This is the page for all things LIS 6303. Please feel free to check out the rest of my "blog". All eleven posts of it. LOL
I have recently realized that blogspot does not allow you to create posts on the pages you create. You can only post to the HOME page. This page will be a static page. To comment on one of my posts, please go back to the HOME page and click on that specific post there. This page is just a dump site (no offense) for all of my assignments for our course. For more information about this ... (insert nice but frustrated speech here) click here. I may or may not (but probably will) look into the gadgets, but I'm not promising anything. If I do .... then I wrote all of this for nothing. And worse, you read all of this for nothing. T_T I cry for us both.
Module 2
The Web 2.0 Craze
Most libraries have some sort of online presence. The level of online interactivity between libraries and their patrons vary. Emerging and Web 2.0 technologies afford libraries the opportunity to interact with their patrons outside of the library on a daily basis. However, this daily check-in could rub patrons the wrong way.
Web 2.0 technologies can be used to further support the patron experience. There is a new trend called “Support 2.0” which allows patrons to interact with the library through social media. I see it as providing another access point to the library (Abel, 2011). Also, social media allows the library to get a closer look (if allowed) of their patron demographics and interests. For instance, if a library has a Facebook page and most of the people liking their page are also a part of a group called “Let’s Garden!”, then the library can produce more programs that would attract this demographic. It helps the user (patron) keep up with the on goings at the library. It also helps the library keep in touch with it patrons. Facebook states that “More than 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day”. I think that every library should attempt to take part in that statistic. Even if most of their patrons do not use new technologies. They might encourage a new demographic to patron their library.
Libraries can use Web 2.0 technologies to continue the goal of the library to inspire active learning. Gamble (2011) suggests that Web 2.0 technologies allow libraries to become learning commons and introduce a shared learning environment for academics. However, isn’t that what libraries already do? I see Web 2.0 technologies as a way to expand on the library’s active learning environment into social media. I do not think that social media owns the monopoly on active learning. I feel this also suggests that Web 2.0 technologies are an alternative to traditional active learning which is a false assertion.
Web 2.0 technologies allow libraries to observe literature trends. Beyond reading what your patrons are tweeting about, libraries can read the latest online stories on Twitter. Rudin (2011) calls this new form of fiction Twitterature. Libraries can keep up-to-date with the latest stories. It is always helpful to know what’s happening. If the patrons libraries serve keep up with these things, then, to provide proper service, the library needs to keep up with these things.
All of this advancement in technology is fantastic, but I think it is important for libraries to keep in mind that you can have “too much of a good thing”. For instance, I personally hate receiving tweets, comments, or notifications about things that have nothing to do with me. JcPenny is having a sale. The Rickford library is offering free computer classes. I think libraries should focus on relevance and understand the best use of each technology. For instance, 15 to 20 tweets is not nearly as annoying as 15-20 notifications.
References
Abel, S. (2011). Customer support goes social. EContent, 34(9), p. 8.
Gamble, J. (2011). New essentials for the library as a learning commons. Library Media Connect, 30(2), p. 54-55
Rudin, M. (2011). From hemingway to twitterature: The short and shorter of it. Journal of Electronic Publishing, 14(2), p. 1-8.
Statistics. Facebook. Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
Libraries Using Facebook
Libraries Using Facebook
The Broward County Library System has several Facebook pages. Each page represents the different clusters of the system. I liked the information provided on the library’s wall. It was relevant information. The information on the wall applies to all patrons. It is the latest news about the main library.
This page is severely underutilized. There are nine photos on this page. Libraries do a lot of events. If they could commit to uploading one photo for each event, then they could have several collections of photos by the end of the year. Also, it would be nice to see what the reference area or check out area look like. This could help patrons find things in the library.
I also feel they could have utilized the likes and interests section. I am sure that the Library of Congress has a facebook page that they can “like”. Also, each cluster of this system has a facebook page. Why didn’t they “like” those pages?
I think that if you are going to participate in social media you have to do your due diligence. They cannot expect people to “like” there page if they aren’t “liking” other pages. Participation in Facebook is more than just creating a page. Participation requires that you network with other users and interact several facets of Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/browardcountylibrarymain?sk=info#!/browardcountylibrarymain?sk=wall
Module 3
Prezi and PPT: Bromance or frienemies?
Bromance
PowerPoint and Prezi both have the distinct ability to showcase a topic. They are both designed for presentations. In my opinion, they both take the same amount of time to learn and use. They also require a preconceived finished product. You need to have some idea of the end result to complete a project on either one.
I don't believe PowerPoint or Prezi cater to a specific age group. If they do, it's probably the same age group. Both PowerPoint and Prezi require practice and patience. You can be as creative as your imagine allows.
Frienemies
I think both PowerPoint and Prezi were intended for the same purpose. This is the reason they might be frienemies. They are competing with each other. More people may know how to use PowerPoint than Prezi, however, the concepts are the same. Prezi could easily do the same things done by PowerPoint.
Prezi has an advantage. It is online and cloud computing is very convenient. Of course, Microsoft has joined up with MSN and created a cloud computing alternative. However, users need to create an MSN account and there is an issue with back compatibility. In my opinion, it is easier to upload a presentation in google docs.
It is your prerogative. They can be in a bromance or they could be frienemies. I think it might be a little bit of both.
Module 4
Podcasts Give Virtual Reference a New Meaning
PowerPoint and Prezi both have the distinct ability to showcase a topic. They are both designed for presentations. In my opinion, they both take the same amount of time to learn and use. They also require a preconceived finished product. You need to have some idea of the end result to complete a project on either one.
I don't believe PowerPoint or Prezi cater to a specific age group. If they do, it's probably the same age group. Both PowerPoint and Prezi require practice and patience. You can be as creative as your imagine allows.
Frienemies
I think both PowerPoint and Prezi were intended for the same purpose. This is the reason they might be frienemies. They are competing with each other. More people may know how to use PowerPoint than Prezi, however, the concepts are the same. Prezi could easily do the same things done by PowerPoint.
Prezi has an advantage. It is online and cloud computing is very convenient. Of course, Microsoft has joined up with MSN and created a cloud computing alternative. However, users need to create an MSN account and there is an issue with back compatibility. In my opinion, it is easier to upload a presentation in google docs.
It is your prerogative. They can be in a bromance or they could be frienemies. I think it might be a little bit of both.
Module 4
Podcasts Give Virtual Reference a New Meaning
My podcast is a reader's advisory for adults with young children. The podcasts answers a reference question providing listeners with book choices appropriate for their children's reading level. This podcast promotes the use of local libraries. It is meant as another bridge between communities and their libraries.
Libraries and Podcasts
After creating a podcast for the recent class assignment, I can truly say ... that it is FUN! (I usually don't blog in CAPS but this assignment was cool.) I am partially wondering if there are libraries that have positions open just for this! How cool would that be? Enough of my excitement rant. Let's get to the real topic.
I did a search for "libraries podcast" and came up with a few library sites. It seems that most libraries use these podcasts as an instructional medium. I think that's a great idea. Not only do they provide another entry point to the library, but they also provide an opportunity to reach out to other communities in their areas. For instance, these podcasts may appeal to the visually impaired community, just like text instructions would appeal to the hearing impaired community.
I am sure that most libraries have a target audience (that has nothing to do with disabilities), however, by providing information in various formats libraries can optimize their outreach. I am not naive. I'm sure that many students of podcasting academic libraries have no idea that these resources exist. I do hope that as librarians continue to use emerging technologies and that students begin to expect these podcasts.
The only drawback I can think of with podcasts is that they take time. You have to outline what works best in audio. For instance, a library's newsletter may have to be reworded for a podcast. Each format needs a different adaptation of the message to be effective. There needs to be a team or committee working together or designated librarians. If not, we will see inconsistencies in the amount of podcasts and when they are done.
I don't think podcasts will replace newsletters, calendars, etc. I think it is just another way of getting the information out there.
I did a search for "libraries podcast" and came up with a few library sites. It seems that most libraries use these podcasts as an instructional medium. I think that's a great idea. Not only do they provide another entry point to the library, but they also provide an opportunity to reach out to other communities in their areas. For instance, these podcasts may appeal to the visually impaired community, just like text instructions would appeal to the hearing impaired community.
I am sure that most libraries have a target audience (that has nothing to do with disabilities), however, by providing information in various formats libraries can optimize their outreach. I am not naive. I'm sure that many students of podcasting academic libraries have no idea that these resources exist. I do hope that as librarians continue to use emerging technologies and that students begin to expect these podcasts.
The only drawback I can think of with podcasts is that they take time. You have to outline what works best in audio. For instance, a library's newsletter may have to be reworded for a podcast. Each format needs a different adaptation of the message to be effective. There needs to be a team or committee working together or designated librarians. If not, we will see inconsistencies in the amount of podcasts and when they are done.
I don't think podcasts will replace newsletters, calendars, etc. I think it is just another way of getting the information out there.
I am glad you appreciate the use of both software products. So many people want to throw out the old when new ideas come along. However, new software can enhance and give more choices and variety, and not necessarily replace what is already out there that works well. I love both software products, and see the value in having both available. I do agree with you that they both take some time to learn at first, but the possibilities are endless!
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