Instant Messaging and Reference @VBPL

Good news I was able to IM today as part of my discovery exercise. I had to wait a few minutes but the whole experience went rather well. I had done IM at home so I new what to expect. I like the features that Meebo offers especially the privacy protection. I asked a staff member from PA what her experiences were so far and she said that at this point she has not worked on a IM question. She is part time so the opportunity to do IM Reference comes up every few weeks. I think instant messaging and reference can be a good mix. People need to have patience while we work out the details of this new service.

Library related blogs and or news feeds

I found using keyword the easiest way of finding feeds. Technorati was the easiest search tool for finding RSS Feeds/Blogs. The most confusing search tool was Topix.net as I feel that the page was too cluttered and hard to navigate. In my RSS feeds seaching I discoverd feeds for consumer news from Pueblo,Colorado and the Mayo Clinic. The New York Public Library site has RSS feeds for classes,events, exhibitions, databases and indexes and best of the web.

IM and Libraries

Libraries should use IM because it is the the preferred method of communication for the populations libraries are striving to serve. The Pew report states "4 in ten online American IM."Also for the teens IMing has almost totally displaced email. Virtual reference services are a way to reach library users .Using IM can save the consumer precious time.
IM is different then traditional communication in number of ways such as: (1) IM is not limited to computers you can IM on a PDA or cell phone,(2) you have real time conversations with multiple friends,(3) you can add a webcam/live video to your IM converstion. According to a September 2004 study "How American Use Instant Messaging" by the Pew Internet and American Life Project 53 million adults send instant messages on a daily basis. The millennial generation has grown up using IM. Libraries need to embrace this technology keeping in mind the fact that a large portion of the popualtion choose to get their news, health information, banking, and shopping in this digital format.

RSS Feeds and Newsreaders

I really like the fast and timesaving options which the RSS feeds provide. I can go to Google Reader and read the new posts of the sites I have subscribed to. The whole experience keeps me more up to date. I have subscribed to Sara's Hold Shelf and I honestly learn quite a bit from that site alone. I will be able to use the RSS feeds for Reader's Advisory purposes as they expand my knowledge base in different genres. I can see a real advantage to using RSS feeds in keeping current with new material which is constantly being delivered on the web.Libraries can use RSS feeds to be continually updated from the vendors they use who provide books and electronic resources to the individual library sytems.

Thoughts on Library 2.0 ......

What does Library 2.0 mean to me....
The first thought which comes to mind is that I can use the new technology at my convenience.The advent of the Virtual Library gave the library users more options, flexibility in monitoring their account and a large selection of databases at their fingertips. I like the creativity and collaboration offered by the library. I talked to another staff member about how factual content in wikis can evaluated. The end result of that discussion was compare and contrast the information posted on the wiki with other electronic sites and print material. I cross check the information to see that the material presented is relevant.It is great to have choices in library services .

7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning

7 1/2 habits lifelong learning habits

The habit I found the easiest was to accept responsibility for my own learning. I seek out various types of learning environments to keep it challenging. The hardest habit for me is to use technology to my advantage. I am constantly trying to use different types of technology. I find that I use some form of new technology every day either at home or at work.