Instant messaging at the library by the reference staff can be an interesting way to experience a new mode of communication. Once the challenge of training and scheduling the staff in instant messaging, the reference service can then be offered to the general public in the hopes of attracting the IM users.
Instant messaging from cell phones can be an even greater convenience for the library customer, especially teens. According to statistics, teens are using their cell phones more and more to IM with their peers. Using this information, the library can tap into that age group and be of great assistance in the homework/school assignment/ project area.
Hopefully, as technology changes, we will be able to upgrade and enhance library services in "real-time" type interactions with our customers.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
IM and the Library
Instant Messaging can be used to broaden our range of library services, especially reference services.
According to PEW statistics, IM is used mainly by a younger population to communicate with same-age online users. If the library targets this population for IM reference services, we can give them immediate feedback in a less formal setting. This may be a way to reach the fast-paced world of young internet users who may be multi-tasking and need reliable reference information right away.
According to PEW statistics, IM is used mainly by a younger population to communicate with same-age online users. If the library targets this population for IM reference services, we can give them immediate feedback in a less formal setting. This may be a way to reach the fast-paced world of young internet users who may be multi-tasking and need reliable reference information right away.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I conducted "library" topic searches on Technorati, Syndic8, and Topix.net.
I was able to successfully feed YALSA to my Google Reader. I also added Library Journal to the list.
Searching the directories gave me lots of information I didn't need.
The advantage to searching the directories is the gathering of information that might not otherwise be found.
Undoubtedly, the more I use these directories the more skilled I'll become at finding just the type of information I need.
I was able to successfully feed YALSA to my Google Reader. I also added Library Journal to the list.
Searching the directories gave me lots of information I didn't need.
The advantage to searching the directories is the gathering of information that might not otherwise be found.
Undoubtedly, the more I use these directories the more skilled I'll become at finding just the type of information I need.
The best thing about the RSS or news reader service is that it is becoming the standard purveyor of up-to-date information for internet users. Whether through the personal computer, cell phone or PDA, the news reader will grab information at it becomes available and feed it to the individual user in a concise, easily obtained manner.
Its usefulness in the workplace can be directly linked to the availability of current information. The same point can be made when applying it to personal use. For example, when using RSS feeds with cell phones, the consumer can easily find out which gas station has the cheapest gas.
In addition, the libraries can take advantage of the current technology by using RSS feeds to give notice of the availability of best sellers at the local libraries.
Its usefulness in the workplace can be directly linked to the availability of current information. The same point can be made when applying it to personal use. For example, when using RSS feeds with cell phones, the consumer can easily find out which gas station has the cheapest gas.
In addition, the libraries can take advantage of the current technology by using RSS feeds to give notice of the availability of best sellers at the local libraries.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners
1. Begin with the end in mind.
2. Accept responsibility for your own learning.
3. View problems as challenges.
4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.
5. Create your own learning tool box.
6. Use technology to your advantage.
7. Teach/mentor.
71/2. Play.
I believe each habit listed is important and I would like to think I'm acquiring or have acquired most of them.
2. Accept responsibility for your own learning.
3. View problems as challenges.
4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.
5. Create your own learning tool box.
6. Use technology to your advantage.
7. Teach/mentor.
71/2. Play.
I believe each habit listed is important and I would like to think I'm acquiring or have acquired most of them.
Library 2.0
Library 2.0 is a technology-based tool the library used to better serve its customers by:
-Allowing the customer to decide what they want, how they want to get it and how
the library can help them meet their objectives.
-the new service must be continually reevaluated and fine-tuned to better serve our
customers.
-The technology must be used in tandem with other customer-driven services to
ultimately provide reliable access to information.
-Allowing the customer to decide what they want, how they want to get it and how
the library can help them meet their objectives.
-the new service must be continually reevaluated and fine-tuned to better serve our
customers.
-The technology must be used in tandem with other customer-driven services to
ultimately provide reliable access to information.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
All Mashedup
The first blog is happening as I write and I have to say it's pretty easy to blog.
As to publishing my thoughts about lifelong learning, I guess I'd better address the issue and say that lifelong learning is a necessity.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology is going to be challenging but it's a tool that will be increasingly valuable as we move into the future.
However, it's not all about technology. To learn is to gain knowledge through study, experience or to just become "aware". I'd like to think this "learning' takes place everyday in many ways.
The "71/2 habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners" published by the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are excellent habits to have and I'll be keeping them in mind as I go forward with this exercise.
As to publishing my thoughts about lifelong learning, I guess I'd better address the issue and say that lifelong learning is a necessity.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology is going to be challenging but it's a tool that will be increasingly valuable as we move into the future.
However, it's not all about technology. To learn is to gain knowledge through study, experience or to just become "aware". I'd like to think this "learning' takes place everyday in many ways.
The "71/2 habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners" published by the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are excellent habits to have and I'll be keeping them in mind as I go forward with this exercise.
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