Week 1, Thing 1 - iGoogle

Welcome to Week 1, Thing 1!

After completing Thing 1 you will have...

Created a Google ID and your own iGoogle start page.

What is a Google ID?

Google ID helps you to personalize your Google experience by enabling you to customize pages and obtain more relevant search results. Once you have created your ID you will be able to use other Google applications such as iGoogle, Blogger and Google Docs (more on these later in the program).

What is iGoogle & is it relevant to libraries?

iGoogle is a personal web portal created by Google for you to add and organize your favourite web pages, RSS feeds, gadgets and social networking sites (including Twitter and YouTube).

Step-by-step instructions

1. To create a Google ID, go to https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount
(if you already have a Google ID, please log in).
Or go to this link: https://accounts.google.com/ for an alternate way to create an account.

2. Complete the form and click on I accept when ready.


3. To create your iGoogle page, go to http://www.google.com/ig and log in with your Google ID.

4. Click on the Add Stuff link to explore the various gadgets you can install - have a look at All categories on the left of the screen for ideas, as well as the most popular gadgets and various themes, or use the search box. ** You will be learning more about gadgets (widgets) later in the program.

You can also organize your gadgets with tabs which can help you navigate quickly to your content, as well as help your iGoogle pages load faster.



5. To add a tab, click on the tab Home on the left of the screen and select Add a tab.

6. Untick the I'm feeling lucky box.

7. Type in a name for your tab (e.g Library stuff) in the box.

8. Click on OK.


Feel free to add other tabs as and when you feel your page is getting too busy.


You may find this short YouTube animation a fun way of finding out how to set up and arrange your page:



Further reading

Read this post about Start pages on the Library 2.0 blog: Start pages as Library Virtual Reference Tools

Optional extras

If you already use iGoogle, have a look at Netvibes or Pageflakes to see what they may offer you that's different.

Introduction to the University Library 23 Things Program

What is the University Library 23 Things program?

This program was originally offered January - April, 2011 to introduce University Library Faculty and Staff to Web 2.0 applications. We are repeating the program by request. Our program is based on the original Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC in 2006.

Web 2.0 applications--such as social networking (Facebook, Twitter), blogging, bookmarking, tagging, wikis, podcasts and more--are devised for online information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web.
Participants will develop skills to enhance life-long learning in an online environment. This is an independent program, but participants are encouraged to work together to share their insights and discoveries with others. This is a library sponsored program and participants are encouraged to complete it at their own desk during work time.

 Why should you participate?

The University Library 23 Things program will encourage all of us to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are changing how information is used and created on the Internet today. This program will incorporate the Learning & Development Committee theme, Working in the E-World. Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to learn new technologies that will help to improve the patron experience as well as their personal skills to enhance life-long learning.

 Who can participate?

This program is open to all University Library Faculty and Staff.

 When will this take place?

• January to April, 2012
• Time commitment won't be more than 1 - 1 1/2 hours per week