Instant Messaging and Libraries

I think IM and libraries are a good mix. I think it take some practice to get used to doing virtual reference via IM, but it is a way to reach people that are completely technology dependent. Younger people are used to getting information fast, even if it is the wrong information. Ths is one way to fulfill their needs while ensuring that they get accurate information. It also a way to keep them interested in using libraries, even if they never or hardly ever actually set foot in one.

Libraries and IM

How many of the IM population are our customers and why should we care?

IM was huge when I was in college. I think just about everyone had an IM account. People would compete to have the most interesting away message. I think that if you were born in the 1980's or later, IM is a part of life. I think it is great that we offer IM VR because we are able to reach those who have been exposed to computers all their lives and are used to getting information quickly via the internet.

Newsfeed Search Tools

The two newsfeed search tools that I explored are Topix and Syndic8.com

I really liked Topix. It neatly displayed the top news stories, not only locally, but nationally. I could even see what the current weather forecast was for VA Beach.

Syndic8.com was OK. I liked being able to search for feeds on a variety of topics. Since I was mostly interested in local and national news, it wasn't as helpful as Topix which automatically searched for all the information that I was interested in.

RSS

I have never used RSS before. I can see the handiness of having it, but I can also see how it can become cumbersome if overused.

Here is my RSS
http://www.bloglines.com/public/LibraryExercise

Library 2.0

I thought the articles on Library 2.0 were very interesting. In the Iceberg article, I thought the comment that if you need training to use a program, then the program needs to be changed. That is a very different view from what a lot of vendors of electronic databases have, since to use their products effectively we have to teach patrons. It will be interesting to see if vendors change the way they do business in response to Web 2.0 and Library 2.0.

The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

The easiest of the habits for me is the playing! I love tinkering with new things to find out how they work.
The hardest of the habits for me is accepting responsibility for my own learning. It is very easy to sit back and let things pass you by. It takes much more work to find out about what is new and hot, and then pursue finding out more.