LIS 753 Post 3

I read an interesting article called “Big Tech for Every Library” by Sarah Houghton. She discussed how an organization called EngagedPatrons.org is helping small libraries that cannot afford high tech services. (The creator of this organization is Glenn Peterson who is a former librarian.) This organization provides free web page enhancements to libraries in the United States that have an annual income of less than $1 million. Larger libraries can receive some of the services for free but the other services they can receive at a reduced rate. The organization provides five services: event calendars, blogs, contact forms, RSS Feeds, and custom databases.

I thought it was nice that the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” is getting smaller. It is good that finally the patrons in the low income communities will receive updated technology services. I think the nice thing about this organization is that they set up the program for you. Also the services they are adding to your website will look just like your library’s website. It will not be confusing then to the patrons. I think it is great that 50 libraries have signed up for this program since April of 2006. It is encouraging to see that libraries are talking advantage of this service and not wasting it.

LIS 753 Post 4

I recently read the article, Google is Not the Net by Andrew Albanese which discussed the importance of libraries using social networking tools. He remarked that libraries need to use these tools because that is where their patrons can be found. He commented that libraries could use tools like MySpace.com to interact with patrons about library features. Albanese gave an example about a patron emailing a librarian at Brooklyn College about why a library would have a MySpace account. The librarian answered by giving the patron a mini lesson on how to use the library’s online catalog. What an interesting way to reach patrons where they are and give them the services they need. I also thought it was interesting to read about how libraries could use social networking links like NetFlix or Amazon’s book recommendations if libraries did not fear that their patrons’ records could be subpoenaed or hijacked. I agree with Albanese that libraries should offer these services to patrons that understand that their information may be subpoenaed or hijacked. If patrons are receiving these services apart from libraries then it is time for libraries to offer similar services to keep their patrons realizing that the library is still a needed and valued service. We do not want all of our potential patrons going to outside sources for resources that libraries could easily offer. We need to keep our users and find new ones by staying current with technology.