Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with online content (web pages, pictures & posts). Tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want.
Tags are like subject headings; however, there is no thesaurus or authority control. Users assign the tags that are meaningful to them. This sounds like chaos to most librarians; however, it actually works well in the web environment.
You can use tags in Flickr, Delicious, Library Thing, and a number of Web 2.0 applications. Some OPACs have started supporting user tagging.
You can read more about tagging in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_(metadata)
You don’t have to sign up or explore any application for Thing 13. Instead, write a blog post on tagging. Does tagging belong in the library? Does it replace or complement subject headings? Should we encourage or discourage the practice?
Enquiring minds want to know...
Monday, June 22, 2009
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1 comment:
On Tag there seems an overload of terminology and information which would require a lot of time to explore and work through. I would feel impertinent to comment on the usage in the library when I haven't worked it through.
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