Google Docs & Wikis

I like the convenience of creating documents via Google Docs. Say I'm someone who has a home computer with Microsoft Word, and I create a resume. Say I don't have printing capabilities, so I have to come to the library to print out my resume for an upcoming interview. In order to do that I have to first save the file in my email, then come to the library to print it out. Multiple steps involved. With Google Docs, I can simple create the resume right there, save it in the same spot, and then go and get it printed out. Or I can simply make one stop at the library and have it all done at once. Type it up in Google Docs, print it out, and boom, I'm headed to my interview. And for anyone who has been given headaches from trying to figure out Microsoft Word 2007, Google Docs is much easier. I mean, really, you almost have to take a class in Word '07 to be able to figure out how to use it, and patrons a lot of times struggle with various features of it. Google Docs just seems more user-friendly.

I think the wikis are a great way for library staff to communicate. A good way for members of a specific team or committee to stay in touch without having to schedule meetings and make sure that everyone can attend at the same time. It's a very useful tool, but can also be fun, too!