Social Networks (mySpace, Facebook, Twitter)
Social networks are already being used by millions to keep up to date with their communities be they social, geographical, professional, institutional or interest based. Every library has its own community (even corporate and academic libraries), and so it is only natural that LIS professionals are taking advantage of all these networks have to offer. Meredith Farkas started using Facebook just for fun, but soon realized that it could benefit her professional life as well. As she puts it, “…I examined my list of friends on Facebook, and realized I was looking at an online Rolodex full of experts. I saw experts on podcasting, library catalogs, engineering resources, web design, and much more. Here was this network of smart people who were likely ready and willing to share their knowledge. All I had to do is message them in Facebook” (Farkas, 2008).
Social networking can also be used to the benefit of patrons. The Missouri River Regional Library has over 236,000 items in its collection and around 53,000 card carrying members (WebJunction, 2007). It can be difficult to keep their enormous community informed about library happenings, so the MRRL started using Twitter. Any patron can subscribe to the Twitter feed and receive the short updates which include internet links if they are interested and want to find out more about an event. MRRL also has its own mySpace page (see link below) where they have a visual list of new CDs, DVDs and books, links to various topics being discussed on their blog, and general library information.
Social Networking Links
A Guide to Twitter in Libraries
http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2007/a-guide-to-twitter-in-libraries/
The Missouri River Regional Library mySpace page
http://www.myspace.com/missouririverregionallib
Top Ten Facebook Apps for Librarians
http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2007/top-ten-facebook-apps-for-librarians-part-one/
Blogs & Podcasts
Scores of librarians are now embracing the blogging and podcasting aspect of Web 2.0. Recently a survey was conducted with over 800 LIS professionals who maintained a blog. When asked to list their top three motivations for blogging, “The majority (69%) identified sharing ideas with others. Other popular reasons include building community (38%), contributing to the profession (23.2%), and reaching out to patrons (23%)” (Farkas, 2007). Many others also responded that blogging helped them “…keep up with trends in the profession” (Farkas, 2007). Blogs are an excellent tool for reaching more people than the library setting usually allows. Additionally, if comments on posts are allowed they can also be a great way for libraries and librarians to receive feedback from their patrons and colleagues.
Podcasts can come in audio or video form, and just like blogs can have a very positive impact on librarian/patron relations. To get started in podcasting Jason Griffey suggests first “identify existing content that might translate well into an audio or video format. Many librarians who are experimenting with podcasts have started with the ‘virtual tour,’ since video is a natural for showing patrons around” (Griffey, 2007). Podcasts are especially great tools for instruction, and librarians might use them to show or tell patrons how to use certain equipment or reference sites. They might also be used for weekly book reviews, by children’s librarians for story times, or as information updates for the community. For non-native speakers of the librarian’s primary language, podcasts are great because they can be replayed infinitely for better comprehension (Griffey, 2007).
Blogs & Podcasts Links
Alternative Teen Services (blog)
http://yalibrarian.com/
Denver Public Library Podcasts
http://podcast.denverlibrary.org/
Library Stuff (blog)
http://www.librarystuff.net/
Princeton Public Library Poetry Podcasts
pplpoetpodcast.wordpress.com/
Other 2.0 Ideas
The answer to the age old question “What do I read next?” can be tackled at an entirely new level with the help of Web 2.0. Neal Wyatt has us imagine a patron asking this question while giving you the name of a book they’ve read by an author they love; one you’re wholly unfamiliar with. You search for that book in your library’s catalog “...only to discover that not only do you own it, but your sf/fantasy expert has entered some read-alike suggestions and provided a brief comment on the major appeals of the genre. In addition, patrons have tagged the book with a range of descriptors, submitted their own reader reviews and reading suggestions, and given the book five stars. Suddenly, you know a great deal more about this book and can not only make some better informed suggestions but can also invite the patron to join in the dialog by submitting comments, reviews, and ratings” (Wyatt, 2007). This is the power of Web 2.0 when combined with Reader’s Advisory. The image above is not just a fantasy either, the Ann Arbor District Libraries in Michigan have already implemented a system like the one described above. On their website “… patrons are encouraged to rate books, tag titles, jot notes on old-fashioned catalog card images, and write reviews” (Wyatt, 2007). Click on their library link below and try it out for yourself!
Though Web 2.0 does have a lot of interesting and exciting applications, it also should come with a disclaimer. Michael Stephens warns, “It's easy to think your library should suddenly take on every tool and every new service that blogging librarians and conference speakers are discussing. That should not be the case” (Stephens, 2007). Obviously in the real world every library has its restrictions in budget, time, and staff available to pursue new applications. It would be unrealistic for every library to try to pursue all of the ideas listed above. Stephens suggests, “Don't let ‘Oh, shiny!’ catch you. Implement technology as a means to serve users, not for coolness” (Stephens, 2007). Evaluate which Web 2.0 applications would best serve your community, and implement those.
Other 2.0 Ideas Links
Ann Arbor District Library
www.aadl.org/
(Pull up the page for a book you like, look to the upper left for the “card catalog image”, “patron reviews” and “tags” links.)
Questions:
1) What Web 2.0 technologies might benefit the community you live in most? Why?
2)What innovative Web 2.0 ideas have you seen or read about other libraries putting into use? Provide links if possible.
3) What additional Web 2.0 ideas would you like to see utilized in libraries?
Works Cited
Blyberg, J. (2006). 11 Reasons Why Library 2.0 Exists and Matters. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from www.blyberg.net/2006/01/09/11-reasons-why-library-20-exists-and-matters.
Farkas, M. (2007, December). The Bloggers Among Us. Library Journal. 132(20), p. 40
Farkas, M. (2008, January/February). What Friends Are For. American Libraries. 39(1\2), p.36
Griffey, J. (2007, June 15). Podcast 1 2 3. Library Journal. 132(11), p. 32
Stephens, M. (2007, December). Web 2.0 and You. American Libraries, 38(11), p.32
WebJunction. (2007, July 31). Twitter and the Missouri River Regional Library. WebJunction. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=17518&source=rss
Wyatt, N. (2007, November). 2.0 for Readers. Library Journal. 132(18) p. 30
29 comments:
1) What Web 2.0 technologies might benefit the community you live in most? Why?
I never much thought about podcasts as a way to interact with patrons, but I think it could be great in my area. I live in a very diverse area with many ESL (English as a second language) citizens. I think that posting a podcast in Spanish might be able to help Spanish-speaking patrons to learn their way around the library especially when the library staff often don't speak Spanish. Perhaps there could even be podcasts to help patrons to learn English as many cannot afford to take courses and attend seminars to refine their basic English skills.
I really liked the idea that you provided about podcast as tour guide. There are many people who feel intimidated by the size and breadth that some libraries have to offer. Providing them with a video tour could ease their discomfort because they could learn where to go and whom to ask for certain things. Also, using a podcast as a guide on how to search databases and the catalog could be very helpful, especially for those who access the library from home (homebound, 3rd shift patrons, non-traditional users, etc).
Another W2 technology that I think could help the libraries in my area would be the social networking sites, such as MySpace. Getting to the teens in my area is something that the libraries are struggling with (as are many libraries), and reaching out through MySpace could help. The libraries could "friend" the local school and radio stations' pages on MySpace to get their their profile out there and be seen by patrons in the sites they visit. Just being present is a reminder to people that the library is still relevant.
Meagan Brown
The Grand Rapids Public Library has implemented several Web 2.0 technologies. They have a wiki, blog, podcasts and virtual reference. They are reaching out to their community and using any means possible to interest residents. I especially enjoy the "Guest Speakers" podcast directory. This is very convenient for those of us who don't live near the library or who are unable to attend a lecture.
My local library would benefit from using any Web 2.0 technologies. The Waterford Township Public Library has an e-Newletter and book reviews. Both of which took me a few minutes to find. I know Waterford is smaller than GR but it seems like they could implement a few technologies to interest patrons.
Jessica Kay-Oosterhouse
GRPLpedia
http://www.grpl.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
GRPL Podcasts
http://www.grpl.org/yourlibrary/pods/
GRPL - The Atrium
http://www.grpl.org/yourlibrary/blog/index.html
Ask Us Reference
http://www.grpl.org/research/askus.html
1) What Web 2.0 technologies might benefit the community you live in most? Why?
There is a very large community of teenagers that spend time in our community library. On week days after school every computer and chair is filled. There are gaming opportunities in the large side room, and often times there is pizza. I think that any 2.0 idea is going to continue to draw these kids in.
I actually just finished a tour of the Grand Rapids Public Library and had the opportunity to meet with several individuals who have been working on the Wiki there. They are in the midst of trying to integrate their previous website into this format and, I agree, it is quite well done. The individuals also told me that it is very easy to edit (any workstation in any part of the library b/c no software is needed.) I can see how this would be especially helpful to librarians who were working at the reference, or information desks and had 'down time'. This is a great application of L2 in a community library.
Since my city's public library was forced to relocate into our senior center, I frequent the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland. The website contains a link to a blog that was started by a local poet/soldier that was stationed in Iraq. I have not participated in it, but I think that it's a good thing to keep the public informed, on a first-hand basis of what it's like to be there.
Also available, I'm still trying to get my pin number so I can log in, is a MyLibrarydv. The website describes it as a unique video-on-demand service created by Recorded Books and your library. Anywhere you have a broadband internet connection you can have access to hundreds of DVD-quality videos covering a wide range of interests.
http://www.westland.lib.mi.us/
One Web 2.0 program that may be beneficial to my local library is the Flickr. I think it would be beneficial to those who are hesitant to come into the library because they may not know were to find what they are looking for, or their could be items availabe that they were unaware of.
Meagan brings up a good point of including a MySpace page. It is difficult to get teens into the library. This could definately help.
I would like to see our library use Flickr to share photos. Several years ago the library system purchased digital cameras for each branch. In my opinion, these cameras are not utilized to their full capacity. I know it is difficult when putting on a program to remember to grab the camera, but if branches could remember to take pictures of their programs, then share them via a Flickr account, what great publicity that would be. One of my co-workers does use the camera to take pictures of each one of her bulletin boards and displays. She saves her bulletin boards, posts the picture on the intranet, and is willing to share the bulletin board with other branches. I think Flickr would be a great way for her to promote her bulletin boards, and sharing online would also give other libraries not in our system ideas as well.
In response to question 2, the following links are for libraries who are putting web 2.0 ideas into use:
My Exhibits: Brooklyn Museum—Building on online community with social networking
www.flickr.com/groups/brooklynmuseum/ discuss/72157594192198447
The Vancouver and Niagara-on-the-Lake, both Canada public libraries using MySpace to promote events and links to their catalog (OCLC report)
www.myspace.com/notlp
www.myspace.com/vancouverpubliclibrary
Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, Michigan
Offers a live homework help social network for children and young adults in grades 4-12 to interact with tutors online
I would love to see my local library use things like flickr and especially myspace or facebook. It is a shame that I rarely ever see any teens or even young adults in the library, and when I do see them it seems like they just run n and check their email and then leave. If the library was more actively encouraging Web 2,0 type of programs I think the patronage would jump dramatically
Also Like Meagen, I have never considered something like podcasts for libraries, I think it would be a great idea and it would help get new younger patrons into the library who maybe were too afraid to ask for assistance before.
Blogs, Second Life, Educational Podcasts, etc.
Another example of a library using a blog is:
News from Nancy, State Librarian of Michigan
Nancy Robertson, State Librarian
http://statelibrarianofmichigan.blogspot.com/index.html
The most recent posting was in December 2007 (kind of old) but this type of blog looks like it has potential. I do think it’s important to keep adding new materials, though, or folks may stop checking the blog. As with any of the Web 2.0 technologies there is a need to do some planning to determine what the purpose of the blog will be (and also whether or not some other communication method might be better). Updating and responding to others’ comments are also necessary if the ‘blog’ is to be useful.
I echo the view of those who have spoken about the Grand Rapids Public Library’s use of Web 2.0 technologies. I attended a presentation by their staff last autumn and they seem to be very ‘tech’ savvy and to be doing some really interesting things with Web 2.0 technologies. Checking their website, I was interested to see that teens can submit poems and children can even listen to stories via podcasting. Very creative.
Second Life
The Michigan Library Consortium has a site on Second Life, as do the ALA and several other libraries. I have visited some of these sites and I think they have potential but I’m not sure we really know how best to use them.
Podcasting: I think this is a terrific Web 2.0 technology and one that will be around for a long time to come.
Library Podcasting
Here’s the link to a wiki with a list of “libraries and affiliated organizations that are currently podcasting and offering selected podcast resources service”:
http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Podcasting
University Podcasts
A number of university departments, which may or may not include the library, seem to be getting into ‘podcasting.’ This raises other questions such as who catalogs and preserves these podcasts, especially if the university library is not doing the hosting.
Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.virginia.edu/uvapodcast/
http://www.yale.edu/opa/podcast/
There are also some great (free) educational resources offered by “Open Culture”
http://www.oculture.com/
University & College Podcasts - Free Educational Podcasts
http://www.oculture.com/2006/10/university_podc.html
http://www.oculture.com/2007/07/freeonlinecourses.html
Some of these presentations use mp3 format.
These ‘non-traditional’ sources of information and (free) educational courses raise more questions about whether or not libraries should keep track of, and promote the use of such valuable resources. Should they be providing links to resources such as these from the library’s webpages? Including them in pathfinders?
In any case, Web 2.0 in the library raises a lot of questions and possibilities. There are clearly lots of very creative Web 2.0 things being done by libraries.
I think Blyberg is not completely accurate in his depiction of libraries slipping into obscurity without L2. People will always need to access the information resources of a library. While L2 opens new portals of access to that information in new formats, not every aspect of L2 needs to be implemented to stay current. I think people will still go to the library is the librarians don't have Facebook or Twitter accounts.
1) I think quick access to reference librarians - through instant messaging - would be a wonderful tool. Formatting the library catalog to work in a functional manner on a cell phone/pda would be a great tool as well. People need to be able to quickly access the information they need. If they can't see that the library has what they need, they are less likely to use its services.
2)At Michigan State University (www.lib.msu.edu) they have added Encore. This web tool adds a pool of tags to your query. On the upper right-hand corner, it displays covers of books recently added on the subject. When you search, the titles show up by relevance. It quickly tells you the title, availability, location, publication date, and LOC call number. There is also a column on the left side of ways to refine your search. The system makes finding precisely what you need very efficient.
3) Podcasts on information relevant to a search would be a nice feature. They could be cataloged and easily accessed/downloaded. Providing transcripts for accurate citations would be excellent.
What innovative Web 2.0 ideas have you seen or read about other libraries putting into use? Provide links if possible.
The Library of Congress has recently uploaded 3000 pics to Flickr.com. It is looking for feedback and information about the photos to enhance its records.
The National Library of Australia has also used Flickr.com.
The pictures are beautiful. As I have no plans to visit the LC anytime soon,I am happy that it is sharing a few of its millions of pictures.
SLJ - February 1, 2008 http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6526726.html?industryid=47063 http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/
It's great to read about Web 2.0 technologies taking hold in our very own Michigan libraries (Grand Rapids Public Library, Faust Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, etc). Nice finds everyone. I especially like the Oculture site mentioned by Catherine. It's a great resource and I found some lovely podcasts under the Foriegn Languages section that I'm going to try out to keep up with my Spanish.
In the original post I mentioned the possibility of podcasts being used by youth librarians for story time sessions, and today I found a website that goes even further. At http://www.storylineonline.net/ members of the Screen Actors Guild read stories complete with video. It's very neat, check it out!
I also have another question to offer you: For those who are looking into LIS professions outside of public & academic libraries, what Web 2.0 technologies are especially useful to your field?
Meagan, you mentioned Spanish-speaking users. While I think podcasts would be tremendously helpful to these users, have you checked out the AADL's site? They've put links to the Google-translation of their pages at the top of every page. It does Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian. An awesome feature, in my opinion, and one that, at least in theory, should be as simple as adding links. While I can't vouch for the quality of the translation, some is probably better than none at all.
Catherine, I'm not entirely convinced about the Second Life trend. I've encountered a few SL "pushers", and none have been able to really convince me of its worth. I've played around with SL a bit, and found it to be clunky, extremely demanding of system resources, and rather ugly. Those issues aside, I don't really see the value at this point. It's much easier to get a chat room together for a number of people than set up a gathering in SL, unless everybody you want to participate is already in SL. If you're going to have people download software and set up accounts, why not set up an audio chat instead? Outside of the gee-whiz factor, I don't really see what Second Life does that makes it worth the exceptional amount of time required to develop for it. I suppose if you already have a sizable population there (as you might for Facebook, Myspace, etc.), then it makes sense, but using Second Life just because it's a new thing makes little sense to me.
To respond your statement more directly, I think the problem with Second Life is less a matter of our not knowing how best to use it and more a matter of Second Life not being particularly well-suited to anything, at least at the moment. As the old saying goes "jack of all trades, master of none" ...
In terms of useful web 2.0 tools, I'm a big fan of the Meebo right now. An IM client that can be imbedded right in the library webpage strikes me as an incredibly effective way to provide reference support at a distance. We've been using a Java-based tool, one that requires a user click a link to launch chat in a separate window. While it's an excellent service (and one that's available 24/7), the very fact that one needs to click a link to access it I think reduces its usefulness. I just got stats and found only 16 users have visited the site since July.
I rather think Wayne potentially misses out on the advantages of such a tool by burying it's browser-based chat under an Ask a Librarian page, a full 3 clicks off home. UofM does a bit better at 2 clicks.
I'd really like to see help integrated into the places where folks do their searching, rather than requiring them to swap out to another page for help ... isn't 'embeddedness' one of the selling points of this sort of technology? Is there some reason not to do this that I'm missing?
Since I posted my comment about wishing we used Flickr in my system, I have learned that our library indeed DOES use it. We have a photo gallery set up from our home page highlighting programs at various branches. Take a look at them from this website:
http://monroe.lib.mi.us/about_us/mcls_photos.htm
May I recommend viewing the Dundee Library's anniversary photos? The picture of the 3 librarians shows my mom, (retired 15 years ago from that branch) and the 2 librarians who have succeeded her in the last 15 years. (Mom is the white haired woman with the green lei).
i think the podcast technology will behelpful to my community because for alot of people especially the 'old school', do not have the patienceto holda phone for more than ten minutes doing a virtual reference. Also i think the video demonstration of working with with other library tools, or library aspects will be interesting.The fact that it can be played over and over is an added advantage.
I have heard about the Illinois Alliance Library System (http://www.myweblibrarian.com), where communcation goes on between the lirarian and patron.Another on i have heard of is the CLEVnet consortium (www.knowitnow24*7.net)
I will be glad to add the fact that CDs and DVDs should be created on the use of and using the library. i will like to see librarians reach their patrons on what ever device they have. Laptops,iPods, TVs, minicomputers among other devices. through this they will be able to reach both the old and young.
One of the Web 2.0 technologies I'd really like to see implemented is the ability for users to create lists of media for other like-minded users. This is easily one of my favorite features on Amazon.com and I would love to see it at a public library. It seems that no matter how hard librarians try, it is impossible to group or tag items the same way users can. Allowing users to group like products/media for people with similar interests really creates a by-patrons for-patrons service that lightens the librarian's load and makes the library more functional overall.
The new technology that I'm completely in love with is the pod cast. Not only does it come in a variety of subjects, but it can be indexed and sorted much like a magazine or journal. It was pointed out earlier that the podcast could be bilingual and could serve as a tour guide through the library, which is yet another fantastic way to to use it.
Most cities have a diverse patron base and some of those patrons don't speak english as a first language, so what would be a better way to introduce them to the library and their services then using their native language and outlining what it could offer them?
Another great point is that most podcasts are free, so what's the hold up? I subscribe to everything from proper Victorian manners (that hasn't worked) to my favorite historian's weekly lecture. It's crazy how many different subject matters on pod casted, and since most of the time their free, it's seems like it's almost too good of a deal to believe.
Russell: thanks for your comment re: Second Life. You may be right. I haven't used audio chat so I can't compare it to SL. I have heard of at least one librarian whose presence in SL led to real-life presentations across the country but I'm sure individual experiences vary. Like a number of these Web 2.0 technologies I think we'll have to wait and see which ones survive and flourish. As someone whose initial 'gaming' experience (long ago) was "board games" and much later, a bit of 'pac man,' which was first released in 1980,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacman
I confess to being wowed by the SL graphics. Perhaps SL really is more 'social' networking, meaning recreational or socializing.
Myself, I have to keep remembering that 'social' networking is not just about chatting with one's friends but can (among other things) also link communities of practice and those with common interests, both professional and recreational.
As pointed out in Wikipedia re: social networks, "A social network is a social structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, idea, financial exchange, friends, kinship, dislike, conflict, trade, web links, sexual relations...The resulting structures are often very complex..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network
Social network service software such as "chat, messaging, email, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networking
can certainly facilitate human interactions, as we have seen.
Kelly W.: I'm glad you found the “Open Culture”
http://www.oculture.com/ info useful. I'll have to check out the Spanish resources myself--thanks for that tip. This is a good example of how useful blogging can be as a great way to exchange information on common interests.
Kimberly E:
I agree that Amazon has a wealth of amazing tools. In addition to the user created lists and tags that you mentioned they also have reader reviews, professional reviews, text search functions, suggestions of other books you might like, author interviews, and forums for each product/book. When I'm at the library I often find myself looking at both the library catalog and an Amazon page. I realize that budgets don't allow libraries to have all of Amazon's fancy features, but I hope they start to incorporate a few of them into their online catalogs.
I've also been wondering if digital readers such as Amazon's Kindle will have any future in libraries. A Library Journal article however indicates that the device's terms of use prohibit the owner from lending it out with content on it (Oder, 2008). Which is too bad because Kindles would be good for patrons on vacation, and for interlibrary loans (Oder, 2008).
Oder, N. (2008, February 7). Is It OK for a Library To Lend a Kindle?. Reed Business Information. Retrieved March 5, 2008, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6530211.html?desc=topstory
Kimberly, that's really interesting about the loan agreements for the Kindle. I can't see loaning one now, even if it were within the terms (too expensive, as your article points out), but certainly this technology is going to become more affordable. At some point it, or something very much like it, is bound to fall into the affordable range (and library stacks will be server stacks, dishing out their content to digital ink portables through the lounge-like building's wireless network). The precedent is worthy of note, and calls to mind the DRM issues the music industry is roughing its way through now.
Catherine, I apologize if I seemed a bit down on Second Life. More than seemed, I must admit. I am not a fan. It's perfectly fine as an entertainment medium, as a social social network, a massively multiplayer online game where folks roleplay various incarnations of themselves. The popularity of it, the 'Next Big Thing' marketing push Linden Labs have given its product has, frankly, made it a decent place to do some business networking. It is social networking software, and it is 'Web 2.0'. What I truly find unappealing about it is that it's a closed system. If I could surf SL the way I might surf MySpace or Flickr or del.icio.us, sans account and on a whim, through my browser, I would be more inclined to forgive its awkwardnesses. As a gamer and roleplayer (both tabletop and video) and a scifi nerd, I'm all for the creation of a consensual hallucination (which is how William Gibson originally described 'cyberspace'), and perhaps that makes me extra critical of Linden Labs' attempt.
All web 2.0 tools are very useful and could be educational, however every library should use what serves best its users. My library which is an academic library in the Middle East is far away from all web 2.0 tools. I think that they should start with using instant messaging (IM) at the reference desk as a quick way to serve the patrons. Not all students can attend the library physically in order to be served, what about a student who is out of town and needs assistance? IM would be the solution for a nippy reference service.
Other tools could be also implemented such as flicker. It could be used as a way to show incoming students the basics of using the library. For example, a photo tour of the building, how to locate and borrow a book or a journal, how to locate and use the photocopiers, how to use the microfilm machines and print and how to benefit from the Information Services department.
Amazing! thank you for sharing the AADL website - I have been thinking about a way to convince people we should do something similar to this on our online catalog since I started in my position last May. I think the tagging features and patron reivews captures the essence of libraries 2.0 by allowing patrons to provide feedback and input on the things that they read and share that with other patrons. This would help so much with readers advisory because other patrons and staff would be able to read those reviews and have those opinions to consider. And if you find a certain reviewer who seems to have the same taste as you then you will have a pretty good guide as to what other books you may enjoy.
I think what AADL is doing with their website is amazing and I hope that my system, CADL, is quick to follow in their example.
Hi Russell: no problem re: your comments on Second Life. I'm not an advocate of it, just curious to check it out from time to time and see if it has any professional uses. My usual position on it is, "I don't have enough time for my first life, nevermind a second life."
A few people have been commenting on librarians using Second Life as a Web 2.0 tool. I know a bit about the game but have never used it, so I looked into it. I was surprised to find out that "San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, CA, opened a pioneering Second Life LIS campus in May for discussions, lectures, and classes" (Tenopir, 2007). How interesting! The one drawback of our online course is the inability to put a face to a name (though I suppose that could be an advantage in some ways as well). But I think it would be neat to be able to chat with a classmate's avatar so you can see who you're talking to even if their digital representation is much different than their real life appearance. Anyway, if anyone wants to check out San Jose University's SLIS wiki, here's the link:
slisweb.sjsu.edu/sl
Tenopir, C. (October 1, 2007). Living the Virtual Library Life. Library Journal. 132 (16), p.24
I went on my local library site just to see if they had and new technology that I didn't know about. They are starting a new down load for e-books, videos and audio books. No blogging or wiki's that I could find on their site. I do know at one of the branches they do have a huge section of books in Arabic. They are also offering computer classes. I thought that was a step in to educating people in using technology.
I found this very cool Blog started by the Library of Congress. Check out what Matt Raymond say about it, followed by the link:
“That’s why it is so exciting to let people know about the launch of a brand-new pilot project the Library of Congress is undertaking with Flickr, the enormously popular photo-sharing site that has been a Web 2.0 innovator. If all goes according to plan, the project will help address at least two major challenges: how to ensure better and better access to our collections, and how to ensure that we have the best possible information about those collections for the benefit of researchers and posterity. In many senses, we are looking to enhance our metadata (one of those Web 2.0 buzzwords that 90 percent of our readers could probably explain better than me).
The project is beginning somewhat modestly, but we hope to learn a lot from it. Out of some 14 million prints, photographs and other visual materials at the Library of Congress, more than 3,000 photos from two of our most popular collections are being made available on our new Flickr page, to include only images for which no copyright restrictions are known to exist.
The real magic comes when the power of the Flickr community takes over. We want people to tag, comment and make notes on the images, just like any other Flickr photo, which will benefit not only the community but also the collections themselves. For instance, many photos are missing key caption information such as where the photo was taken and who is pictured. If such information is collected via Flickr members, it can potentially enhance the quality of the bibliographic records for the images.” (Raymond)
http://www.loc.gov/blog/?p=233 (copy & paste)
As for my local library, I would really like to see some Web 2.0 technology for reader reviews and recommendations. Also, many people who use this library are doing some personal genealogical research and I think communication (patron to patron, patron to librarian) would be beneficial in sharing ideas that have worked and new things to try and so forth.
My public library has a really great newsletter, but they need to move to the next step and have more immediate/current flow of information. As well as getting and responding to more feedback.
I think blogs would be a great technology that would benefit my community, I think patrons would love it. Patrons could blog about different books or events going on in the library.
Blogs are great way to share information. One great value is that it is not necessary to have web programming skills. It is already done for you. In my library, a medical library at the John D. Dingell VAMC, the librarian has a blog that is used to keep employees up to date with new finding in medicine and continuing education. She is older and not familiar with new technology, but she is able to use a blog to maintain a web presence with no technical knowledge and at no cost.
http://vamcdetroitlibrarystaff.wordpress.com/
I really haven't noticed anything new with my home library's webpage. I have'nt checked in a while. But I feel that when you talk about new technologies and such in libraries, you have to question the funding. There are probably many things the library could do if it had the involvement and the money. By the way I live in Detroit. i know the libray here offers many wonderful things, but I feel they are more geared towards getting the community in and less about being cutting edge regarding technology.
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