Chances are you are reading this post using Microsoft's Internet Explorer. IE is the undisputed king of the browser market. Our statistics show that 70% of the visitors to the Pollak Library website were using IE. One reason for the ubiquity of this browser is that it comes preinstalled on all Windows machines, meaning that 90% of the computers in the world already have the program installed. With gaudy stats like these, it seems as if IE will always rule online access.But wait, there is a new kid in town.... Enter the Mozilla Foundation and their IE-beater, Firefox. This browser came on the scene only four years ago, but it is already making a run for IE's crown. Its market share has increased every year since it's inception.
One of the reason's for Firefox's success is that it is an open source project. This means that independent developers have access to the source code -the guts- of the browser. Developers are free to make applications, add-ons, and toolbars that work with the browser to provide a more rich internet experience.
There are lots of Firefox add-ons that provide benefits for libraries. I have listed some of these below and have added links to their websites.
Note: If you want to install Firefox plugins/add-ons, make sure you use Firefox when you select application you want. Otherwise the add-on may not install properly.
Libx download - video showing how to use it (don't worry it is not another common craft video :)
Book Burro
Google toolbar
Worldcat toolbar
Email This
delicious plugin
Objective:
- Discover and use an alternative browser
- Learn about plugins and how they can benefit the library
Activities:
- Download and install a toolbar! If you don't have Firefox on your computer, you can get it here.
- Take a look at the toolbars and plugins listed above and find one that interests you (you can find more here). Install one of these and play around with it.
- Write a reflection on your blog. Is the tool useful? Is it something that would make your job easier?
-Mike
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