SLQ's Licence 2 Test Drive #5 - More Google

Google would have to be the most well known and used search engine around. Today we take the opportunity to look at some of its additional features:

Google Translate - Because my language skills are so extremely limited I did a basic 'text and web tab search' on a german-to-english phrase of introduction - beautiful - the translation is correct! For the URL translation I tried SLQ's Multicultural Bridge in Italian [ http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/info/lang/italian ] and translated it to English.

In the public library that i work in, there is a very high percentage of the population from non-english speeaking backgrounds so I think both of these features are very useful and could be used as an initial tool of translation when required, although i wouldn't rely entirely on it's accuracy as the translation is quite literal and/or some things are lost in translation and therefore, could be incorrect. Also spelling errors do not translate. Although quite a good representation of different languages are available it would be fantastic if google continued to add more languages such as Samoan etc.

Google Books - I can recall the controversy surrounding this very ambitious project when it was first announced as Google Print. I guess if Google is certain of not breaching any copyright regulations of different countries, publishers and writers than as it continues to grow, it would have to be one of the biggest resources of online information.

i-Google - As stated in an earlier blog entry, i am experiencing problems with my PC at home and it seems to have something against Google so unfortunately i don't want to antagonise it by trying any personalisation of my homepage. iGoogle looks good though!!

Google Calendar - I could see this feature being used as a shared application between myself and my colleagues who are based in different library branches. We could use it to schedule meetings, when and where outreach visits are taking place and training schedules. I like that it can be integrated with outlook too.

Google Maps - How fantastic is google maps - it's like your own little tomtom GPS but so much more! I especially like the satellite option and street view and have spent much time checking out family and friends' places (luckily my parents had recently mowed the lawn). Mymaps is pretty cool and it doesn't appear to be that difficult to do either - perhaps when i get some photos together i could make a map of my favourite Sunshine Coast beaches....