memo's blog

What about librarians? Will they be around?

We've heard people speak of the dark tidings looming over libraries, given that "everything" is on the Internet. But we also know this is a huge fat lie, right?

To add to the discussion on why libraries--and librarians--are important (as if we need a refresher!  But then again...) you can check DegreeTutor's article titled, "Are Librarians Totally Obsolete? 33 Reasons Why Libraries and Librarians are Still Extremely Important" at http://tinyurl.com/2pd84s or go directly to the article at http://www.degreetutor.com/library/adult-continued-education/librarians-needed

Can you think of a few more? I knew you could!

Last updated: January 31, 2007 - 11:53am by memo

Do Re Meebo Me!

Instant Messaging (IM) is a simple, easy way to communicate with others around the world's corner. Distance becomes moot. Cool? You bet!

If you visit this blog you may have noticed the Meebo graphic to your left. Clicking on that will take you to an IM portal. That's what Meebo does: it allows you to IM anyone you know who has an IM nickname or ID. No software to download, no unnecessary steps to connect with someone with an IM ID. Mine is from the Yahoo! network: freerangelibrarian. I use Meebo to talk to other SPLAT members, my students, family, and you--if you want to try it.

The folks at Meebo were pleasantly surprised to get a lot of love from librarians. From the Meebo blog, you can read the "Librarian Love" post and the comments that poured in after it. One librarian pointed out a wiki titled "Online Reference" where there's a section of libraries using Meebo for their reference service. I didn't see any Idaho libraries in there. Yet.

Last updated: December 13, 2006 - 2:40pm by memo

Learn Library 2.0 (online, of course!)

If you or your staff want to experience the whole concept of Library 2.0 and everything that entails, by all means run and sign up for the Five Weeks to a Social Library course.

From their website:

The course was developed to provide a free, comprehensive, and social online learning opportunity for librarians who do not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education and who would benefit greatly from learning about social software. The course will be taught using a variety of social software tools so that the participants acquire experience using the tools while they are taking part in the class.

Learn AND use the tools that can make or enhance your library to 2.0 readiness!

Last updated: December 4, 2006 - 3:50pm by memo

LIBWORM: RSS & Libraryland goodness!

LIBWORMSimilar to Dylan's earlier post on keeping current with libraryland issues, enter LIBWORM (in beta), billed as a "search engine, a professional development tool, and a current awareness tool for people who work in libraries or care about libraries."

LIBWORM uses over 1400 RSS feeds from sources like blogs, podcasts, and websites that discuss libraries.  Similar to Google's interface, LIBWORM can also be searched according to categories and subjects.  Naturally, you can subscribe to each category or subject via RSS.

It's a search enginus for the rest of us (apologies to Seinfeld's now classic holiday episode)!

Last updated: November 27, 2006 - 9:32am by memo

School and Web 2.0

Great research from a 19 year old web designer/programmer whose blog (Solution Watch) has a three-part post titled "Back to School with the Class of Web 2.0" on using new web technologies in the classroom. From the blog:

"During the last few weeks I have researched possible scenarios and real case studies of Web 2.0 in education in hopes to show others where we are with today’s education and where it could be. The article covers: educational blogging, photo sharing, educational podcasting, wikis, video sharing, Web 2.0 courses, School 2.0, and more."

Check out parts one, two, and three and see how they apply to your lifelong learning.

Last updated: November 1, 2006 - 9:41am by memo