kmlussier(164 - days ago)Page: Twitter

I've enjoyed reading everybody's Tweets over the past week. I am in total agreement that spam could be the downfall of Twitter if they don't get it in under control. Yes, I can block the Spammers, but it is a pain to do it every day. One of the reasons I use Facebook to communicate with people so much is because I know I'm less likely to get Spam there than through e-mail.

As far as advertising, though, that's one bizarre thing about Twitter. There is absolutely no advertising on the site, and there really is no business model for the company. Google has talked about buying Twitter, but those talks seemed to fall through a few weeks ago.

When it comes to banality, I think Twitter started with a lot of banality and has since matured. But it is all in the choices you make. If you choose to follow somebody who is outlining every step they make during the day, you will have a totally different experience from somebody who is using it to follow NPR News and the New York Times. Linda Braun mentioned in her class last week that she has stopped using her RSS Reader because she gets all of her news from Twitter now. She really is getting the same information she previously got from her Reader, but she is just getting it in a different place.

I also wanted to mention that although Twitter can be used with a cell phone using text messaging, I don't know anybody who receives Twitter updates via text messaging. They may send messages that way, but most people use one of the Twitter apps that were highlighted in an article I posted to Twitter earlier this week.

If your library already has a blog to share news, I would encourage you to try setting up a Twitter that your blog feeds into using a service like TwitterFeed. We do this with the SEMLS Twitter account - www.twitter.com/semls. Several of our SEMLS blogs, as well as the RSS feed from our EventKeeper calendar, feed into the Twitter account. After the initial set up, we don't have to lift a finger to keep that Twitter account up to date. Yes, the information is redundant, but it's a way to reach out to users who may already be checking Twitter every day, but may not be going to our blog every day.

But Judy makes an important point about knowing which service would be accessed more. Over the past few weeks, we've discussed four services that pushes information out to where the user is: RSS feeds, Facebook, MySpace (we didn't try it, but it was part of discussions), and Twitter. I will argue that these will reach a wider audience than any other tool that you put on your own Web site because you just aren't going to find a lot of people who go to your Web site on a daily basis. When designing this service, it is important to decide who your audience is and then find out which service they are most likely to use. If 80% of that audience is on MySpace, it doesn't make much sense to create a Facebook page.

Thanks to everyone for all of the great discussions over the past seven weeks. It's been a lot of fun!

moocow52(165 - days ago)Page: Twitter

I have had trouble with the 140 character limit too. I have had to delete some things--though I fear they then don't make sense!!

History majors can be wordy too! With 140 characters, I'm just getting warmed up! :)

shughey26.som(165 - days ago)Page: Twitter

I didn't add my cell phone, either, Judy. I don't text, so I'd have a hard time constructing a sentence. I just can't be concise. We English majors are bent towards verbosity.


I agree with Eden (at least I think it is Eden) about twitter replacing google or other search engines. Maybe searching on twitter will improve...we'll have to watch.

dwalgreen(165 - days ago)Page: Twitter

I too am afraid that Twitter will be overtaken by advertising. Within one day of setting up an account I was bombarded by them. If the problem with spam does not get resolved with this site I may opt for something else.

moocow52(166 - days ago)Page: Twitter

It was amazingly easy to set up my Twitter account! The video in step one was very helpful. I had to look around a bit to figure out how to post, reply, and search. When I searched for "libraries," I got tweets containing the word "libraries." I will try again using the # to find other actual libraries on twitter.


I haven't thought much about twitter because I thought it was mostly for kids and wouldn't have much useful info. The inclusion of URLs is a great feature! And having websites posted in the user profiles is great!


Our library has set up a twitter account to post announcements of cultural events. It's quite new; I'll have to look for info about/evidence of posting/replying.


I found the articles this week very interesting. I was intrigued by "The 8 ways twitter will change your life" item #2. I'm wondering how Stephanie Martin was able to find people in he field in her target market. I'll have to try some more searching. Maybe it's that # thing again?


And twitter replacing google for some searches?? How do you know you have the right followers?


The "All a Twitter" article had some great pointers for me as a "starter." I appreciated the tutorials--and will explore those more carefully in the next couple of days. The examples of the ways libraries are using twitter were creative and "inspiring." I will share those with others at my library. The 5 Fast Twitter tips and the Tools and mashups lists are great and I can't wait to explore them. (They may even answer some of the questions I have noted above. :)


The very recent TIME article gave me some good background and up-to-date status and possible future developments.


This week has been an eye-opener for me.


Thanks

jfarrar_12525.s(166 - days ago)Page: Twitter

It was easy to set up an account. I would not add my cell phone! That would be expensive and annoying. I might use it in the library to post quick news events, but it seems repetitive with other tools, especially since there is a limit on the text. Who would want to know about my events via their cell phone? I'd want to know which are more likely to be accessed - facebook, myspace, the blog, the web site. It would be too much for a one-person or small operation to try and keep up with all of them. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I searched for 'library" in Twitter, I found mostly the large libraries, and the link just goes to a press release.

efergusson(166 - days ago)Page: Twitter

It was easy to set-up an account, and I can see that Twitter could be useful in some situations. I'm afraid that it will be overtaken by banality and evenually advertising.

shughey26.som(167 - days ago)Page: Twitter

Twitter is interesting. I liked the use of twitter by the Presque Isle library...kind of homey, personal, "good morning from Lake Woebegon" style of keeping in touch. The libraries that use it to connect to their blogs and websites are really maximizing this social networking. Bravo to them.

dwalgreen(167 - days ago)Page: Twitter

Setting up a twitter account for the school library would not be difficult, and it would be interesting to see what the patrons have to say, or who my followers would be. Maybe I could reach that kid who would not otherwise visit the library. It could be a way to advertise the library collection and online resources. It could be used to post important meetings with colleagues or to connect with other librarians in the area.

cmatossomref(167 - days ago)Page: Twitter

So far my experience with Twitter is negative. Unless your experiencing some really interesting event in your life like climbing Mount Everest, there is very little reason I'd want to stay up to date every minute on small events.


One use I could see is by creating a small community that are interested in daily contact but that makes me think of family or friends. Perhaps it could be an extension of a group that gathers at the library with a main focus. I still see limitations though with the amount of text you can input for a real conversation so I go back to feeling like a blog is better.


Last night I did have a vision of authors creating a new genre of fiction that allows readers to interact with characters. Creating fictional characters that can contact their readers with thoughts could really motivate some children to read more. Hey maybe even real historical figures that could relate interesting quotes or factual details. Just a thought.

kmlussier(167 - days ago)Page: Twitter

Hi Chris,

Twitter Fiction is a big thing - http://tinyurl.com/5sodss - or you could try Twitter Haiku. And there are lots of cases where people have created fake Twitter accounts for celebrities, and Twitter will deactivate those accounts once somebody brings it to their attention.

But since the focus of this class is to learn how most people are using these tools, you may want to think of other things you can post for the week. It does not need to be posts about what you are doing at this second. It could be a way to share new and interesting Web sites with your patrons, share information about a new book you've read, or just highlight a program at your library. Since you are in this class with others working in libraries, you could also use it as a forum to post questions to your colleagues. In fact, you could have posted this question there.

But feel free to do the interesting character if that works best for you!

Kathy

cmatossomref(168 - days ago)Page: Twitter

I just started my Twitter and realized I really have nothing to say on a daily basis -- my thought is I should make up an interesting character and just lie a lot. Is there some rules about that?

sevans34(174 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

I love how the Denver Public Library has children's stories on their podcast page. I wonder if they are getting circulation statistics from them. I think they should.

sevans34(174 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

I like the idea of podcasting and posting videos. You could do a video tour, how to talks and reviews. I enjoyed the podcasts I listened to and think i might become very addicted to listening to them.

I had a much easier time posting a youtube video to my wordpress blog than rss feeds.

hyannis_library(175 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

What a fun week! I enjoyed and learned from everyone's You Tube blog posts, too.

It was a nice surprise to find my old You Tube video about the Library's mascots still available to link to my blog for the class assignment.

Conversations and conflicts about blocking sites from school libraries and classrooms must be never-ending. In Hyannis we are always discussing matters about personal responsibility, individual rights to information access, and privacy, but the director reminds us to leave our personal views at the door. How do school librarians and teachers handle all the conflict? I would really like to hear more about your experiences.

Carol DeLuca

cmatossomref(175 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

This was a great lesson. Uploading my video to my blog really made it come to life.


I agree about having to block unmonitored computers from YouTube since there is way too much junk on there. Already I don't allow my children to have Internet access except in common areas where I can see them. Not that I think they'll look for things but stuff finds its way into your home...


My family already were YouTube fans -- I torture my children by looking up 80's music videos and dancing around the kitchen. Also it's great for finding classic cartoons or funny videos.

moocow52(177 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

Judy: Thanks for posting that interesting lecture!

moocow52(177 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

I agree that the videos in the InfoTubey Awards were very clever! Great for PR and possibly instruction, etc. (Is there a time limit for a YouTube video? How about for a podcast?)


The library at another college in our town held a contest for students to create PR about the library. I'll have to investigate those further.


Our library has just started to use Twitter to promote library programs. Maybe podcasting will be our next venture.

moocow52(177 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

This has been a short, crazy week, so I am even tardier than usual (!)

I really enjoyed this week's exercises; I learne SO MUCH! I hadn't realized how **easy** it is to find/subscribe to podcasts and find good YouTube videos and embed them into a blog. And to even create your own! This has been a real eye-opener. Thank you!

I found the articles very interesting. The idea of using podcasts for language instruction is so neat.

I wonder how podcasting compares to course management systems like WebCT? Our school was videotaping lectures--which the library then placed on reserve. Now that has disappeared and there is WebCT (well, Blackboard now.) Faculty and Administration worry that students won't come to class. Other faculty wouldn't allow the videotaping and are still "gun shy."

Some of the library staff have suggested taping for podcast some of the guest authors and other speakers we have. There has been reluctance--and questions about "releases" and such. How have other libraries dealth with this?

The suggestion to document our community through "radio Diaries" is very appealing for our school's archives.

Great lessons this week!

dwalgreen(178 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

Cynthia,

I too was impressed with the Monroe County Library video. If the rest of you have not seen it yet, visit the Info Tubey Awards on YouTube. I can see how students would fall in love with this library. The video highlighted the many activities, contests and programs the library has to offer. It looks like it was produced by the students as well.

Debbie

shughey26.som(179 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

Judy, thanks so much for posting Dr. Wesch's YouTube lecture. I was totally fascinated by it, having had no clue what YouTube was really all about. I particularly loved the ending. It is so hopeful that the younger generation recognizes that we really are one world.

jfarrar_12525.s(179 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

This was a short week for me, due to the holiday, so I didn't get to linger with these resources like I normally do. I searched for interesting food related podcasts and was amazed that there are so many beer-making podcasts! Personally, I don't feel I have time right now to subscribe. There was nothing relating to my hobby, quilting, that is newer than 2005! Does the old stuff ever get "cleaned out?" YouTube is SO popular among the middle schoolers - my kids are addicted. It's interesting. Check out the lecture I posted on my blog.

dwalgreen(179 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

This week I used Odeo to listen to various podcasts and YouTube to view video clips. It was a fun and interesting experience for me since in the past I rarely visited these types of sites. I think I will tend to visit them more now. I found that the "Making Waves" article had good, useful information, included instructions on how to get started and many links for podcasting in education. Both sites I visited are user-friendly, and I was successful in adding RSS feed to Google Reader and the video link into my blog.


Libraries could incorporate podcasting with booktalks, storytelling, and poetry slam. Video sharing could be used to promote the library and its programs, almost like an advertisement.


I wouldn't say it is reasonable to block YouTube in schools, however schools do need to be vigilant when using this type of site. If the site is being monitored by teachers and viewed for instructional use, I think it would be acceptable to provide a few workstations in the school or a station in the school library. Students would need to be given specific criteria when searching the site, or even better, the actual link to be viewed, rather than random searching. Otherwise, I think students would get easily distracted by material not related to their topic.

shughey26.som(179 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

This lesson was fun. I liked the storytelling podcasts, and I think that short instructional videos are very useful. I think the children really love hearing themselves do the book reviews and news items. In a school setting this activity sounds like a terrific way to encourage all kinds of learning. I did notice that one site is already defunct, and several have old (2005 & 2006) dates on the latest postings. Keeping up with any project is always the biggest challenge.

I think that we have to be very careful about the filters we use. In public libraries, we have more latitude, but in school libraries there are so many people to contend with: parents, school boards, concerned citizens, etc. Schools often have to take the "safest" path.

sevans34(181 - days ago)Page: wikis

I like the Wiki for the class. The dashboard is extremely helpful! I had trouble with the wiki for the assignment just getting my head around it. I did add favorite movies and music.

I think it it a good tool to use for communication, because everyone can have a say.

ctobojka(182 - days ago)Page: AudioVideo

I have worked with teens for almost thirty years so I tended to gravitate to the article and videos that relate to their needs. The video posted by the Monroe County Library impressed me the most. They are doing a great job of including teens in the library experience in some many ways. I especially liked the noise I heard in the back ground. Teens can be noisy and their activities can be noisy. It's great to see the library provide a space for them where they don't have to worry about that.

I assume the the teens put this video together themselves. What a great add for their very special library. Kids could put videos out to show other kids what goes on there. I just loved the comment by one of the kids that he likes the library because “they don't have a lot of old things”. I wonder if he meant the librarians too!

As for blocking... It is needed in areas where supervision is not constant. But certainly some of the computers should be left unblocked. When I worked as a school librarian I found blocking to be arbitrary and frustrating. Students looking for information on breast cancer were blocked; I had difficulty looking for sites that had teen in the title or URL. We could provide our director with the URL to unblock but that really isn't the answer. Some control is needed though because kids can get themselves into trouble easily. I'm not sure what the answer is.

I agree with the IT director who unblocked YouTube. The staff will have to be vigilant and the students must accept the consequences of bad judgment. The day will come when a student downloads something objectionable and he or she should lose computer privileges, but the whole school shouldn't suffer because of that possibility.
Cynthia

ctobojka(184 - days ago)Page: wikis

I enjoyed learning about Wikis this week, although I feel like I am just a little bit behind everyone. The articles this week were very good and offered some interesting examples of how people use wiki's.

My supervisor at one of my jobs wants to create a wiki where the people in our department will post their job descriptions and directions for some of the things we do. It can be changed as needed and if a new person comes on board or if somebody is out for an extended time the others can go to the wiki for guidance. It can also be used to share our experiences at conferences and workshops. The wiki format offers so many possibilities, some which we haven't thought of yet.

I don't find the video helpful; I find the format "too breezy". Maybe it's just me.

I'm sorry that I missed the discussion this week and hope that I can make the next one.

efergusson(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

I just created a Wiki on pbworks for our staff as a way to enchance communication - particularly important with part-time staff. This should be fun!

moocow52(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

I agree that "workflow" needs to change in order for anyone to use a wiki efficiently. So much is changing so fast these days, that it can be difficult to remember to use all the "new tools." I have to put a reminder in my electronic calendar to look at certain resources regularly. (I really have trouble with my RSS feeds.)

For our staff intranet blog, the system generates an e-mail message when a new posting has been made. And that would help me with my RSS feeds too. I was glad to learn about Feedburner in one of our previous lessons.

We are trying to think of a wiki as a place to store documentation, etc that may need to be updated regularly. I am going to post our employee handbook, our disaster plan and our promotion plan to the wiki. (They are a real pain to update!) We are thinking of the blog as a place to share info with all staff that we want to keep long-term. (New school travel policy.) The "old" staff e-mail list is for things that are of short-term interest/importance: "Has anyone seen this book?" "Get time sheets in early this week." etc.

Our staff forum will be for soliciting feedback--maybe it's between a wiki and a blog? The photo collection is for getting the hundreds of photos out of online files--keeping the good ones, dropping the fuzzy one, adding tags and captions ("When was this taken, anyway? Who is that?") to assure long term value and usefulness.

More "food for thought!"

moocow52(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

Editing the wiki was easy enough. Thank you for starting us out with the "favorites" lists. That was less daunting tthan facing an entire document. I did have to look around for the various keys; thank you for the detailed instructions!

Our library has a staff intranet. We have just added 4 tools: wiki, blog, forum, photo collection. We have been training staff to use those tools. As far as the wiki is concerned, we have added a lot of cataloging documentation and info from a Circ Desk "rolodex."--arranged alphabetically by topic. We expect that the Circ and Ref staff members will be adding to it frequently.

We have tried to use the wiki for collaborating/editing the library newsletter. (No, we haven't gone to a blog yet.) For this recent issue, it was "too early in the game" for all the team members to "wiki." But we sure do see how it could be useful!!! Lots of e-mail edits going back and forth.

I found the readings to be very interesting. Catching up on the "history" was neat. And to know that "wiki" means "quick" in Hawaiian was a good bit of trivia info to add to my memory. (Some medical librarians have been in Hawaii this week for the annual conference; I bet they didn't learn about the word "wiki!!" Yes, not a good year for a meeting in Hawaii--plans made several years ahead...)

I found the discussion among librarians about the pros and cons of wikis to be interesting. I wonder if many have changed their minds now almost 4 years later?

But Jimmy Wales' comment about wikipedia as a "teaching opportunity" was fascinating to me! Certainly we want to teach about reliable resources and critical review of internet resources--so certainly Wikipedia is a great example for that! "Writing skills and social skills, and group consensus"??? I'm not sure users are thinking that "grandly." (We're still trying to get students to realize that "googling" is not the best research strategy--especially in medicine!!)

The examples of possible uses for wikis were interesting, and I enjoyed having a list of library wikis to sample. The University of Minnesota's wiki for staff communication and project collaboration was the most relevant example for my situation, but the others were very interesting.

Being able to "keep up" with a wiki on a daily basis would be a challenge, but would be ideal for documentation, procedures, collaboration on documents.

Another good week of "learning." Thanks!

kmlussier(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

I'm glad to see so many of you played around with inserting images with the wiki assignment this week. The great thing about using a Sandbox is that you don't have to worry about messing up since we're the only ones who will be seeing it.

I just have a few things to contribute to this week's discussion. The first point (which I think I mentioned in one of the chats) is that although it is very easy to edit a wiki, the real difficulty lies in setting up the navigation so that it is intuitive and easy for all of your users to figure out. I've seen people set up a wiki without starting it off with any navigation or links. People will be unlikely to contribute to this wiki because they won't know where to put things. Or, several different people will try to set up their own navigation that are at odds with each other. I've also seen wikis where it's just hard to figure out where everything is located. So a lot of thought needs to go into the organization of the wiki before you start a project.

There were some comments about using a wiki to promote communication with staff and/or trustees. I had a conversation with a librarian several months ago who talked about the blog his library had started to share news with staff. But staff often did not check the blog, and it wound up being printed out and left on the circ desk so that everyone could read it. I'm sure wikis would face the same kind of obstacles. I just added the following link to my semls20 Delicious bookmarks today:

http://www.cmswatch.com/Feature/190-Wiki-Myths

It talks about the high expectations businesses have for wikis changing the work culture, but that these expectations are rarely met. I think a wiki is a great idea for sharing information, but a lot of work also needs to go into changing workflows so that people check the wiki or learn to use RSS readers so that they can be notified when updates are made to the wiki. I once did an RSS workshop for a group of trustees at a library where the director was sharing updates via a blog. I'm not really sure how much success she had in getting her trustees to start tracking her updates that way. In your case, Jocelyn, you may want to try using Feedburner on your wiki's RSS feed and enabling the e-mail subscription option. Trustees would thenl have the option of getting those updates via e-mail. It really provides the best of both worlds: you can continue updating information in a way that's easiest for you, but they can continue to get updates in their preferred method of communication.

I have never thought of wikis as the best tool to integrate into an existing Web site. Instead, it's usually something you link to off of your site.

Traditionally, wikis have been a tool that focuses on content rather than design, so it is very difficult to carry the look and feel of your site over to your wiki. Of the free wikis I've tried, I would say Zoho has the best options for customizing the look so that it can look a little like your existing Web site. I did a little searching around on this topic and found that PBWiki (now PBWorks) used to have something called a wikilet that allowed you to republish wiki information on your Web site, similar to the Flickr badges or Delicious Linkrolls we saw in previous lessons. However, it doesn't look like it is available in the current version of PBWiki. I'm not aware of other wikis that provide a similar feature, but there may be some out there.

Judy's example of the Mary Ferrell Foundation wiki shows that you can really develop a Web site out of a wiki. I'm guessing they are using software installed on their own server. The free, hosted services don't allow you to do that much customization.

Since there have been a lot of questions about integration throughout this class, I'll try to pull together a separate handout that lists ways to do this for each of the tools we've covered. I try to mention it in the lessons, but it is sometimes nice to have all of the information pulled together in one place.

Deadlines will be pushed back next week because of the holiday. Have a nice long weekend!

Kathy

hyannis_library(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

Debbie, I feel overwhelmed at times, too. I would benefit from repeating this course in the future. Kathy, is this allowed?

The staff found out this week that maintenence of the Hyannis Library's website will be passed from a volunteer to us. Sherry has experience with websites so the big responsibility will be on her. However, I hope that I will be able to use what I have learned to help her.

Carol

cmatossomref(185 - days ago)Page: wikis

I love the idea of using wikis for sharing storytime ideas. Another idea is sharing storyteller info. It would be good to be able to link all the storytellers and performers in one spot.

dwalgreen(186 - days ago)Page: wikis

I am enjoying the Learning 2.0 class. I feel like I've learned so much, but at the same time, I'm a little overwhelmed with all of the information. I know I still have a lot to learn and would like to continue using some of these applications when this course is over.

-Debbie W.

dwalgreen(186 - days ago)Page: wikis

Someone questioned how to integrate the wiki into an existing website. That is a question I have also. I feel like I need another course just to learn how to create and integrate the wiki.-Debbie W.

jfarrar_12525.s(186 - days ago)Page: wikis

I have seen wikis used as web sites. Is this possible? The one I'm thinking of is http://www.maryferrell.org/wiki/index.hph/Main_Page They offer a free membership to post comments. In the archives field there has been some talk that wikis can

be used to allow someone with some expertise add a comment to a manuscript collection finding aids, like a scholar who has studied the literary papers, but I can't figure out if this is advantageous or not, or how it would be accomplished, now that I have become more familiar with these tools.

efergusson(186 - days ago)Page: wikis

I had no trouble editing/adding to the Wiki. It was easy and the instructions were clear. I can see several applications in the library world. I'm thinking of our book club for children grades 3to 5 this summer. I think that kids would really get into this as a way of communicating with each other about the books they are reading. I'd like to try it! I also can see this working for subject guides. It's another way to involve people and make libraries a conversation about ideas rather than just a place for storing materials.

shughey26.som(187 - days ago)Page: wikis

I had no problem editing the SEMLS sandbox wiki. The directions were clear and even posting a photo was doable. I wasn't comfortable trying to edit the other wikis I visited. I do think that wikis are very good for collaborative work. At a children's librarian's meeting someone mentioned pooling our story time info on a wiki. Now I know what she meant, and it is a very good idea. We could all contribute our favorite themes with the books, songs, crafts, etc. that make up each program.


The article, Make Way for Wikis, shows how useful they can be in a school setting, especially to encourage writing skills.


I agree with Jocelyn that committees and groups would fiind wikis a great way to collaborate. Using a wiki for collecting local history is a wonderful idea, Chris.

dwalgreen(187 - days ago)Page: wikis

Editing the wiki was not difficult at all. I followed the directions given and was able to edit easily. Since I am the only staff member in the library, I would use the wiki to communicate with patrons and faculty. I think that most of our users could do this. A good reason to launch a wiki for my library would be to attract students and teachers who love books and enjoy reading. If I were to create a wiki, it would be a "favorite books" wiki. Here students and faculty could list their favorite titles and write a brief review.

Debbie W.

hyannis_library(188 - days ago)Page: wikis

Once I got over the fact that the wiki toolbar did not look like the blog dashboard (another "what am I looking at?" moment) I had more fun with the editing. I find that at this point in the class I am recovering from visual overwhelm more quickly.

I think our staff and our library users can handle a wiki.

The wiki for Trustees and a local history wiki are very good ideas.

I think it would be great to have a community wiki to plan the library's float for the Hyannis 4th of July Parade.

Carol DeLuca

kmlussier(188 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

Has anyone been able to get the "show versions" button to work? If not, I'll check into the permissions of the wiki and see if I may be restricting access to that feature.

Kathy

moocow52(188 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

I too had no luck with the "show versions" button.

sevans34(188 - days ago)Page: wikis

I think that people want to be able to access everything right from their computer. I dont think this trend will go away. I think the library needs to follow that trend. I also think that home use can be measured in someway as to its effectiveness, and if is being used. That can translate into circulation stastics and money in the future.

efergusson(188 - days ago)Page: SEMLS Wiki Sandbox

It was fun adding photos to my comment on Favorite Travel - check out the Dordogne. Eden

jocelyntavares(188 - days ago)Page: wikis

I found editing the wiki fairly easy...it is another thing we are learning that requires practice. For me, and everyone, it is making the time to do that. I think my biggest question would be integrating the wiki into an existing website to make it seemless and cohesive. How do we integrate all these tools in to existing places?

I think staff would be capable to work within a wiki. I wonder if they would use it and if it would better our communication with each other. Even on a small staff, there are communication hurdles. The other thing I wonder is if we had one, would everyone be able to use it? I already hear comments about not having time to check email. It makes me wonder how easily re-trained we would all be. Email is not going to go away!

I think depending on the user, the wiki would be a way to go. I see it as a great tool for committees or groups to participate with. It would also be a good way to get suggestions and hear what the community thinks. I do think it would have to be done with the right subject. I would be uncomfortable putting together an information source for people to use if potentially poor information shows up on it. We kind of scorn wikipedia for the fact that you can go in and change it. Even though the potential for great things are there.

I have tried to launch a wiki for my trustees. It is a challenge getting them to use it! Or view it everyday. I will keep trying. It is easier to update that (and less confusing) then send them mass emails in order to schedule a meeting, or keep them informed during budget season. I think a wiki would be a good tool for discussions; maybe a way to launch an online book discussion. And certainly, I would like to get opinions on programming or services that maybe we aren't offering now.

jocelyntavares(188 - days ago)Page: SEMLS Wiki Sandbox

I did things a little backwards when I tried to add my own page. Mine is the Restaurant one that did not quite make the list! It is at the top. I need to play with pictures, though.

cmatossomref(188 - days ago)Page: wikis

I just finished reading the article "Make Way for Wikis". It brings up a good point about the reliability of Wikipedia and its many contributors. Despite that I find it useful (as all encyclopedias) for finding keywords to further my search. Also on the bottom if the information is viable it often has a bibliography attached and this list of resources can often be worth a look.


As far as our library goes, I think a wiki on Somerset history would be beneficial. We have resources here, at the historical society and several amateur historians and genealogists. Gathering their information would be a real benefit to our community.


Personally I don't like contributing to Wikipedia. As a librarian I would want to cite specific sources if I added any information. That would take more time than I have right now.

efergusson(188 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

Can I just say.... I love the CommonCraft Show! Wikis seem very doable and very helpful. However, all participants must be committed to the collaboration and working toward the same goal. Otherwise I think that there would be a lot of editing (erasing/revising) that could go on. Eden

dwalgreen(189 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

I tried the "show version" button as well and went nowhere. After reading about blogs and wikis, I think a wiki is better for collaboration among peers and co-workers than a blog.

shughey26.som(189 - days ago)Page: SEMLS Wiki Sandbox

I had a great time adding pictures of my favorite actors to the wiki. Because it is a learning tool, I wasn't too afraid of messing anything up. However, I am not at all comfortable with editing Wikipedia, although I did look up my home town in Maine. It was an interesting read.

ctobojka(189 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

From my point of view I think wiki's offer more than Blogs. Comments disappear from blogs and are difficult to find. Wiki's can be used by libraries and educators for committe work, and many other purposes.

While a lot of people like Wikipedia, I don't trust it. I know that it is monitored but that doesn't mean that the information is accurate. Who are the experts in every field who check every subject every day for incorrect information. And even if incorrect information is changed, someone may visit the page before the correction. Nice idea but...

Cynthia

ctobojka(189 - days ago)Page: rss

It looks like we are in danger of information overload. I can see how useful Rss can be in consolidating and delivering information but how much can a person absorb?

Now that I have these comments out of the way, I think libraries could certainly use feeds to keep patrons up to date on events or new materials. But do people really have the time to check all these feeds once a day or several times a week? When I want to check on library events I go to their web site.

I wonder if these feeds are more popular with younger people or those without families and full time work.

I hear librarians say that they don't have time to look at their own library's feed, blogs, etc. I think it is another tool that libraries can use but I worry about electronic overload.

Cynthia

jocelyntavares(189 - days ago)Page: rss

I feel like I am in the middle of the library-in-person vs. library-at-home scenario. Before I worked in a library, I was one of those people who wanted to do things on their own. Some people like being given tools to do that with - and I think a lot of Web 2.0 technology allows that type of user to use the resources. Even five years ago, getting my MLS at night and working full time, I relied on the remote access of the library to get through my coursework. I guarantee I would still be in school if I didn't have the means to access the library, electronic books or even classwork through the class wikis.

However, I still like person-to-person interaction. I need it, too. That will not go away, I don't think...what I do think is that libraries need to find what it is the online person may show up for. And make sure we keep attracting the people who do visit us in person. It's daunting, and I have plenty of ideas but no answers. I am reassured that people are still checking out books more than other formats. People are tactile.

shughey26.som(191 - days ago)Page: Learn about Wikis

I tried the "show version" button, but was afraid I was in some kind of a loop, as the "loading" icon just kept going and going. I gave up after 10 minutes. I did go to Wikipedia and viewed the history of my favorite genre: Regency romance. It was interesting, but not exactly in the same category as the Obama site!

kmlussier(192 - days ago)Page: rss

moocow - try adding the following code to your Text widget (I believe you can copy and paste from here):

<a href="http://moocow56.wordpress.com/"><img src="http://faq.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/b28.png" /></a>

If you add the code, click Save, and don't see any changes to the blog, try removing the text widget from your sidebar. Then, go back and re-add the text widget using the above code. You should just be able to modify the widget, but we had trouble on a blog earlier this week where it wouldn't update. We got it to work after removing the widget and then adding a new one.

Let me know how it goes!

Kathy

kmlussier(192 - days ago)Page: advertiseRSS

Hi Cynthia,

I just updated the Scriblio information to point to Lamson Library, Plymouth State University as well. This library is fully utilizing the RSS feed in Scriblio. You'll see it on any search results page.

Kathy

moocow52(192 - days ago)Page: rss

"Will the computer generation lose the ability to realte to one another on a personal basis?"

They already sit next to each other and text back and forth! ARGH. But, on the other hand, perhaps shy individuals will feel more comfortable interacting by computer technology. They may be able to move to the face-to-face interaction after developing a relationship electronically. (I just finished reading My Most Excellent Year--which is written as tweets, etc.) Certainly there has developed a down side to initiating relationships "sight unseen."


"Can my library take advantage of RSS to help get more people walking through the doors, more circulation, and more money?"

This question may be better answered by those in public libraries.

As an academic library (open to the public), we have a pretty well-defined population. And more and more patrons are accessing our collections "electronically." But we also have the goal of being "library as place," and sponsor art exhibits, author presentations, speakers on various relevant topics, etc. We can and do serve as a "gathering place" for students. We certainly would like more people to attend our events, training sessions, etc., so an RSS feed from our "news and events" section of our web page could be helpful. Whether people would actually subscribe to our feed is another question. (Enter Feedburner.) We do much of our publicity via e-mail to listservs of the various groups in the school. "Bombarding" those lists is discouraged, so RSS feed could be a good alternative. ("Encourage" them to subscribe to the RSS feed from our web page during the student and faculty orientations.)


"Is it important that any of these online services get more people through the doors or is it just as valuable to reach these users at homeeven if they never come through the doors?"

Traditionally, usage has been measured by gate count. Interestingly, one of the organizations to which we report annual stats does ask for gate count info. But perhaps more important today for making collection and funding decisions, etc., is counting the "virtual usage." The real question is: "Are we serving our population and meeting their needs?"--regardless if it's virtually or face-to-face. We do need to have the face-to-face and virtual stats to support our budget requests, etc. A new definition of "library service" is emerging.

janeteckert(192 - days ago)Page: rss

Is there a way to comment directly under a comment (that one wants to comment about)? I totally agree with jfarrar_12525.s who commented (above)


"RSS is perfect for the person who surfs the net and spends lots of time getting their info from it. It will certainly streamline searching the same sites looking for the latest entries. I guess my problem is that I think people should look for less information and more face-to-face interaction. I fear that the computer generation will lose the ability to relate to one another on a personal basis. Collecting more and more information doesn't make me a better person or a better librarian. However, if having an RSS feed on the library's website or blog will compel someone to come into the library and discover all the things we have for them, then bring on the FEED!"


I agree - I don't think that we can turn back the clock but I think that it is sad that there seems to be much less face-to-face communication and much more computer communication (I would like it to be reversed). Sincerely, Janet

janeteckert(192 - days ago)Page: rss

I will better use my Google Reader after completing this week's exercises. My current style is to visit favorite webpages because I not only enjoy reading the content but I also get a kick out of admiring the "look" of webpages and blogs. It took me a long time to set up my RSS logo on my Wordpress Blog page. I suspect that I typed one character incorrectly but I could not identify my error. This was frustrating. But once I got the hang of it, I had fun changing the color of my icon so that it would better match the colors of my blog. ~ Janet

moocow52(192 - days ago)Page: rss

My week with RSS:

Well, I vowed that I would complete the exercises early this week, so I started last Saturday. I set up a Google Reader account and added several interesting feeds--both professional and personal. But most of them were gone when I looked again. Where did they go? So I had to re-subscribe.


Then I worked on adding the RSS to my blog. The title is there in the right side bar, but no symbol--and it doesn't work. I did have trouble entering the text widget contents into the second box. I'll try again and let you know how it worked out! Maybe I need new glasses :)


I was very taken by the article "5 best tips..." I have subscribed to RSS feeds in the past, but then forgot to check them regularly. Most don't have daily activity, but still....

And of course that means I have RSS feeds on my Outlook account at work and now in Google Reader. I guess they don't really need to be combined; that will be another way--besides folders-- I can keep professional and personal feeds separated.

Frankly, for professional feeds, I prefer to be notified..ala feedburner. I may try that.

Our library web site does not have an RSS feed. That would be good for the news and events section anyway. The blog on our staff intranet does include e-mail notification for new posts; we want staff to see that info!

I like the suggestions in that article and will try some of them.


I think RSS feeds can be useful for libraries. As a liaison to a specific academic dept., I can keep up to date with the dept happenings by subscribing to a feed to their web page. I can identify particularly useful websites, blogs, etc. in the department's subject area and keep up with the new developments in those fields. I can recommend those sites to students and faculty in the dept--and they can evaluate them and subscribe to appropriate feeds. (Another modern SDI service.)

hyannis_library(193 - days ago)Page: rss

The discussion this week has been really terrific, and I have pondered a lot after reading everyone's comments and ideas.

For the Hyannis Library, getting more people in the doors and more circulation is vital because, beginning with FY2010, funding to the 7 village libraries will be calculated first by Circulation and next by Programming, followed closely by other traditional measures of success. I'm pretty sure that the policymakers did not consider remote access.

My goal is to use the new services learned in this class to continue to improve our connection to the community, and somehow I see the youth as key because they love information and librarians are information wranglers.

I'd like to think like a youth for about a day and then come back with a translation I can use to make RSS, etc. work. Whether this means a physical Hyannis Library or a virtual one -- well, we'll see.

Carol DeLuca

ctobojka(193 - days ago)Page: advertiseRSS

I visited the Cook Memorial Library Blog and couldn't find the RSS image to click on. Wouldn't it be better to put these types of things on the page of the library catalog. The patrons wouldn't have to go to different sites to get a book or check the calendar of events.

Cynthia

kmlussier(193 - days ago)Page: rss

What varying reactions to RSS! I made a couple of tries with RSS before I really started using it, and I'm not surprised at the different reactions we are seeing in this class. I know get my RSS feeds on my iPod Touch, and I find, when I am waiting somewhere that has a WiFi connection, I am likely to pull it out to read my headlines instead of pulling out a book or newspaper.

Just want to remark on a couple of the comments. I wouldn't try to fill your reader with items that you want to read everyday. In fact, if all of your feeds are ones that are updated daily, you will find that you drown in the amount of information that greets you ever time you check your feeds.

There really aren't many things I want to read everyday, but I do try to add the Globe's front page headlines since I like to keep up on the big news. But most of the feeds are for things I want to keep up on, but I would probably forget to check on because it's updated infrequently. For example, as a parent, one of my favorite feeds is for the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls. I want to make sure I don't have any recalled products, and, even though the news reports on some recalls, I've found that many don't ever make it to news reports. Another feed you all would probably be interested in for the next three weeks is the one for this wiki. You can then be alerted every time I post News to the front page or add assignments. And I subscribe to the feed for all of your blogs so that I don't have to visit each blog to see if anyone has posted anything. I'll be listing my top 10 favorite feeds on my blog by the end of the week.

As far as the amount of usage RSS is currently getting, a report from Forrester.com found last Fall that mainstream consumer adoption of RSS is just 11%. I bookmarked a reaction to the report in my Delicious links with a semls20 tag. I would have bookmarked that actual report, but it comes at a cost of $750.

However, I think that number is a little deceptive. Many people without knowing it. I know there is a much greater consumer adoption of Web portals like My Yahoo and iGoogle. Both of those portals use RSS to feed weather, news, etc. to their users. And many of those users know how to add more content to the pages, they just don't know the name for this is RSS.

And, to me, it isn't a big issue if there aren't many people are using RSS. The important thing is that the tool you're using, whether it be a blog, Flickr account, Twitter account, is serving a purpose that helps your library. The RSS feeds comes with that tool. It doesn't take an extra effort to add it, except in the case of some blogs where you do need to take that one final step to make sure you are advertising your feed. If you get just a few people who use that feed, that's a few more people who will have you updates pushed out to them. You won't need to rely on them coming to your Web site to get your updates.

At the beginning of this lesson, I mentioned that I thought RSS is probably the most important thing you'll learn in the class. Part of the reason for this is because I do think we are moving to a point where this will be the main way people will get there news. I have a lot of concerns about this shift, but there are a lot of benefits to it as well. As we are teaching information literacy to students, I think it's important component of how they seek information.

At the same time, RSS is really the driving force behind all of these Web 2.0 sites. I've had several questions recently about adding Flickr photos to your WordPress blogs or your Delicious links. In last week's class, we saw an example where a library had reposted its Delicious links its own Web site. The reason we are able to integrate all of these services together is that we are using RSS to push that information out to the other sites.

For those who are interested in promoting an RSS feed, I do recommend that you take a look at the "Exploring Further" exercise on using FeedBurner for your RSS feed. Given that there are just a few people using RSS, Feedburner gives you a great way to also connect with those who rely on e-mail for all of your information. Feedburner will provide a service where patrons can sign up for your RSS feed via e-mail. Once again, we can't rely on people visiting our Web sits as frequently as we like, but if they can subscribe to your blog via e-mail, that news will be pushed out to them. For an example of what this looks like, take a look at our News blog at http://www.semls.org/community/news/. In the right sidebar, you'll see a place where you can subscribe to the RSS feed, using the regular icon or through Google or Bloglines. There is then a box where people can enter their e-mail address to receive updates.

As you come back to do your second comment for the week, I would love it if you could respond to some bigger questions that were mentioned in this week's discussion:

Will the computer generation lose the ability to relate to one another on a personal basis?

Can my library take advantage of RSS to help get more people walking through the doors, more circulation, and more money?

And I will add the next question: Is it important that any of these online services get more people through the doors or is it just as valuable to reach these users at home even if they never come through the doors?

efergusson(193 - days ago)Page: rss

After I'd added subscriptions to Google Reader, I began to image how overwhelming this could become...so I chose to read the article on tips for reducing RSS information overload. (I can't manage my email inbox very well, so I am worried about managing a constant feed of information!) I was relieved to learn that there are strageties to help. We currently have RSS feeds available through our subscription to BookLetters. No one that I am aware of has actually subscribed (!) I think I need to do a better job of advertising the feeds...maybe place the feed to the NYT Bestseller List on the homepage instead of making it it a click away. I personally love feeds and hope to develop a feed of new books added to the collection as my next enhancement to our webpage. Eden

dwalgreen(193 - days ago)Page: rss

RSS is a good tool to use to gather information of interest, however, I'm not sure that having a feed on my website is going to be useful for my library.

Debbie W.

jfarrar_12525.s(193 - days ago)Page: rss

I plan on using the blog to post news about new acquisitions and events. I also plan on requiring my staff to read it so that they can keep up with what's going on. I think for myself and for libraries in general, the blog and the RSS feed will take the place, in part, of sending out a newsletter to those interested in what you do. One of my goals this year was to produce a paper newsletter and develop a mailing list. In this economy, it will be so much cheaper to do it online. You have helped me achieve my goal! One of the things I like about the blog and RSS feed is the way it looks - it is attractive.

Judy

shughey26.som(193 - days ago)Page: rss

RSS is perfect for the person who surfs the net and spends lots of time getting their info from it. It will certainly streamline searching the same sites looking for the latest entries. I guess my problem is that I think people should look for less information and more face-to-face interaction. I fear that the computer generation will lose the ability to relate to one another on a personal basis. Collecting more and more information doesn't make me a better person or a better librarian. However, if having an RSS feed on the library's website or blog will compel someone to come into the library and discover all the things we have for them, then bring on the FEED!

cmatossomref(194 - days ago)Page: Help

What do you mean by "adding a semls20 tag in your comments for this week blog"? Should I be creating tags for my blog comments?

cmatossomref(194 - days ago)Page: rss

I feel like RSS feeds are more popular in the tech and information fields. Of course we work in an information field but as a part-time reference librarian I really don't feel like I need ALL that info. When I went out to look for sites on my personal interests like knitting, there are a lot but I wasn't sure of the value of them. I can see as these become more mainstream that I could use them more but at this point I'm still not sold.

jocelyntavares(194 - days ago)Page: rss

I love the RSS feed. I wish I set up this google reader account for myself sooner. It seems like it will create a lot more time for my personal and professional newsletter reading and keep my inbox much less cluttered. I love how Google Reader organizes my life - i do have to spend a little more time to streamline my feeds and get it more categorized. I guess I am an information junkie who doesn't know when to stop.

I get overwhelmed with the listservs I belong too, and I wonder how the members of the listservs keep up with all the information that they do - blogs, library literature and the listservs themselves. Now I can give it a try.

In my library, I can see implementing RSS as great potential for keeping users in the loop on library newsletters, library events, new materials at our library, new programs at our library, Friends news...it is very exciting to me. Of course, I am a little overwhelmed at implementing everything that we have discussed so far in to our primitive website. But I see a light at the end of our tunnel. I think if done right, it will be yet another thing we can do to raise the public profile of the library in town. Especially, if we attract a following with this.

dwalgreen(194 - days ago)Page: rss

Of all of the services we are covering in this course, rss and newsreaders are the most overwhelming to me and require more time. There is so much information to process and organize. If I subscribed, I would try to keep it as simple as possible. Since I am the only staff member in the library at my school it wouldn't be possible for me to keep up with it on a consistent basis.


Professionally, I find it useful in getting information from professional journals such as School Library Journal. I was able to find some interesting articles. Since I haven't had a budget in a few years at my school, I am no longer able to subscribe to journals or magazines, so I think I would use rss for that purpose.


Personally, if I had time, I might subscribe to rss feeds about breast cancer. Since I am a survivor, that information would be helpful to me.


Debbie W.

hyannis_library(194 - days ago)Page: rss

RSS and newsreaders, as well as the other services we have covered, seem to require more time and attention than I initially anticipated. I really thought these would be short cuts I could learn in order to get information to people, but my opinion today is that while these tools are clever and fun, I am not seeing any practical applications for my library.


Can my library take advantage of RSS to help get more people walking through the doors, more circulation, and more money? I'd like to know! And is there an audience right now, or does more time need to be taken to generate an audience?


Personally, I prefer radio!


But I look forward to more debate as the class continues.


Carol DeLuca

kmlussier(194 - days ago)Page: GoogleReader

Sorry Sue! I missed your question when I first read your comment. You don't delete items in Google Reader, you just mark them as read. But there are a couple of settings that you can use in conjunction with this.

If you click on "Settings" in the top right corner of your screen and stay on the "Preferences" tab, you can check off the option for "In expanded view, mark items as read when you scroll past them." This eliminates the step of clicking the "Mark as Read" link every time you've read an item. You need to look at your feeds in expanded view to get it to work. To do so, click on the "Expanded" link in the blue bar above your feed headlines.

At the same time, you can configure Google Reader to show only new items so that you don't need to see the ones that have already been read. In the links above your feed's headlines, there is a link to see "all" the items in the feed or to just see "xx new items" (xx is replaced by the number of new items available. Click on the "new items" link to get rid of the headlines that have already been read.

Kathy

kmlussier(194 - days ago)Page: rss

Hi Sherry,

What happens when you try to add these items to your sidebar? Do you get an error, are they displaying improperly, or are they not displaying at all?

sevans34(195 - days ago)Page: rss

I tried to add rss, delicious and flikr to my blog, and I was not able to put any of them on.

jocelyntavares(195 - days ago)Page: GoogleReader

I love RSS. I get overwhelmed with news in my email. This allows me to manage my inbox so much better. We are info junkies. I am already overwhelmed with what I try to keep track of. The RSS reader kind of organizes it for me. I am sure it is a matter of time before I go batty with the amount of stuff I added to my reader. I had no trouble filling it. I have hopes of keeping up with book reviews and library news. In addition to all the email newsletters I never have time to read.

jocelyntavares(195 - days ago)Page: tagging

I haven't read the comments yet, but...I will chime in!

I think I liked Flickr the best of the three things. And I think that is because I have used both Delicious and Library Thing before, but (I confess) not to their fullest capabilities. I don't know that any one of the tools is best for library use. As someone mentioned before, delicious makes perfect sense at the Reference Desk. Flickr would be a great promotional tool to bring the library alive and share photos of events and patrons having fun. And Library Thing is an amazing resource for Readers Advisory and sharing information with readers. All of these tools make the library interactive and more real to our users (and us).

The benefit of tagging is using natural language to describe...but if the language isn't consistent, then you have to wonder what you are missing when you are on a search. I am not a cataloger, but I appreciate knowing how to read a MARC record and understand the subject headings. If I weren't a librarian, I am not sure if I would take the time to learn how to interpret the librarian language.

Both tagging and using subject headings presumes that we all think alike. I guess there is just a danger in defining things a certain way. Tagging seems to work best when you are in a closed community, either a group with the same mission or interests or goals. Subject Headings are fine, too, and I guess you could say they would work in a closed group, as well. But what works there is that the language is more consistent than user created tagging.

dwalgreen(195 - days ago)Page: rss

I was able to set up a Google reader account successfully, however, I am having trouble advertising the rss feed of my blog. I will keep working on it.

Debbie W.

cmatossomref(195 - days ago)Page: GoogleReader

OK I added my ten sites but it was not easy. When I considered how much I value my time, I wanted to consider carefully which sites I would want to hear from all the time. In addition I was trying to find some place that reviews and rates these sites. I went to a the blog catalog site that at least lists blogs by interest but anyone can add their blog. So then I decided to search for people or publications that have some credibility. I found a lot of these just sent out e-newsletters or that blogs weren't maintained. I probably won't use a reader but I think if you are in an industry that likes this stuff and want to keep up to date, it could be useful.

efergusson(195 - days ago)Page: advertiseRSS

I've added subscriptions to my RSS feed and really love this! I can see that RSS soulc be a valuable tool for libraries.

shughey26.som(196 - days ago)Page: GoogleReader

I agree with Chris. In this information age, keeping would be a full-time job. I can see that this tool would be very valuable for someone who needed to keep up on the latest developments, like in medicine or computer sciences. For myself, time is always an issue.

I have a question. Is is possible to delete the items you have read? I have been using the "mark all as read" button.

Sue H.

kmlussier(196 - days ago)Page: advertiseRSS

Hi Sue,

Scriblio has evolved so that it not only provides a front-end for a library catalog, but really drives the entire library Web site. Cook Memorial Library is using WordPress as a way to easily update the news and events on their site. The catalog is much more tightly integrated in the Web site than you usually see with other systems. If you click the "Browse" link or type words into the search box, you will be accessing the catalog.

From what I can tell, the only RSS feed Cook is using is the one for its news postings. The RSS icon actually appears on the right side of my address bar. However, it is possible to use Scriblio as an RSS feed for your new acquisitions as well. A better example of this is probably Lamson Library at Plymouth State University - http://library.plymouth.edu. If you go to this site and do a search in the search box, you will see several RSS options at the bottom of the search results page. You can subscribe to a feed for all new posts to the library blog or to new acquisitions matching the search terms you just entered.

By the way, on the Cook Memorial Library site, you will see a group of photos at the top of the screen. These photos are actually ones the library uploaded to Flickr. They then use a Flickr badge to have them republished on their site. If you refresh the page, you'll notice that the photos change every time you make a visit to the page.

Kathy

shughey26.som(196 - days ago)Page: advertiseRSS

I looked over the Cook Memorial Library website. I didn't see an RSS feed icon. The site looks very inviting, but I couldn't find the library catalog. What did I miss?

Sue Hughey

cmatossomref(196 - days ago)Page: GoogleReader

I signed up for my account but I'm not sure there is anything I really want to keep track of every day. This definitely seems like info overload. I think I would use delicious more just so I can go to the sites I need at the moment. This is a first impression though so we'll see.

kmlussier(196 - days ago)Page: tagging

So many great reflections here!

For those who are interested in using Flickr for archival use, be sure to check out the Library of Congress collection on Flickr. They have used Flickr not only to post photos from their digital collections, but also to get assistance in identifying people, locations, dates, etc. Check this photo out as an example: http://tinyurl.com/q364px. The Boston Public Library has uploaded photos and manuscripts as well. They have even had people transcribe manuscripts for them in the comments they have added to Flickr.

There was a question about how to organize photos on Flickr. Flickr is very much like a blog in that the basic organization is to display the most recent photo first. However, you can organize by adding tags to photos and then linking directly just to photos with a certain tag. You can also create something called sets. You can get to the sets by clicking on the "Organize" link along the top and selecting "Your Sets." Click on "Create a New Set." Flickr used to limit the number of sets you could create under a free account, but I believe that restriction has been lifted. For more information on what a pro account can get you, go to http://www.flickr.com/help/limits/. And if you decide to upgrade to a pro account, be sure to check out www.techsoup.org first to see if you qualify for their pricing.

Can you use delicious on a blog? I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but, if you go to my blog at http://semlskathy.wordpress.com, you will see my most recent semls20 delicious tags listed in the right sidebar. I integrated those links into the blog by using the delicious widget in WordPress.

For those who had trouble adding me as a friend on LibraryThing, please look at the last comment on the LibraryThing page for instructions. If you are logged in when you click on the link for my profile, you should be able to add me as a friend simply by clicking on the "Add to Friends" link. You do not need to go through the process of finding me by e-mail address.

For those who are having trouble adding the Flickr photo to a blog, it may be easier if I talk to you by phone to walk you through it. If you can't get Flickr to link correctly with the WordPress blog, then you should be able to add the image with the "Add an image" button when you are creating a new post in WordPress. If you would like to set up a time to talk by phone, just send me an e-mail.

Will LC Subject Headings disappear with the dinosaurs? What IS the future of cataloging???

That's a great question! I don't know if LC Subject Headings will disappear, but it seems to me there will always be a need for a controlled vocabulary. The question is how do you set up a structure for a controlled vocabulary when you are working with user-generated content where the users are the ones providing the organization. You certainly can't train all of those users on how to use a controlled vocabulary. Or do we just use the controlled vocabulary for content considered to be worthy of being organized? It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

sevans34(198 - days ago)Page: tagging

Can you use delicious on a blog? To possible post a reading list?

moocow52(198 - days ago)Page: tagging

Archives and Flickr: The Library has just established an archives to capture the history of our young school (1970's) before all the founders retire and clean out their files into dumpsters! Judy, I will pass your comments and suggestions along to our Archivist. Thanks for that application.

Barb

moocow52(198 - days ago)Page: tagging

Thanks for the WotldCat Local comments, Judy! We will be implementing WCL Navigator soon to serve as a consortial virtual catalog. (Boston Library Consortium) I will look forward to checking out the "buy,borrow,swap" box and setting up a profile.

Barb

sevans34(198 - days ago)Page: tagging

I delicious could be used in a reference setting. I liked being able to store information in one place online.

I had a hard time with flickr. I still cant get my pictures on my blog, but I think it can help make library blogs and websites more personalized and informal. I think patrons want that.

I couldnt get my head around librarything . I do think it is a great way to communicate and share books and reading experiences though. I liked that there are review on it as well. I thought the book records were much more readable and practical than mark records. I like tagging very much and think it is a way of being more user friendly and practical. It is using a more natural language.

hyannis_library(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

I did not warm up to any one service, but as the week's progressed I have learned a lot about new ways of thinking so that today I can imagine using DelIcious, Flickr, and LibraryThing in many situations at the Hyannis Library. All of the services will enable me to help our staff and our customers find information, and I am committed to utilizing any tool, traditional or new, that will help me figure out what a patron wants and find that information. I'll continue to play around with these services, and all of a sudden my brain (a very unusual information service) will get it.

moocow52(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

This was another interesting week. While I have encountered these tools before, this session was very helpful in clarifying some details. The "overview" video was very helpful. Thanks.

I have been looking for images that can be used "for free" by professors in their class presentations and conference presentations. (And of course they are "medical" in nature--body parts, rashes, etc. I have turned to Creative Commons, which has lead me to Flickr. While many of the images in Flickr are copyrighted and not "free to use" even for education purposes, there are some there. The Flickr collection is amazing! I enjoyed looking at it. I am a bit amazed that people would make their family pix available to the world, but I'm still catching on...

LibraryThing could be very useful for creating "collections" on particular topics for instructional purposes.

I had some trouble with delicious, but once I got the hang of it, I liked it. Again, grouping by a course number tag or something similar could be very useful.

As a life-long cataloger (until recently), I think in terms of a controlled vocabulary. In fact, I am on a school committe that is building a repository of images. I wanted to suggest that the submitters use a controlled vocabulary instead of tags--which can be "inconsistent," "overlapping," "confusing." But now I'm re-thinking this. It is true that a "controlled vocabulary" can be too controlling and inflexible; it doesn't always really say what you want it to say. The rules can be "inflexible," to say the least. And it can take a LONG TIME for a subject to be authorized or revised.

I can see that some tags are re-used often enough to perhaps be considered "sort of controlled." The concept of "sort of" in reference to tags is very interesting.

Being able to add your own notes certainly is more meaningful than "trying to live MARC." Sometimes I keep a separate notebook about the things I read; simply adding notes to my LT record would be great--everything in one place!

Now I wonder: Will LC Subject Headings disappear with the dinosaurs? What IS the future of cataloging???

ctobojka(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

I forgot to mention that I had a problem when I tried to add the Flickr picture to my blog. Instead of using the Flickr Blog tool I copied and pasted the picture and lost the comments I had made and more importantly the citation for the photo.

Cynthia

ctobojka(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

I used delicious when it first came out. It has more features now and is still a useful, helpful tool.

Tags in flickr are not always on target, but they are helpful. I remember someone looking up the tag Pyramids and Egypt and getting a great picture of the pyramids. One of the other tags was way off base (I don't remember now what it was) and gave us all a good laugh.

I would never want to see libraries use tags exclusively because they are not standardized. Although---LC should take a look at some tags and realize the terms real people use; sometimes I find myself saying 'you've got to be kidding' when I am creating subject tracings for a record. They will use terms not used by the general public.

I have used LibraryThing before, but I didn't keep it up. I guess I got lazy when I realized that my regional library OPAC keeps a record of what I read. LibraryThing offers the opportunity to find out what others think of books you like. It's fun to browse and look for books that I might want to read.

Kathy, I didn't have any luck adding you as a friend in LibraryThing. I was asked to select an email option, gmail, yahoo, etc. Huh? Also, the LibraryThing address you gave us, are we supposed to place that in the next box? When I did no one was listed as owning that address.

Cynthia

jfarrar_12525.s(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

When I started to compare records in LibraryThing and our catalogue, I also explored WorldCat local, which was just implemented here. I noticed there was a link from one of my LibraryThing book records to WorldCat in the "buy, borrow or swap" box. It does very much the same thing as LibraryThing in terms of social networking and tagging. I set up an account and profile. The best addition the tagging sites offer is the addition of visuals of book covers, which as always has been a way of getting people to buy or read a book.

Judy

efergusson(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

I've learned many new things this week. - it may take more time for me to process and integrate these ideas into library service. Of the three sites, I personally liked LibraryThing because I am drawn to that kind of organizing and thinking - and reading! LibraryThing is more helpful than a typical library catalog because it allows social networking - with links to discussion, recommendations, the ability to identify people with shared interests. Flickr can be of special use in locating photos for library websites, library events, etc. Delicious, again, is a great tool for building a personal address book that can be accessed globally. Not sure of library applications.

As much as I would like to throw out some of the LC subject headings, I still think that hierarchical taxonomy is important in extremely diverse, large collections. That said, I think that most people will prefer tagging - because of the freedom - and personal control - it allows. LC subject headings are doomed anyway. Who searches by alphabetical subject lists anymore?

Much to think about. Eden

dwalgreen(199 - days ago)Page: tagging

Thanks for informing me about Library Chick. I looked it up on delicious and browsed for a little while. I too think it has a lot of good, free information.

Debbie W.

janeteckert(200 - days ago)Page: tagging

I liked delicious the best as the tags lead me to a bounty of information that interests me; Flickr was my second favorite because photos are a great way to make a blog entry appealing and, prior to this, I have found it difficult to find appealing copyright free graphics. Library Thing is my least favorite. I feel like a heathen but I prefer Amazon to Library Thing.

In November 2007, I first discovered LibraryThing and promoted it on our regional blog, WMRLS-One-Blog -http://wmrls.blogspot.com/2007/11/librarything-and-new-wmrls-professional.html I asked readers to vote for their favorite method of promoting new WMRLS Professional Titles. Surprisingly ( I real want member librarians to comment on posts and haven’t been very successful in this regard) librarians emailed me their recommendations which were largely to maintain the WMRLS Professional Collection Website -http://www.wmrls.org/wrapper/newprof.html

LibraryThing vs MARC: My immediate answer is that LibraryThing beats MARC because it provides more information and is visually appealing.

Tagging vs LC Subject Headings: Tagging is more useful for personal use while LC subject headings are more useful for group and/or organization use. I am not a cataloger and it shows! Before I got the hang of tagging, my descriptors (on the WMRLS-One-Blog) were awful. I have vowed to go back and update the defective tags - this is on my "things to do" list.

I have really enjoyed Week Two, Kathy. I have no tardy slips this week which makes me very proud of myself. Many thanks for providing this wonderful course. ~ Janet

kmlussier(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Hi Judy,

Before trying to add me as a friend, make sure you are logged into LibraryThing.

Click on the link in step 3 of the above exercise to get to my Profile.

This link should bring you to my profile. There is a pinkish box in the upper right corner of my profile with various links. Click on the link that says "Add to Friends"

At that point, LibraryThing will send the friend request to me. I will need to approve it before I show up as one of your friends.

If, at any point in the process, your screen doesn't show what any of the links I mentioned in my steps, please let me know and we'll troubleshoot from there. There shouldn't be any point in the process where you need to pick a service.

Hope this helps!
Kathy

jfarrar_12525.s(200 - days ago)Page: tagging

Since I work in an archives, I think the most useful for me is Flickr. I deal with alot of visual material, and it's an easy way to share it. I posted some renovation photos, emailed them to one of my colleagues, and she can potentially show these photos as a slide show when she visits with colleagues in the Azores next week. I think this is pretty cool. It doesn't rely on having a saved powerpoint presentation! Only a decent internet connection. I don't think I'd really use Librarything all that much, unless I had a group who wanted to know about all the new titles I get in special collections or something. I'm not an avid reader, and don't work in the traditional library setting. Delicious is useful when you travel from computer to computer as I often do! I will probably use this one to keep track of my own reference bookmarks where ever I go.

Judy

jfarrar_12525.s(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Sorry, I do not understand how to add a friend. When prompted to choose a service, I don't know which one to use. You gave us a url. Then when I choose to enter it manually, and enter the url, it goes no where. This is not very intuitive. I've spent 2 hours over the past 2 days trying to figure it out. help!

Judy

kmlussier(200 - days ago)Page: flickr

Hi Sherry,

Try copying and pasting the API Endpoint from here to see if you can get it to work:

http://sherrysinfoblog.wordpress.com/xmlrpc.php

The other way you can add it to your blog is to do the following:

Create a new blog post

Click on the "Add an image" button - this is directly above the button for bullets.

Click on "From URL"

Add the URL for the Flickr photo - you can find the URL by clicking on the photo in Flickr, click on the "All Sizes" button above the photo, select the size you want to use. The URL is located underneath the photo.

Let me know if you run across any trouble!

Kathy

sevans34(200 - days ago)Page: flickr

I was able to upload my own picture to flickr, but not to get it to my word press blog. It rejected the API location. Im not sure what is meant by including a link to the image. Where does that go?

hyannis_library(200 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

Delicious would be a great tool for reference! The trick for me is convincing the technologically hesitant that such a tool might be better than leaving short cuts on the computer desktop.

I haven't discovered a personal use for Delicious, however. I tend not to save a lot on my computer.

Carol DeLuca

kmlussier(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Cynthia - I didn't see a Friend invitation from you. What happened when you tried to add me? Did you find the "Add to Friends" link? If so, what happened when you clicked on it?

I will remember next session to add something to the instructions about the need for a friend to accept your invitation. We'll come across other Web 2.0 sites in this class that do the same thing.

dwalgreen(200 - days ago)Page: tagging

I think all 3 services are great and can be useful to any library. I just don't know where I would find the time to use all of them. If I had to choose one, I would use LibraryThing. It would help keep me connected with new titles and with other librarians. If I had time to use Flickr, I would post photos of events taking place in the school. I would use Delicious to see what other libraries are talking about and to check up on current technologies. I compared LibraryThing to my catalog and thought the records were almost similar. The only difference was the summary. Also, there is a nice citation feature in LibraryThing. I think tagging is useful for people who do not work from the same computer every day. They have the convenience of bookmarking and locating information from anywhere. I think tagging is useful if you are searching for information on current topics. LC subject heading are more structured, but tagging allows you to label your tags to fit the needs of your library.

Debbie W.

efergusson(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Okay, now I've sent you an invitation. I think. I helps to read the other comments.

efergusson(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

No, it's no working for me. Eden

efergusson(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Wait a minute. I almost sent you an invitation. I'll go back and do this. Eden

efergusson(200 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Kathy - I'm confused about the Friend thing. I can't find how to do this. Can you help? Eden

efergusson(200 - days ago)Page: flickr

I was able to post a picture to my blog. (I had more trouble with creating an account on Yahoo than anything is this class!) This is a wonderful resource and I can see uses for it. We need to buy a digital camera. Eden

kmlussier(201 - days ago)Page: flickr

I'm not sure why you got the original error messages, but I'm guessing Flickr may have been having problems at the time?

Kathy

kmlussier(201 - days ago)Page: tagging

Hi Cynthia,

I just checked your blog and saw the picture. From what I can tell, the photo is posted with the caption of "knitted cupcakes." Is this the old comment you see appearing? Right below that post is your previous post from April 30 when you talked about finishing knitting a sweater. That comment is not part of the post with the photo. I think some of the confusion may stem from the fact that, with the previous post, the entire post was written in the title box and nothing was written in the message body, so the display looks a little strange.

Kathy

shughey26.som(201 - days ago)Page: flickr

Guess what? Third time was a charm. I just posted my own photo, and it worked! No error messages. Just proves the old saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." (I think that's my motto for this course.)

Sue H.

ctobojka(201 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Kathy, I tried adding you as a friend in LibraryThing but it didn't work.

Cynthia

ctobojka(201 - days ago)Page: tagging

I seem to take one step forward and two back. I tried posting a picture from Flickr using the New Post section. The photo posted but not my comment and an old comment is stuck below the picture. Phew! Maybe I need to spend more time on this. Is anyone else having a frustrating experience or is it just me. This is not my first online class and I'm not one who is afraid of technology and the Internet. How many hours does it take to learn how to post a picture to a blog! Yikes!

shughey26.som(201 - days ago)Page: flickr

Hi! I am enjoying all the photos on Flickr. One question: Both times that I posted a picture on my blog, Flickr gave me this error message: "Your blog posting failed" So I clicked on "TRY AGAIN"

Well, when I looked at my blog, they had posted the pictures twice.

I figured out how to delete the extra ones, so I learned something. Does this happen all the time?

dwalgreen(201 - days ago)Page: tagging

I read the article "Top Fifty Librarian Blogs". I found a really good YA/Teen Blog. While searching the article I also had a chance to see some Twitters.

Debbie W.

jocelyntavares(201 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

I cleaned up a lot of my delicious account today. I had things in there that picked up bookmarks from my move from Fall River to Dighton...including old bookmarks from my current computer. And I really liked all of the information on the iPhone. I think creating library apps would be really great - either to website, a certain blog we had, catalog. I am an iPhone user, and I love it. I am a little overwhelmed by the article about building your own app, but maybe some day...

kmlussier(201 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Hi Debbie. I just needed to accept your invitation. You should see it now.

kmlussier(201 - days ago)Page: tagging

Great Cynthia! I'm so happy we were able to figure it out!

dwalgreen(201 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Kathy,

I followed your directions, but I'm not sure it worked. Am I supposed to see you listed as my friend when I log onto my account? It currently lists friends as 0.

Debbie W.

dwalgreen(201 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

Thanks Kathy,

It worked. I wasn't tagging it properly.

Debbie

ctobojka(201 - days ago)Page: tagging

Thank you, Kathy for helping me with my problem. It looks like I will be able to add comments now.

kmlussier(202 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Hi Debbie,

When you get to my profile, there should be a link in the upper right to corner (to the right of the Jane Austen image) to "Add to friends." You must be logged in to see this link. Once you click on the link, an invitation will be sent to add me to your friend list. If you clicked on my profile before creating or signing into your account, you may need to exit out of your browser and go back again to see that link display. Sorry! I didn't realize this would be a problem until I started troubleshooting your question.

Kathy

dwalgreen(202 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Kathy,

I am having trouble adding you as a friend. Can you help.

Debbie W.

kmlussier(202 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

Hi Debbie,

I figured it out. In delicious, you need to use one word for your tags. For the article to show up with the other learning 2.0 articles, you need to use the tag semls20 (all lowercase with no spaces.) If you change the tag, they should start appearing on the semls20 page.

Kathy

dwalgreen(202 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

I have set up an account, tagged and bookmarked many great articles and sites, but for some reason the items I am bookmarking do not appear with the recent SEMLS bookmarks. I must be doing something wrong. I will have to keep playing with it. The site itself is a great tool for librarians. And, I too, like that you can access your bookmarks from anywhere.

Debbie W.

cmatossomref(202 - days ago)Page: tagging

P.S. I also found Librarian Avengers http://librarianavengers.org/ with a link to YouTube's "Medieval Helpdesk" -- it's so true you have to laugh.

cmatossomref(202 - days ago)Page: tagging

I was just looking at the semls20 tags on de.li.cious and found the Library Chick website. Don't you just love being a librarian sometimes? There is so much great information that we share -- and we're really good at sharing. Great stuff.

cmatossomref(202 - days ago)Page: tagging

I just read the article "Tagging meets Subject Heading" and I think this is a good illustration of how crazy catalogers can get (Ha, Ha). Actually I worked as a cataloger for a couple of years and can definitely attest to the imperfections in LCSH subject headings. It is important to have some standard though for organizational purposes, even if it is imperfect but personally I like the fact that you can add tags in LibraryThing that offers a more intuitive language. A good illustration for me is "romance". There is no such subject heading in LCSH although they use "love stories" in their genre subject heading. If you type in "romance" and view the catalog record, you'll see that the system now is looking in both title and description but if you don't know to type in "love stories" you won't get a comprehensive search. Adding "romance" as a tag through LibraryThing enhances the record and makes it more accessible -- and that's the whole idea, connecting information for people's needs.

jocelyntavares(203 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

I set up a delicious account a long time ago, but I completely under-use it. So this will be helpful!

jocelyntavares(203 - days ago)Page: blogging

I thought it was interesting that most of us struggled getting the blog set up. I am not sure I am thrilled with my blog now, but I know that I want to keep it up. Even as a personal blog. It seems like a powerful tool, and I don't feel knowledgeable enough to NOT have the two-way conversation. Because it is more informal, I think it is a nonthreatening way to share information about the library. It is just getting used to fitting another thing in to the day and getting used to wordpress.

Basically, it struck me how much we all want to learn about web 2.0 tools as a way to raise our profiles.

jocelyntavares(203 - days ago)Page: blogging

I started my blog, and I think it is a great idea for a library. Both for staff and patrons. At a larger library I worked at the Reference Desk had a blog to ask questions amongst each other and share things that have happened. It was pretty useful because all staff pretty much worked the desk at some time during the day, despite the department we were in.

I think a blog at my library would be a good way to communicate with the public. I appreciate that it would not be the medium for all our users, but I know that it would reach out to a younger adult audience and teens. I also like the fact that it would enable us to keep up with content in an easier way. Our website needs a re-haul.

I am also afraid of public comment, but my library will never raise its profile without addressing concerns or issues. The truth will set you free?

kmlussier(203 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

Hi Chris,

You did send the invitation correctly. However, I didn't see it right away when I logged in, and, in the process of trying to figure out how to add you, I accidentally sent an invitation to your SAILS address. You can ignore it! :-)

kmlussier(203 - days ago)Page: LearnTagging

Sorry I didn't include this in the instructions! It walks you through the process as you are creating your delicious account, but, since you already had one, it didn't give you the opportunity to do so. You can find links to the delicious add-ons at http://delicious.com/help/tools. The links are at the top of the page. The instructions differ depending on which browser you use.

Kathy

efergusson(203 - days ago)Page: DelIcioUs

I find this fascinating! I like being able to access all my bookmarks from any computer.

cmatossomref(203 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

P.S. What I want to do is join a group and then map their location so I can see if anyone local has similar interests -- does that sound a bit stalkerish?

cmatossomref(203 - days ago)Page: LibraryThing

OK, I set up an account but not sure if I managed to invite Kathy as a friend correctly. I found that option confusing only because I think they are trying to make it easier by creating steps but I just wanted to bypass all that and couldn't find out how. One cool thing was I joined an needle work group as a personal interest and could view everyone else's books and get into their discussion. Also I like the fact that you can connect locally.

cmatossomref(203 - days ago)Page: LearnTagging

I already have a delicious account and flickr but didn't realize some of the cool bells and whistles. It's so great to share some of the hints and tricks to using this stuff. By the way -- how do you download that delicious so you can automatically bookmark a page? Do you have to get a separate toolbar?

sevans34(206 - days ago)Page: blogging

I think a blog would be a way to work with patron you already have. To inform them about programs, highlight services or collections. I think for me, trying to figure out what kind of focus I want is the hardest part. I lean towards updating happenings because it Having a book group, as Eden put together is an excellent idea!

I originally thought a blog was a good way to get new users, but I wonder if Twitter or Facebook are better way to do that. It seems companies go onto those sights for that purpose.

moocow52(206 - days ago)Page: blogging

This is a comment about Eden's blog for the Raynham Reads 2009:


What a great use for a blog!


I don’t belong to any reading groups presently (”Don’t librarians just read all the time?”), but I’ll ask some of my friends who are in groups if they have a blog.


What a great way to “extend discussion” and gather ideas for the face-to-face discussion.


I participated in the BIG READ (NEA-funded); our area read the "Adventures of Tom Sawyer." There was no blog; there was a face-to-face discussion (not too well-attended). Maybe I can suggest a blog for next year’s BIG READ.


Holden's One Holden/One Book is reading "My Most Excellent Year" by Kluger. What fun! And so "local" with its Boston setting. I will be attending the discussion for that book; I'll ask if anyone blogs about what they read.


Thanks!

moocow52(206 - days ago)Page: blogging

Re: A Blog's Life

I was particularly interested in this article because it addressed a special library. As A mediccal library, I felt a certain "kinship."

Also, it reminded me so much of the SDI services we provided in the old days: paper messages about relevant articles in paper journals!


Setting up my blog went fairly well, altho the log-in often says my e-mail is not registered--but it lets me in.


Our library has just set up a staff blog on our INTRAnet. We are in the beginning training phases with other staff. We're developing the "guidelines for use:" when do we use the blog vs e-mail? We think that the compiling of responses visible to all and the"archiving" ability of the blog could be very useful--more so than e-mail. We're also launching a staff wiki, forum, and photo upload for the staff intranet.



We host the Regional Medical Library for New England. (RML-NER) That office recently converted its newsletter to a blog. Our main library newsletter is still print + pdf and our staff newsletter is still Word attachment to e-mail. There is concern about just openly releasing content to the public on a blog without a review by a moderator prior to posting. All content for those 3 publications is reviewed prior to posting/printing/e-mailing.


We have not set up a blog specifically for patrons or reference services or "modern SDI."


I'm looking forward to learning from others in the group. (Sorry I'm late!!)



Barb

kmlussier(206 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Comments have been turned off on this page. Please find the appropriate wiki page to post you comments.

kmlussier(206 - days ago)Page: blogging

POSTED BY MLNESSON

I found setting up the blog a little tricky, I had to go back and forth a lot until I got the look I was satisfied with and I am still playing with it.

I found the video to be a bit fast to follow but I was able to start and pause the video and by jumping form one tab to another, do each step one at a time.

I know our staff would not post to a blog regularly. We tried one for staff only and it slowly died for lack of interest ad staff time to even look at it, never mind post to it.

There are plenty of good uses for a blog. I particularly liked the one for the Fletcher School at Tufts University - it looks like a web page, doesn't allow for comments so it stays uncluttered, and provides lots of library information.

I have been trying to start a newsletter just for my department, but now I am considering a blog instead, possibly modeled on the Tufts one.

janeteckert(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

I feel like a fish in water with Blogger and a fish out of water with WordPress ... which is why I really like this course - you are forcing me to stretch! I am having a hard time setting up my blog (but it is truly fun) - WordPress is so much more powerful than Blogger. There are so many interruptions at work (which is a good thing) that it makes it very difficult for me to concentrate and learn new things (which is why I am finally competing my assignment in the quiet of my home).

Most people that I work with are having a hard time mastering Blogger which has puzzled me. But not anymore - I am walking in their shoes via WordPress. Most people at work do not have the luxury of working at home to quietly figure out the ins and outs of blogs.

I've set up a few Blogger blogs for WMRLS and member libraries as well as, collaboratively (with my fellow youth consultants) for youth services librarians. I am proud of these blogs because we are keeping our commitment to update the posts at least weekly and our various blogs are becoming fantastic "ready-reference" resources in the subject fields that they cover.

efergusson(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

Both. I'm hoping to attract new users with the RaynhamReads 2009 blog as well as get regular users into blogging. It will be an interesting experiment.

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

Very interesting feedback so far! I wanted to reflect more on the question of getting more followers for a blog. To me, the big question is how do you get more followers on your Web site. Because the blog really is just an extension of your Web presence and is something that can be integrated into your site to such an extent that users may use a piece of it without even realizing they're using a blog.

I will use Hyannis as an example since you posed the question, but I just want you to know that your example is a common. When you go to your home page, I see a link for "Library Blog" and it does provide a helpful description of what people will find there. But, as a user, what is really going to make me click on that link to see what is there?

If your blog is a news blog, it makes sense to integrate the blog on your home page since this page is the marketing space for your library. When we get to week 3 of this class (RSS), I include an "explore further" exercise that shows how to take the RSS feed of your blog and republish the top 3 items on your home page.

Why would you use a blog to post news on your home page instead of just editing the home page? I personally can think of a few reasons, but I'm sure others could come up with more.

1- It's much easier to post to a blog than to edit a Web page, which means anyone on staff who has a news item can add it to the blog. (And, as an experienced Web editor, I am more likely to post news items through a blog than to go through the process of opening up Dreamweaver to edit my home page.)

2- The blog comes with an RSS feed, which means your users can "subscribe" to the blog and get news about the library even when they aren't visiting your Web site. Reaching out to users where they are instead of forcing them to come to you is a big theme of this class.

3- You provide users with an opportunity to comment on your blog, promoting interactivity on your Web site. Users are not as likely to post comments on a news blog, but it's nice to make that feature available as people become more participatory in the way they use the Internet.

And I wouldn't worry so much about not having Google Connect followers on your blog. People will not necessarily follow your blog in that fashion. You may have people who simply click on the link when they visit your site, or they could subscribe to your blog's RSS feed.

I think the important thing is that the blog be relevant and be used to fill a particular need. If you're looking for a tool that brings your library's book club discussion online, for example, then a blog may be able to fill that need. But if you don't have a core book discussion group to start with, a blog may not be the best way to start. As Sherry said, it needs to have some kind of direction.

In response to the question of whether a blog will bring new library users, I actually would like to pose that question to the group. Do you think the blog would bring in new users or would it be a way to work with the users you already have?

hyannis_library(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

I have seen Websites, Blogs, and Blogs within websites; and I am sure there must be websites within blogs. I am still trying to determine what information would be posted to a website, and what would be put on a blog. Carol DeLuca

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: Help

Hi Debbie,

The URL is the one thing you can't change once you set up the blog. However, you can create a new blog under the WordPress account you already created and give the new blog the other URL. If you decide to do that, you can just send me the URL of the new blog. Let me know if you have any trouble doing it.

Kathy

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: Help

POSTED BY djordanwalpole

Question: how do you change the URL? I originally had it as library jobs but changed it to Library World. It would be nice to have the URL the same as the name but it wouldn't let me alter the URL.

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

POSTED BY djordanwalpole

Hi,


The online tutorial was wonderful! I was fairly slow navigating though, I stopped the video and bounced back and forth a bit.


The original theme I chose did not have the ability to put on links etc. so I changed it.


I get the concept but will definitely have to spend more time practicing until I feel more confident about the process of creating the blog and all it has to offer.


Thanks!

Debbie

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: Help

Hi Cynthia,

The Pre-Reading is a link to the InfoTrac collection and should work as long as you are on a computer that can authenticate into InfoTrac. If you have any trouble accessing it, you can log into InfoTrac as you normally do (e.g. using home access through www.semls.org/home) and search for the article in Educator's Reference Complete.

Hope this helps!

Kathy

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: Help

POSTED BY ctobojka

I am a frustrating experience. Either the links don't work or I keep getting asked for a group authorization. I can't get the preliminary reading because of this. I can get to How to Use this WIki.
Heeeeeelp!

My workpress page:
http://ctobojka.wordpress.com

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Hi Carol,

Answer to your choppy discussion question is above. I don't know how you resolved your other question, but another to navigate the site is to use the "Navigate Pages" box in the right sidebar. As the wiki grows through the class, all of the wiki pages will be organized under that week's topic.

Kathy

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

POSTED BY EFERGUSSON

Why We Blog comment: We blog because we want to connect. The library is a perfect medium for blogging because people share a common interest and want to exchange ideas with each another - for the most part. I'm intrigued by the idea of blogging, because I feel that it offers an additional way of connecting that is so much a part of library service, especially in the small public library. There is a large gap - generational(?) - that must be bridged through training. I am excited about the possibilities, and see this as an essential mode of communication going forward. I had an initial concern that people would not respond or know how to blog. I am amazed to learn this morning that someone has already left a comment on my newly created blog! WOW!

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

POSTED BY DWALGREEN

I still have much more to add to my blog. I wish I had more time this week to work on it. The entire book collection in my library had to be moved this week to install a new carpet. I've been terribly busy because I am the only staff member in my library.


I think some students and maybe a handful of faculty would have interest in blogging. I think libraries could use a blog to inform their patrons about events, new books, great websites, books reviews, and much more. After my library is back in order, I would like to work on getting more information on my blog.


Debbie W.

kmlussier(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

POSTED BY SEVANS34
I have created a blog using blogger.com before, so I was familiar with the terms that were used. It did help me in some ways, but wordpress is very different. I forgot to change the time zone, so my blog is in London time, and I am not sure how to arrange collumns or even if I can. Yet over all I had an easier time with word press so far. I did have to fight so much.

I think posting to a blog is very easy and people in my library could do it if there is something interesting on the blog.

I think a blog is useful for a library in a lot of ways. They can be used to highlight a collection, inform people about internet sites, book reviews and discuss programs that the library has. It has to be interesting, and focused though. It shouldnt be jumped into with out a real direction.

efergusson(207 - days ago)Page: blogging

The blog I've created is for Raynham Reads 2009 that I think will really be an exciting addition to the program. I plan to use this blog beginning June 1 for comments. We'll need to publicize it extensively - and perhaps do some training with the Book Clubs, but I think we're ready! If we don't move forward, we get left behind!

hyannis_library(207 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Oops, scratch the "back' button question, operator error strikes again.

Carol

hyannis_library(207 - days ago)Page: HomePage

I have been reading comments on this home page and the "blogging" assignment page, and posting comments to both, feeling more comfortable making my way around the site. I suffer from linear thinking, however, and so switching pages makes me feel as if I am having a choppy discussion and might be missing something. Any advice on curing my affliction?

I'd like to know, too, if there is an easy way to return to the home page after looking at the various blogs from the class. I lose everything if I use the "back" button. Eek.

Carol

hyannis_library(208 - days ago)Page: blogging

Setting up my blog a few days ago took a lot longer than I anticipated because the format is unfamiliar. I kept asking: "What am I looking at?" Today I feel a little better, and looking at classmates' blogs as well as library blogs has been helpful, so I am inspired to keep going.


It is difficult for me to determine if more library users will be blogging or if blogging will bring more library users. Our library blog is maintained faithfully and often, but how do we get followers? Our director thinks that the only blogs that have followers have to do with cooking or knitting.


I would really like to see young adults get involved with the library via a blog.

Carol

kmlussier(208 - days ago)Page: blogging

Cynthia,

I also meant to mention that most of the links in the class will be to publicly available Web sites. I only use the InfoTrac links when there is no other way to get to the article. Were you eventually able to get to the article using the home access link?

Kathy

kmlussier(208 - days ago)Page: blogging

Hi Cynthia,

I sent an invitation to your Verizon account yesterday. However, I think there is a way you can add that e-mail to the Zoho account you already created. If you go to http://accounts.zoho.com, there will be a link in the left sidebar for "My Email IDs." If you click on it, you can change and add e-mail addresses. I'll also update your e-mail address in my records. Is there anything I can help with on the blog setup?

Certainly go ahead and use knitting as your theme. The class will be much more enjoyable if you're working on something you love!

Kathy

ctobojka(208 - days ago)Page: blogging

Kathy, I getting a little nervous about this first week. I had trouble accessing the article and I keep going in circles getting my Blog set up. But in the true spirit of learning I am determined not to fall behind. My log in is my CLAMS email login. I don't really want to use that one because I have a hard time accessing my CLAMS email from home. Is it possible to have my email sent to another of my email addresses?

I have Blogged before with the kids at the high school. We had a blog for our book club. It was just getting started when I retired so I'm not sure if it has continued. I thought it would be a great way to get kids talking about the books they like.

I'd like my theme for this course to be knitting--my blog, my bookmarks in delicious, etc. Is that ok? Since I retired I have returned to my favorite hobby in a big way.

hyannis_library(209 - days ago)Page: blogging

My blog: http://mrsora.wordpress.com

Carol DeLuca

shughey26.som(209 - days ago)Page: blogging

The comment from shughey is really me, Sue Hughey

shughey26.som(209 - days ago)Page: blogging

I found some difficulty in getting started maybe because I have a hard time following instructions! Somehow, words on a paper make sense, but words on a computer screen are difficult for me. They say that practice makes perfect, and I am determined to keep trying. My learning curve looks a bit like Mt. Everest right now.

My patrons are the children. They are the computer generation, so blogging would be easy for them.

My library, Somerset Public, has a blog, and it is maintained by one staff member. It features our programs and events as well as the collection. I can see from reading the article that this format is very suited for such purposes. I hope to increase my use of the blog after this course.

kmlussier(209 - days ago)Page: BlogSetup

Hi Judy,

The original comment is there. It was on the Welcome page. Good to see you here!

Kathy

jfarrar_12525.s(209 - days ago)Page: BlogSetup

I was able to set up the account, but I didn't see my comment, so here it is. Thanks.

Judy

djordanwalpole(209 - days ago)Page: blogging

my just created blog is at http://libraryjobsblog.wordpress.com/


Debbie

dwalgreen(210 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Hi, I've finally signed on after some technical errors. Thanks Kathy.

Debbie Walgreen

hyannis_library(210 - days ago)Page: HomePage

I am very relieved to be posting a comment. Sherry will tell you that I cannot help but follow Murphy's Law as I make my way in the world. But I am nothing if not tenacious. Carol DeLuca

djordanwalpole(210 - days ago)Page: Syllabus

This syllabus looks wonderful. I am in a fog over half of the technologies listed which doesn't do much for my confidence as a media resource to staff and students. It's so important for us to keep up with such common tools as Twitter and flickr so we can make education more dynamic and relevant to students and the younger staff, too.


I would like to know what restrictions we may face, however, in the school environment. Our school currently blocks Facebook, for example.


Debbie

djordanwalpole(210 - days ago)Page: Welcome

Hi Everyone,


This is wonderful. I am home with the flu (not swine, no worries!) but was able to log in and feel better just having done so. Very excited about learning something new to share with others in the future. Thanks, Kathy, for offering this course.

Debbie

cmatossomref(210 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Hi everyone. I've signed in and am looking forward to the next few weeks. Chris

susanpizzolato(211 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Good evening, all! Successfully logged in, read the syllabus, and reviewed the instructions. Sounds like good stuff! Thanks!

Susan

sevans34(212 - days ago)Page: HomePage

Hi! I signed in successfully. Can't wait to get started.

Sherry

jfarrar_12525.s(213 - days ago)Page: Welcome

I have signed up. Thanks.

Judy Farrar

mlnesson(213 - days ago)Page: PreWork

Hello all,

I am registered and here! 8-)

efergusson(213 - days ago)Page: PreWork

I've created an account and read the article. efergusson

jocelyntavares(213 - days ago)Page: PreWork

I was able to log in and comment. Thanks!

shughey26.som(213 - days ago)Page: How to Use This Wiki

I am reading the article, and can only say..."Boy, do I need this class!" Thanks for offering it. Sue Hughey

kmlussier(213 - days ago)Page: Welcome

Glad to see you made it in! Yes, the http://semls.wiki.zoho.com address will always get you back to the course wiki. And, now that you've created your account, you should have no trouble getting into the wiki. You just need to make sure that your are logged into the wiki if you want to post a comment.

marylouisetobichuk(213 - days ago)Page: Welcome

Kathy-I got in-I hope I can get in on Monday. Should I now use this new address?

Mary

efergusson(214 - days ago)Page: How to Use This Wiki

I've succesffuly signed-in and reviewed the syllabus. I'm looking forward to learning about Web 2.0 and libraries during the next several weeks. efergusson