Social networking sites are a fantastic way to keep up the important people in your life, both past and present, and to re-connect with people that you have lost track of. Back when sites like Facebook were more private there was more freedom to express yourself and show as well as tell your friends what is happening in your life. Now that anyone can sign up you need to be careful to show only the sides of your life that you don't mind your prospective employers, college admissions counselors, or the news media viewing. I'm not kidding about this last group. Lately when something happens to a younger person the media immediately looks on the social networking sites to find out about the person and gets the names of contacts to get their "insights."
The sites have so many practical uses beyond the obvious. Recently, a close relative was making plans for a college semester abroad. When she got the list of all of the students from other schools who were making the same trip she started looking for them on Facebook. She found that one person had already set up a group and had poked them to get it started. The group worked so well that when several of them ended up on the same flight out of New York they were able to recognize each other and arrange for seats together on the flight across to Europe.
I wasn't aware that there were so many special interest sites. I did visit Dogster and found out that people that have the same breed of dog that I do, are as crazy as I am about the breed.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
#17 Blog About Technology
I read today in the Chronicle that the number of parents who read to their children is declining. There are children growing up today who will never know the joy of sitting in their parent's lap and listening to them read a good story at bedtime. Questions aren't asked and answered because there is no story to talk about or generational stories to tell. There is, of course, a decline in reading levels as well.
I think that technology has enriched our lives tremendously, but at what cost? If we are glued to the computer screen, or a game controller, or a TV screen then we are neglecting the fundamental closeness and interaction that we as humans need to thrive and survive. What message are we passing on to the next generation? And is it the same when you say, " come over and sit in my lap and watch Dad download a audio story book that you can listen to while I play Warcraft." It warms my heart.
I think that technology has enriched our lives tremendously, but at what cost? If we are glued to the computer screen, or a game controller, or a TV screen then we are neglecting the fundamental closeness and interaction that we as humans need to thrive and survive. What message are we passing on to the next generation? And is it the same when you say, " come over and sit in my lap and watch Dad download a audio story book that you can listen to while I play Warcraft." It warms my heart.
#16 So what's in a wiki?
The iHCPL wiki was very simple to navigate, and super easy to make contributions.
I have watched the growth of wikis over the years, especially Wikipedia. I have read some of the entries that had to be "edited," and waited to see what Wikipedia would do when Stephen Colbert launched his "Nation" on them. I think that was the first time that everyone realized how easily information could be manipulated on wikis, and the resulting safeguards have only made it better, and there is increased awareness of wikis through stories in the news. Wikipedia's experience has been a cautionary tale for other wikis to learn from, and an introduction to wikis for the uninitiated.
When I think about the popularity of wikis, I believe it is because everyone likes to know that they have something valuable to contribute and there is a public forum for their contribution. The contribution can be made at any time that is convenient, in a public or private venue and others who are interested in the same information will see it.
If you work in this library system you are already familiar with the Printing Wiki. It serves as a public bulletin board to keep you informed on the progress of any printing jobs you have requested.
I think that a perfect use for a wiki would be a teen discussion forum. There could be one on new books, old favorites, books that deserve more attention, required readings for school, fantasy lit. and so on. There are a lot of teens who use social networking sites, so wikis might prove intriguing for some. At the reference desk it could be introduced to reluctant readers as a means of getting them interested in reading, because contributions on the wikis would be from their peers.
I have watched the growth of wikis over the years, especially Wikipedia. I have read some of the entries that had to be "edited," and waited to see what Wikipedia would do when Stephen Colbert launched his "Nation" on them. I think that was the first time that everyone realized how easily information could be manipulated on wikis, and the resulting safeguards have only made it better, and there is increased awareness of wikis through stories in the news. Wikipedia's experience has been a cautionary tale for other wikis to learn from, and an introduction to wikis for the uninitiated.
When I think about the popularity of wikis, I believe it is because everyone likes to know that they have something valuable to contribute and there is a public forum for their contribution. The contribution can be made at any time that is convenient, in a public or private venue and others who are interested in the same information will see it.
If you work in this library system you are already familiar with the Printing Wiki. It serves as a public bulletin board to keep you informed on the progress of any printing jobs you have requested.
I think that a perfect use for a wiki would be a teen discussion forum. There could be one on new books, old favorites, books that deserve more attention, required readings for school, fantasy lit. and so on. There are a lot of teens who use social networking sites, so wikis might prove intriguing for some. At the reference desk it could be introduced to reluctant readers as a means of getting them interested in reading, because contributions on the wikis would be from their peers.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
#15 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0
After reading all of the perspectives, I have to agree with the authors. Libraries must embrace new technology as it evolves, and plan the growth of library services to accommodate each leap forward. The library customers, or patrons if you prefer, of tomorrow are already perched in from of our system's computers from 3PM on each day. They embrace each tweak of their favorite sites, and rarely check out a book unless it is required for a school assignment. If the libraries do not evolve with the online content that appeals to the new generations we will cease to be a relevant part of their lives.
I understood what Rick Anderson was saying about the "just in case collection." If circulation drops 55% that is a significant number. However, the 45% remaining are customers that may be unconcerned, or uninterested, or just plain terrified of the technology that bombards them every day. We need to continue to serve this segment of our aging population as we have done in the past. They will probably learn to live with a request list as we continue to weed out collections, some may even come to accept some aspects of technology, but we should continue to offer quality services to that customer base until it is a truly insignificant segment of our users. After all it will just be a few more decades.
Let's not forget that as librarians we are to offer services to all segments of our communities, not just the technologically savvy.
I understood what Rick Anderson was saying about the "just in case collection." If circulation drops 55% that is a significant number. However, the 45% remaining are customers that may be unconcerned, or uninterested, or just plain terrified of the technology that bombards them every day. We need to continue to serve this segment of our aging population as we have done in the past. They will probably learn to live with a request list as we continue to weed out collections, some may even come to accept some aspects of technology, but we should continue to offer quality services to that customer base until it is a truly insignificant segment of our users. After all it will just be a few more decades.
Let's not forget that as librarians we are to offer services to all segments of our communities, not just the technologically savvy.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Week 6: #14 Getting not-so-technical with Technorati
In doing the advanced search for this exercise I found that Blog Posts got the most results, while Blog Directory got the fewest results of the three.
In exploring the popular blogs I found an unlimited number of fascinating postings there are out there, and how many of them are for the techies among us. I sense that the techies among us still rule the blogosphere, but not for long. Since I am not a techie I explored a lot of different subjects and found out quickly that one hour is not enough training time for this exercise. I was late to get on duty at the ref desk!
I always like to gravitate to the Political blogs. Over the weekend there were a some political rallies up in New Hampshire in the middle of a snowstorm. Today I see lots of blogs about the candidate who was the focus of the rallies. It makes me wonder what role blogs will play in the '08 presidential race.
In exploring the popular blogs I found an unlimited number of fascinating postings there are out there, and how many of them are for the techies among us. I sense that the techies among us still rule the blogosphere, but not for long. Since I am not a techie I explored a lot of different subjects and found out quickly that one hour is not enough training time for this exercise. I was late to get on duty at the ref desk!
I always like to gravitate to the Political blogs. Over the weekend there were a some political rallies up in New Hampshire in the middle of a snowstorm. Today I see lots of blogs about the candidate who was the focus of the rallies. It makes me wonder what role blogs will play in the '08 presidential race.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Week 6: #13 Tagging makes the web 2.0 world go round
I love Del.icio.us! I only wish it had been available when I was in library school. I was going from home computer, to library computer, to classroom computers, to lab computers, and all my nifty bookmarks were on the home computer! Then there were all of the group projects . . . and we were constantly emailing links to each other. Those days are "the good old days" with this fabulous new find.
I am interested in YA librarianship so of course I looked to see what might be new to me. I found hiplibrariansbookblog which will provide another resource for YA book reviews. Alternative Teen Services gave me some great ideas for connecting with teens. Pop Goes The Library is a good resource for keeping up with what's going on in the real world when you work nights at the library.
I think this will serve me best as a source where my bookmarks are always accessible.
I am interested in YA librarianship so of course I looked to see what might be new to me. I found hiplibrariansbookblog which will provide another resource for YA book reviews. Alternative Teen Services gave me some great ideas for connecting with teens. Pop Goes The Library is a good resource for keeping up with what's going on in the real world when you work nights at the library.
I think this will serve me best as a source where my bookmarks are always accessible.
Week 5: #12 The "Library" Elf will remind you!
Library Elf was relatively simple to set up and use. First, the usual account creation. Deciding which warnings I wanted, how far in advance they should start, and whether they needed to be repeated, and how many times, were the biggest decisions in this exercise. This is the easiest exercise thus far. I have a number of materials out, and a large number of things that I've requested so I'm anxious to find out how this works.
What should be interesting is that HCPL also sends you hold notices, expiring holds notices, as well as reminders of due dates. My inbox may get crowded if I have too many holds arrive or books due on the same day. Time will tell if I like the old tried and true, or the Library Elf. I don't want to get Inbox warnings because of the additional warnings.
I have a card with Montgomery County but I did not register it, because I don't use it.
What should be interesting is that HCPL also sends you hold notices, expiring holds notices, as well as reminders of due dates. My inbox may get crowded if I have too many holds arrive or books due on the same day. Time will tell if I like the old tried and true, or the Library Elf. I don't want to get Inbox warnings because of the additional warnings.
I have a card with Montgomery County but I did not register it, because I don't use it.
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