Well, we've finally taken the plunge (aka: I rearranged my priority list) and now have a MySpace page. Our URL is: www.myspace.com/idahosplat. That's one New Year's resolution that won't actually have to make it on the list.

We're just starting out and there isn't much up there yet (partially because MySpace is having all kinds of annoying technical difficulties today) but we're on our way to a great page. As I'm sure you've already heard, MySpace is just one of the ways that libraries can market themselves and meet the needs their patrons. How are we meeting our patrons' needs with this seemingly trivial, flashy, annoying website? By taking our services to the patrons, instead of just making them come to us. You already know they're on MySpace, they spend hours on it everyday at your public access computers. We're also sending a message. One that says "Yes, we are paying attention to you. We know what you're interested in and we care about that." It also, hopefully, shows that libraries can and will adapt to the rapidly changing culture around them.

So, if you're on MySpace add us! If you haven't got your own page yet, maybe this can be the incentive you need to try out this neat social software. Come on, see what the buzz is all about. I dare you.

Well, Dylan and I made it safely to Moscow a little while ago.  We had enough time to eat lunch and check out the conference diggs and now we're waiting for our first SPLAT meeting start.  I'm looking forward to the conference and to getting people set up with IM, Readers, and maybe even play some games.  If you're here come stop by and see us!

Gotta go SPLAT!

Here's a cool service you can try out and let your patrons know about - Skype. By going to here you can download free software that will let you talk to anyone anywhere in the world who also has Skype downloaded onto their computer. It looks a little like an instant messenger but acts as a phone; it make calls through your internet connection. You will need a microphone headset (or something along these lines) if your computer doesn't have a microphone built into it. I got it so I could talk to my friends who are going to school in Germany and Hungary. I'm not on very often but if you wanna try it out and have someone to talk to look me up by my name or my Skype name - anna.warns.

Well I'm feeling pretty good about getting my very own librarian trading card created. It was pretty simple too! The format has already been created and all you have to do is insert the picture and the info and out comes this nifty looking thing. I created this to give out to our teen volunteers and so far the reaction has been great. Laughing and a "This is cool!" is much better than the typical nod of acceptance that regular business cards generate. This is just one easy way to reach out to and connect with the digital natives you come across. Click here to create your own. Hey! And you can IM me if you have any questions or want any help!