon Diamond- Travel the world, collecting pokemon, battling bosses and stopping the bad guys from destroying the world.  An insanely large game for the highly-portable DS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technology Information

 

Techdirt- A collection of analysts from backgrounds such as CNet, Wall Street Journal, ABD/Disney among others.  Their blogs and news reports cover almost anything encompassing technology issues.  Their writing is gruff and definitely sided on a certain issues, but very informative.

 

Lifehacker- A plethora of tech information, time saving tips, software reviews and 'how to' advice.  As they say "Don't live to geek, Geek to Live"

 

Wired- "Real-time version of Wired Magazine. It delivers daily, exclusive, original reporting at the point where technology intersects with business, entertainment, politics, culture, Science and art."

 

Cnet- "CNET.com shows you the exciting possibilities of how technology can enhance and enrich your life. We provide you with information, tools, and advice that help you decide what to buy and how to get the most out of your tech."  Part Consumer reports for Technology, part newsource for the tech-age and all informative.

 

Anime/Manga

 

Tokyopop- Probably the most popular website for Manga and Anime.  Users can sign-up, create a profile with areas to post their own artwork and storylines.  The company Tokyopop is the largest publisher of manga in America.

 

Operation Anime- A support network, sponsored by Funimation, allows libraries to sign up for free promotional materials, including free DVDs w/ public performance rights.

 

Blogs I Read

 

A Chair, A Fireplace and A Teacozy- New Jersey Librarian, Liz Burns, blogs about book reviews, Buffy Quotes (if you have to ask which Buffy, for shame!), and even interviews some of the currently popular young adult librarians.

 

Pop Goes the Library - A collective of Librarians who specialize in pop culture.

 

The Shifted Librarian- Her name is Jenny and she will be your information maven today.

 

Librarian in Black- A 'one-stop' website for technological issues in the library world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Networks

 

Gaia Online- An Anime-style social network, mainly aimed at teens, that provides profiles, games and a marketplace to allow community members to 'pimp' their online diggs.

 

Myspace- A highly customizeable social network for individuals, bands, movies... really, just about anything you can think of.  If you want to find me and my music, click here.

 

StumbleUpon- Social network that provides websites based on your interests and those based in your community.

 

Facebook- A less cumbersome social network that tries to use the the more successful applications of certain competitors to make a one-stop webplace.  Find me here.

 

Club Penguin- Ever wonder what the social life of a penguin is like?  A 'safer' social network for younger teens.

 

Singshot- A social network for singers and karaoke fanatics. 

 

Connexion- Social network specifically for the LGBTQ community.  Contains both social connections and support/involvement opportunities.

 

Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview- PEW article, published January '07, that provides some demographic information on teens and their use of social networks.

 

Social Networks and the Gay/Lesbian Community- A Harris Interactive report, a strategic marketing company released January '07 that demonstrates the large useage of social networks among the gay and lesbian community.

 

 

Fun Times

 

Addicting Games- An aggregator site for mini-games found online.  Games are put into sections based on story-play.  As the title suggests, this is a great place to waste a lot of hours but, be warned, not everything is appropriate for all ages.

 

Meez- Go on!  Make an avatar of yourself.  The picture above is an example.

 

The Onion- Any webiste that posts a faux news article about a nutritionist named Professor Zombie recommending a steady diet of brains is okay with me.  Again, this is not for everyone, the content and language can be really inappropriate... but it is just too funny sometimes.

 

Dragon Fable- Flash based game made for younger audiences (they took away bloody graphics).  Storylines are light hearted and game play is made to encourage the success of the player.  Very popular among the tween community.

 

 

About Tyler Rousseau

 

Email:  tyler.rousseau@gmail.com

Blogs:  Library Garden           

            The Rock & Roll Librarian