Library Display Apr. 2010

Just in case anyone needs these photos for their digital portfolio!

PLA Issues and Advocacy

Today’s public libraries are consistently being challenged to do more with less--less money, less staff, and less time. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in their public libraries, to convey to their communities the value of the library. Advocacy, the process of acting on behalf of the public library to increase public funds and ensure that it has the resources need to be up to date, is critical to the success of libraries.

BFF

The semester is wrapping up, but thanks to social networking we don't have to say good-bye even though we may not all be best friends forever.

It has been a great pleasure blogging, wiki -ing, bulding exhibits, sharing information and experiencing the (sometimes) pain and exhiliration of trying to produce a new project every week with all of you. We all seem to have unique viewpoints that has enriched the learning process.

I don't know how anyone else thinks or feels, but LT 130 has really altered my perceptions about libraries, what library personnel can do, and expanded my horizons about how technology can be used. Thank you, Linda. Thank you, blog mates.

Your Twitter rant about the wait at Starbucks – now in the Library of Congress!

Even the Library of Congress has recognized the social and historical (if not hysterical) value of all the tweeting that we’ve been doing. It has announced that it will keep a digital archive of every public tweet since Twitter began in 2006. Widely reported and discussed, from the Washington Post to Yahoo! News, this is an action with broad consequences. On the one hand, powerful filtering tools allow access to, and analysis of, a mountain of data on a myriad of topics. As Ben Schneiderman, computer science professor at the University of Maryland, comments in the Post article, “This is a remarkable resource that for the first time . . . allows us to grasp the mood of the culture minute by minute.” On the other hand, those snippy little comments about the person in front of you in line will now be preserved forever. That’s something to think about while you sip your latte.

Facebook for Librarians

Did you know there is a facebook page specifically about librarians using facebook? Here is the link. My favorite part about this page is the Discussions tab. Every question you could imagine is listed here, and any you don't see you can post yourself. Some examples of ongoing discussions are; Do you have a Strategy Plan?, Library policies for Facebook Page Creation/Maintenance, 10 Ways to Promote Your Library with Facebook, and Creating a fully-formed (and non-abuseable) FB page. This is a great place to connect with other librarians and learn how to navigate the new world of social media.

iPad and Social Reading

I just finished reading this article in the School Library Journal. The author points out his disappointment that Apple did not query librarians regarding the functionality of the ereader software for the iPad. He is left slightly wanting and BORED. I went to Best Buy recently on a whim to check it out. I have to agree with him. Yes, it is pretty. Oooooohhh, Aaaaaaahhh. Ok we got that out of our system. But in regards to reading an ebook on the iPad, there's not much more to it. The author of this article makes the case that Apple could have allowed the reader to not only highlight selected passages, but to be able to post them, comment and collaborate with others. This would basically turn the ereading experience into a social media/collaboration phenomenon. My husband says that its coming. The author even apologizes ahead of time if its on its way and just hasn't been unveiled yet. I have to agree, that sounds way cool. Now, when can I get one?

ALA Choose Privacy Week May 2-8, 2010

As I was visiting the ALA website I came across this article that I thought was very interesting and very good for our blog! It talks about how the government and FBI can keep track of our internet searches and if the suspect anything out of the oridinary they can track your calls, online purchases, airline travels, etc. We should take a stand now! You can sign the ballot agreeing that in May we Americans choose to protect our privacy!

Please visit www.privacyrevolution.org for more information.