LIS 753 Blog post 2

This week I looked at a number of articles about how different libraries around the country are using blogs. I read the article, The Embedded Librarian by Karen M. Ramsay and Jim Kinnie which discussed how academic libraries are using blogs to inform the students and the professors about new materials they have and about the libraries databases. Ramsay and Kinnie also discussed how they need to advertise this new blog. They discussed having flyers displayed at the service desk or having announcements made to the students in their classes. I think it is great that college libraries are using these new technologies to reach their patrons. Many college students spend a great deal of time on the Internet so the library should try to reach these students. Not only are academic libraries trying to reach their patrons so are public libraries. I think we all know how important it is for libraries to keep up to date with technology. We need our patrons to see that libraries still offer valued and needed services.
I also read an article by Kathy Ishizuka called Come Blog with Me. Ishizuka discussed how the staff at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, NO just began learning about the Web 2.0. I read about one staff member who was thinking of encouraging her co-workers to create a blog to inform patrons about programs in the children’s department or even show pictures from library events. What a great way to advertise for the library. It is exciting to see how quick and easy it is to place the new technology skills into practice. We can meet our patrons online and inform them of future library events, tell them about new resources the library has, or just encourage them to visit the library in any form the can.

LIS 753 Blog post 1

In the article, Using Wikis to Support Online Collaboration in Libraries by Darlene Fichter, the author discussed many ways that libraries could use wikis to foster collaboration. I have never used a wiki before except when I looked at the Wikipedia site. I like the concept that potentially anyone who wants to can express their knowledge on the Wikipedia site. It seems to be a nice way to receive information from many different people with many different view points on a topic.
The idea of using wiki software seems ideal for library use both with public services and behind the scenes. I think it would be a great way to run a library book club. The leader of the book club could create potential questions to discuss and the patrons involved could work together to answer the questions. They could keep the wiki open just to book club members or they could allow patrons who have read the book but are not in the book club to also add their input as well.
This would also be a great way to work on library programming between staff members who do not work with each other everyday. Since I only work part-time I was thinking I could use the wiki software to communicate ideas to fellow staff members. This way I can still work on the program even if I am not at work. I am really thinking about informing my department head about this software. It is amazing all the different ways you can communicate with library patrons and co-workers.

MySpace article

I enjoyed reading the MySpace article. I agree that MySpace is a great way for people to connect on the Internet. Although the article focused on all the bad things that can happen by using this new way of communication, many new relationships and experiences can be developed through this new technology. I feel that it is up to parents to monitor their children's use on this site . I can see why schools do have to step in at times when parents do not take responsibility for their children's actions.

Just Created

This is my first blog for my Internet Fundamentals class.