LIS 753 Post 5

In the article, “Library 2.0” by Michael Casey and Laura Savastinuk discuss the need for to libraries to offer services that meet their users’ needs. These services can involve modern technology but not necessarily. The importance of these services is that they “successfully reaches users, [are] evaluated frequently, and makes use of customer input.” I like how a simple service like offering meeting space for a group is seen as Library 2.0. This is nice for libraries that cannot afford to purchase some of the expensive technology based services. They can still offer inexpensive ways to meet their patrons’ needs. I agree with Jenny Levine (who is referred to in this article) that many libraries are not ready to try new services. I feel that many librarians already have a full plate and do not know how to incorporate these new services. Casey and Savastinuk commented that these new services can help bring in new patrons and help retain current patrons. They mentioned how libraries could offer services that personalize their experience at the library. For example, libraries could offer personalized library web pages or allow patrons to run informal book talks through the library’s blog. If libraries want to be seen as current and valuable in their patrons’ eyes, then they need to offer the services their patrons’ need and request. These services do not have to involve modern technology but just need to fulfill the needs of their patrons.

Celebrity Status

This is a picture of me playing Dora this summer! I know everyone wants to know what it is like to be famous.

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.

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.