Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.
As a former editor, I sometimes wonder what all the "sharing" on the web is doing to copyright law. It is so effortless to collect text, images, and even video on the web now that even if copyright or privacy laws are being broken it would still take a battalion of lawyers a long time to figure it out and follow through.
Like many other online tools, Flikr has privacy settings, but given that the whole point of Web 2.0 is collaboration, there's not much point in using the service if you don't plan to share your photos with someone. It's a concern that lingers on the perimeter of this tool, as we take advantage of its benefits.
And there are some legitimate uses of Flikr for librarians. The collaborative imperative is a strong one. When my library wanted to explore some new options for using our display spaces, Flikr offered a wealth of ideas posted by other libraries around the country. A quick search on "library and book and displays" generated several dozen hits, including these clever exhibits on beach reading and chocolate.
A search on "teen tech week" revealed hundreds of images, many of which showcased innovations and programs carried out by libraries in observance of this annual event.