Toronto 2.0
January 31, 2009 | TPL Staff | Comments (6)
I was thrilled to open up this morning's Globe and see an article about the City of Toronto and open data: Toronto 2.0: Data Sharing Source.
A few weeks ago we created a post about opening up the Library's data because making our content accessible and mash-able is a priority for the Library.
Today's article talks about Toronto being a real leader in social computing uptake and also a innovator in civic engagement. It specifically talks about Change Camp, which took place last weekend. Change Camp's mandate:
"How do we re-imagine government and citizenship
in the age of participation?"
At the Library we imagine many possibilities. Like you looking for a book from your mobile phone and then being able to get TTC, driving or walking directions to the nearest available copy. We also imagine you browsing the internet and being able to see related Library resources and programming information. We're not entirely there yet, but the willingness and the motivation is and the capabilities are definitely coming along.
The web team will be at Toronto's Mesh Conference again this year and are looking forward to a lively discussion about social computing and open data that meets civic needs. So if you happen to also be attending, make sure you stop one of us for a chat.
It is an exciting time for us here at the Library and for all Torontonians!
Library tip for accessing news online: Do you ever get a "To continue reading, you will need to purchase this article." message from newspaper websites? That message is your cue to go to the Library's website where you will able to find, read and print the full text of newspapers articles that are no longer available through the news company's website. As always, it's free, with your Library card.
