This week in Web 2.0 101 we explored popular social networking sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace. I can see the potential usefulness of using social networking sites to connect and keep up with friends, as well as library colleagues. However, for me, the jury is still out as to whether libraries should invest fully in a Facebook or MySpace page. I’d be more interested in hearing whether students are receptive to the idea of libraries and librarians having Facebook and MySpace pages and whether they would use them or not. Given the personal (and yes, often explicit) nature of some Facebook pages, I also wonder if students would feel comfortable connecting with their campus librarian this way. I’m not critiquing libraries or librarians that try to connect with students through social networking sites. However, I’m not sure if it would be right for me.
Archive for March, 2008
Wikis and Blogs, oh my!
March 19, 2008This week, as part of the MLA Web 2.0 101 course, we examined wikis. In terms of potential uses of wikis and blogs, I believe wikis promote collaboration and would be useful for group projects. They allow an easy way to track input/changes. As far as blogs, although readers can comment, I don’t see them as much as a collaboration tool. Instead, I believe they are useful for “pushing” information out, such as news/announcements.
Needless to say, both wikis and blogs definately have their use.
Blogs and RSS Feeds
March 12, 2008I enrolled in the Medical Libray Association’s Web 2.0 101 course. Over the next eight weeks, I’ll be learning about a variety of Web 2.0 technologies. The first week of the course is focused on blogs and RSS feeds.
In response to the questions: How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library? How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?
RSS feeds are particularly helpful for me to keep up with the professional (library) literature. Since I also serve as liaison to the School of Dental Medicine, RSS feeds are a useful way for me to keep up with the latest dental literature.
Patrons would benefit from RSS feeds, understandably, because they enable an easy way to keep up with new information. Although it is relatively easy to set up a RSS feed reader and feeds, I don’t see my dental faculty necessarily taking the time to do so, most likely because they lack the technology skills or confidence. However, if I were to set up the reader and feeds, they might be more inclined to take advantage of this service. This is something that I might investigate in the near future.
Hello world!
March 12, 2008Welcome to my blog! I will use this blog to reflect on happenings in library-land. Enjoy!
