RSS feeds (initial thoughts)

I'm a big fan of the RSS feed. I collect information from a variety of sources and with RSS i can have it all in one one place. (I currently use Google Reader)

But how can libraries use RSS?
I found this interesting blog post from The Moxie Librarian who covered some of the basics (new additions to the catalogue, upcoming events, local interest stories) but then suggested some note worthy ideas. What about having an RSS of library media releases? Or library closings? Or job openings? Hold notifications?
The Library of Congress in the US has an extensive RSS page. I was surprised at some of the topics on offer. They have the sections about news and events, but there are also feeds for librarians and teachers, digital preservation, poetry, copyright news and the latest additions to the Library's gift shop.

I guess the lesson is to not limit to your thinking and to talk to the different departments. Each department knows what their customers are asking for on a regular basis.


Public Library RSS Brainstorm:
Here are a few ideas that came to me after reading through some of the RSS information
1. Teacher feed- new books related to the curriculum, author talks, summer reading programs
2. HSC feed- new additions, local talks, pod casts, study tips
3. Parent feed(s)- information about new books, events, and news just for parents. These could be tailored for particular age groups
4. Book group feed- what's happening with the Library's book groups, books they are reading, groups that have openings, reviews from book group participants
5. Staff pics- books selected by the staff with links to the catalogue

-AB

Podcasts

After reading the Module 2 I found out that the CSU library has a series of its podcasts. The very first podcast is about how students can access library services while doing a prac. That's so handy because I'm hoping to do my prac this year. Nice when things come together.
A podcast that I am particularly fond of is Adventures in Library Instruction. It is light hearted but so very informative. (I laugh and learn every time I listen) It is because of this podcast I now have a QR code on my business cards.

-AB

Delicious (initial thoughts)

I have reactivated my Delicious account. My first thought about how this type of bookmarking service

1. Tagging could be powerful for groups. A library could encourage staff to tag interesting articles with an agreed library tag to share with the group.
2. The cloud computing aspect means that if you find a great link at home, it can still be shared at work.
3. Links can be emailed to colleagues
4. searching by tags can lead to new information sources


-AB

Mythbusting in Social Media Marketing is a talk being presented by the Social Media Club Sydney. Sadly I can't go to this one but I've been to their talks before and they are worth going to.

AB

Notes from Mod 1 readings

Notes from reading for Module 1 (these are just a few notes jotted down while reading)

• "People may skip an obvious technical improvement because the new way does not feel right or comfortable, even though it is more utilitarian.
• "We adopt new technologies largely because of what they do for us, but also in part because of what they mean to us. Often we refuse to adopt technology for the same reason: because of how the avoidance reinforces, or crafts our identity. "
• "We announce our identity by what stuff we use or refuse. "
• "Groups or individuals will reject all kinds of technologically advanced innovations simply because. Because everyone else accepts them. Or because they clash with their self-conception. Because they don't mind doing things with more effort. "
  

So basically people will only use technologies when the technologies fit in with how they see themselves, not solely because the new thing is better, faster, stronger, etc. Technologies are as much about personal taste as they are about advancement. So while libraries are wanting to add new gadgets (blogs, RSS feeds, Kindles, down loadable audio books, etc) are they looking into if these technologies fit with their client base or are they just creating white elephants?

This whole discussion might begin to explain my personal aversions to Apple computers and the music of the band Tool. On paper I should like both. I like good design and tactile technologies. But it was only in the last year that I bought my first iPod (and that was only because I bought a car with an iPod dock). And I seem to like every festival where Tool is on the bill I like all of the supporting acts, but every time I listen to Tool it just doesn't click with me. Neither click for me. So here in this article I have some support for the things I don't just 'just because'.
Cool.

-AB

Kelly, Kevin. (2009) Ethnic technology, The Technium: http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2009/03/ethnic_technolo.php

Entry 1

A. What is social networking:

In 2010, social networking consists of a variety of technologies that allow people to connect and share (although I would argue that the backyard BBQ is also a form of 'social networking'). Some of these spaces have a theme or topic like Flickr (for photography) or LinkedIn (for professionals) while others Facebook and My Space are for general socializing.

B. Social networking technologies and sites I use:

Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Linkedin, You Tube, delicious, Google chat, Google Reader (which I would consider 'social networking' because you can share links with others), Windows Messenger and I have a Wordpress blog (but it has been pretty quiet at my blog since I've gone back to Uni).

Over the years I have been on a number of social bulletin boards (craft ones, a wedding one and one for ExPats). I have also contributed to Wikipedia and have used wikis for work and other personal projects.

C. What I expect to learn in INF206:

I'm very interested in technologies and how we in the library industry can use them to our advantage. In INF206 I am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of social networking tools by looking at them with a critical eye. I'm also hoping to learn about the future of social networking and connect with others who are interested in this subject.

-AB