WebJunction

Let's Play Tag
May 07, 2007

Tagging is a way to organize information using keywords that you choose.  To find out more about tagging read here.  Social bookmarking sites are a great tool for library staff to share and organize helpful information through the use of effective tags.  An example of one of these sites is del.icio.us which can be used to organize links using classification vocabulary that works for your community.  This list can then be a one-stop-shop for staff and patrons to find authoritative and useful sites on a variety of topics. Tagging is subjective so if your organization decides to take part in this activity, remember to coordinate your efforts.  Take a look at WebJunction’s Del.icio.us account to get some ideas.

For some tagging advice read Thirteen Tips for Effective Tagging: How to mark sites so you and others can find them by Alexandra Samuel and Ruby Sinreich.  Tips include:

• Check out how other people tag similar sites
• Pay attention to spaces and punctuation
• Use tags that won’t offend outside visitors

If you’re interested in the debate between a user created vocabulary and a controlled vocabulary read Library Things Thingology blog entry:  Tagging meets Subject Headings. 

Some popular social networking sites that allow users to tag include:

• Flickr:  Store, tag, share, and find photos
• Del.icio.us:   Tag, share, and find links
• Library Thing:  Tag, share, and find books

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• Advocate with Images
• The Benefits of RSS
• View all our past tips here

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