Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with online content (webpages, pictures & posts). Unlike subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines (i.e.Library of Congress subject headings), tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want.

The photo sharing site Flicker allows people to take advantage of tagging and we are using a common tag (empowerus) to create an association between photos that we individually uploaded. A popular social bookmarking site called Del.icio.us (typed in as http://del.icio.us). Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks. Many users find that the real power of Del.icio.us is in the social network aspect, which allows you to see how other users have tagged similar links and also discover other websites that may be of interest to you. You can think of it as peering into another users’ filing cabinet, but with this powerful bookmarking tool each user’s filing cabinet helps to build an expansive knowledge network. For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at Del.icio.us and learn about this popular bookmarking tool.

Discovery Resources:

• Otter Group Del.icio.us tutorial (12 min video) - Highly recommended!!!
• Us.ef.ul: A beginners guide to Del.icio.us
• Net2Learn : Delicious, one of top 10 tools You Need to Know
• Several Habits of wildly successful Del.icio.us users

Discovery Exercise:

1. View the 12 minute Del.icio.us tutorial to get a good overview of its features.
2. Take a look around Del.icio.us using the empowerus account that was created for this exercise. Note: In this account you will find lots of resources that have been highlighted or used throughout the free tech class.
3. Explore the site options and try clicking on a bookmark that has also been bookmarked by a lot of other users. Can you see the comments they added about this bookmark or the tags that they used to categorize this reference?
4. Create a Del.icio.us account for yourself and discover how this useful bookmarking tool can replace your traditional browser bookmark list. You might even want to explore Del.icio.us’ latest addition, a network badge. (Psst! see it over there at the end of the navigation sidebar)
5. Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool.
   Can you see the potential of this tool for research assistance? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere?

Note: Here’s a quick word about the Del.icio.us Buttons. On PCs that have the toolbars locked down, these will install as options in your browser bookmarks. Use the “Post to my Del.icio.us” link to add the current webpage to your account (you may need to log in). Use the “My Del.icio.us” link to view your online account.

More Fun with Social Bookmarking & Tagging

• Search del.icio.us for something you’re interested in. Check out some of the tags people have used for that topic.
• Browse the “Most Popular” tags in Flickr and explore their “Related Tags,” or try a search. Put a link in your blog to your favorite photo.
• Set up an account on del.icio.us. Add a few websites and create your own tags. I am merutman on del.icio.us.
• Install the del.icio.us browser button on your browser’s toolbar.