October
2006 Tidbits - Links for Libraries Highlights
I recently spent some time updating old and adding new sections to Links for Libraries (a.k.a. L4L) on OWLSweb. Most of them are related to Library 2.0 topics and can be a little "techie," so I thought they'd be worth highlighting here.
Blogs and blog use in libraries
What's a blog, you ask? Blog is the short form of "web log," which is typically a personal journal that is updated frequently and available to the general public. Characteristics of a blog include its journal form, informal style, and its representation of the author's personality. Topics sometimes include brief philosophical musings, commentary on Internet and other social issues, and links to other sites the author favors. Libraries are beginning to use blogs to share information about new materials or services, and as a way to encourage feedback from their patrons.
Explore L4L's Blogs & Blog Use in Libraries page sections:
- How blogs are being used in libraries
- Independent librarian blogs
- Some library-related blogs by topic
- Lists of blogs out there and a highlighted few
- How to start blogging
And if you're an OWLS member library interested in blog use, be sure to contact Beth for more information on how OWLS can help.
IM use in libraries
IM stands for Instant Messaging, which is "a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet." (from Wikipedia) There are several different IM applications that people are using to communicate these days: AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, Jabber or GTalk to name a few. Libraries across the country have started offering reference service via IM and are having a great deal of success doing so.
The following resources on L4L's IM Use in Libraries page have been selected to help you learn more about IM, how it is being used in libraries, and what IM tools and services are out there.
If you've never used IM before, go to my contact page and try to "meebo beth." It will tell you if I'm online or not. If I'm online feel free to send me an instant message in the meebo box, and I'll reply to give you a little taste of how handy and easy IM can be.
Podcasting
"Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers." (Wikipedia, 8/9/2006) Many mainstream sites offer podcasts as a regular part of their web content, for example, visit NPR online and you'll find loads of podcasts available for free download.
Interested in learning more? Check out some of the following sections on L4L's Podcasting page:
- Libraries and podcasting
- How to get started
- Free tools to help you create a podcast
- How to find podcasts
Adieu
Farewell until next time from the library system where all the computers are fast, all the books are worth reading, and all the librarians are above average!
This issue of Tidbits was written by Beth Carpenter, Web Services Manager for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. Please send any comments or questions about this issue to Beth.
Supporting public libraries in Outagamie and Waupaca counties