Thing 11: IM and the library

I really like the idea of IM at the library, ie;Virtual Reference Service. However, there are many pitfalls to getting started, such as adequate staffing, and user friendly environments for those patrons interested in the service. Good training is crucial, if the staff member is not comfortable or familiar with the IM environment then they could deter users from returning.

VR also seems like a great way to appeal to teenagers, but they are very selective with their time and communication channels. Of course if we are going to "do their homework for them" then they may get to really like our stodgy librarian IM environment!

Additionally, we have patrons who do like using reference by phone and similar patrons might really like the immediacy of IM reference. As a library we should be willing to meet the needs of a wide variety learning styles. Some patrons may only be comfortable with VR and if our system can be properly staffed then this would be a great service.

Thing 10 Blog and Feed searches

This was ok, however it is a bit frustrating that our library doesn't get any hits when I searched on Topix and Syndic8, but I guess that is what we're in the process of changing. The sites seemed ok except for info overload. Users need to be pretty specific of what they are looking for. I would like to try Feedster when it is up and running.

Thing 9: RSS feeds

RSS and newsreaders are so cool. I used to have subscriptions to sites in my email account and they would pile up w/o me reading them. Newsreaders allow me to receive up to date links to my favorite sites outside my email. This is also a great way get up to date info by accessing library sites all in one place.

I would like to see our patrons have RSS feeds for interesting sites on new books and technologies offered at the library. These should be easily accessible from our website. That way when they log into their Reader the links are there and they don't have to deal with our difficult city website. Right now it is very hard to even find the Library link from the city site, let alone navigate any further.

Thing 5: Thoughts on Library 2.0

Library 2.0 seems like a very exciting view of the future. I am happy to be learning and playing with some of the "tools". See, I am working on that 71/2 habit! At first all this stuff is very overwhelming, too many new phrases like "mashups" RSS and "tagging", it's like learning a new language. But then when I was a student I found that each area of study had it's lingo, so this isn't any different. The best thing is to just jump in and try some stuff. This is my second "blog" and I think it's getting fun!
One thing I heard around the workplace is how we are not given enough choices with Library 2.0. Perhaps this is to make it easier to learn however, if I want to have a Facebook account, then why do I have to use MySpace? The whole point of this is explore and see what suits me, right?

71/2 lifelong habits

The easiest habit for me is the first one, "begin with the end in mind". I have always enjoyed setting new goals and affirming them in writing. I like to put pictures into my journal and write down some detailed ideas about the goal. I also sometimes like to bounce my ideas off friends and family members. It's kind of like getting some feedback from the universe. If the majority of responses are good then I move ahead with further planning.

The other habit I really like is viewing "problems as challenges"! I know this sounds strange but when I get a goal in mind I like dealing with the problems that inevitably arise. The problems or challenges only seem to stimulate more commitment to the goal. However, I will say that when family members are not behind me on a goal it makes it extremely had to keep the energy going.

The two hardest habits for me are the sixth and the 7 1/2. The sixth is tough because even though I am comfortable with technology, I am also a nature girl. Because of the screen light I don't like spending long periods of time at the computer, and it seems that technology and computers go hand in hand. As for habit 71/2, I often take things too seriously and have to remind myself to relax and have fun! Playing keeps us young and allows for a better creative flow.