It has been interesting exploring and considering social networking sites in a library context. Trying out Facebook was fun, although I was keenly aware of how easily our personal information could become available to others (and, of course, that confidentiality can be an issue for library patrons). I particularly enjoyed the Denver Public Library's eVolver site for teens (http://teens.denverlibrary.org/) and Meredith Farkas' site (http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/index.php).
While Facebook was fun to use and explore, and easy to figure out, I did have a question at one point and was frustrated that I couldn't find any guidance or help menu.
I can easily see how social networking could fit into a library setting on a smaller scale (and more specialized role) than the eVolver site, too. For instance, a high school's social clubs could use this technology for networking, planning events, etc. Additionally, it could support coursework for a class or study group. In the case of my patrons who, by and large, are not on-campus and have few opportunities for in-person networking, it could provide an easy avenue to connect with colleagues throughout the state.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
RSS vs. Wiki
What is the difference between a blog and a wiki?
A blog is a site that allows its author/blogger to post comments, observations, etc., with visitors to the site able to post comments in response to a post.
A wiki is space in which any visitor to the site may contribute text, as well as editing each others' contributions.
A blog offers greater editorial oversight (more control), while a wiki is generally more of a free-flowing conversation usually with little or no official moderation (i.e., more chaos -- although hopefully a happy chaos, as the participating community provides a balance of opinions).
What sort of things might be better suited for a blog and better suited for a wiki?
Thinking about this in the context of my work, I could see using both types of forum for my patrons:
I would more likely use a blog to let them know about a new on-line resource, an upcoming event, and so on (this is more about disseminating information than starting a dialogue).
A wiki would be appropriate as well, since many of the preceptors I serve live and work far from one another and may not have many opportunities throughout the year to meet for discussion or collaboration. A wiki would provide a venue for them to share different information, points-of-view and so on.
A blog is a site that allows its author/blogger to post comments, observations, etc., with visitors to the site able to post comments in response to a post.
A wiki is space in which any visitor to the site may contribute text, as well as editing each others' contributions.
A blog offers greater editorial oversight (more control), while a wiki is generally more of a free-flowing conversation usually with little or no official moderation (i.e., more chaos -- although hopefully a happy chaos, as the participating community provides a balance of opinions).
What sort of things might be better suited for a blog and better suited for a wiki?
Thinking about this in the context of my work, I could see using both types of forum for my patrons:
I would more likely use a blog to let them know about a new on-line resource, an upcoming event, and so on (this is more about disseminating information than starting a dialogue).
A wiki would be appropriate as well, since many of the preceptors I serve live and work far from one another and may not have many opportunities throughout the year to meet for discussion or collaboration. A wiki would provide a venue for them to share different information, points-of-view and so on.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
MLA CE Week #1
Blogging and RSS Feeds:
I had thought this part of the class would be a little intimidating, but the clear step-by-step instructions (including the videos -- they were very informative!) made the assignment easy and fun. I also appreciated having an instructor available when I did have a question; she was very helpful.
I had thought this part of the class would be a little intimidating, but the clear step-by-step instructions (including the videos -- they were very informative!) made the assignment easy and fun. I also appreciated having an instructor available when I did have a question; she was very helpful.
Serving My Patrons with RSS Feeds
How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library?
Since many of my patrons are preceptors in rather remote rural areas, with limited access to library resources, I'd like to develop more of a web presence to help them access the information they need efficiently. With feedback regarding their needs, I can set up a page of the most useful websites for their use.
How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?
A number of our preceptors (whether an MD, PA or NP) are the only health care provider for their area. Gathering resources on the wide variety of medical needs they treat could be a real time-saver in the clinical setting.
Since many of my patrons are preceptors in rather remote rural areas, with limited access to library resources, I'd like to develop more of a web presence to help them access the information they need efficiently. With feedback regarding their needs, I can set up a page of the most useful websites for their use.
How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?
A number of our preceptors (whether an MD, PA or NP) are the only health care provider for their area. Gathering resources on the wide variety of medical needs they treat could be a real time-saver in the clinical setting.
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