Web Gems: Selections from SLJ.Com

The technology world has long revolved around the concept of a killer application that finally compels adoption of a new platform by the masses. Spreadsheets brought about an initial mass adoption of computers in businesses that saw the benefit of electronic ledgers. AOL brought dial-up access to the masses—so much so that many people still think the AOL browser is the Internet. Zoho Notebook is, in my opinion, the killer app that can provide a breakthrough for Library 2.0.

So much more than just a place to take notes online (though it is very good at that), Zoho Notebook provides a set of tools to meet the needs of any research project. From an embedded RSS reader to full multimedia capabilities, Zoho Notebook is ready to support a variety of learning styles and information-gathering strategies. Then, to go one step further, Zoho Notebook provides a fully integrated suite of possibilities for sharing and collaboration. And please don't forget... it's all online and it's all free.—May 30

(On the Web 2.0/Britannia debate): When I need to deeply investigate American Idol, Wikipedia is my starting point. When I study an obscure long-tail type programming language, Wikipedia rescues me. When I research for academic publication, when I need seriously-considered medical opinion, it's another story. I know my needs; I know my options. My students know theirs too.—June 14

I really wish I had a tester child. You know. Just an average kid I could toss this puppy to and say, "Read this! I command it!" Then Tester Child would carefully consider the work that has been so rudely thrust at him and give me an honest and open opinion on the matter.

Thus far, no such Tester Child exists, so until I find a way to slip this book into the hands of little ones, I must make some assumptions on how it might be received. I think they'll like it. Riley (great name for a rat, by the way) is a funny guy. Norman (the little man in the hat) gets himself into all kinds of trouble, but you feel for him. And yes, the book is weird, but only if the books you compare it to are the standard Goodnight, Moon fare.

It's funny to me that in this era of clean lines and ultra-designed picture books, something as sloppy and messy as The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley should also make it onto library and bookstore bookshelves. A messy, fun, thoroughly enjoyable concoction.—June 18