Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Thing 3: RSS Feeds

Okay that was pretty easy. I keep checking back at the instructions to see if I have missed something. I think I will investigate the RSS feed option a little more but it was nice to "get my feet wet". I can definately see where this option is very beneficial for keeping up with new posts on a website or blog. One thing I have noticed is the many accounts that you have to open to use these option. Google offers many of the options under one account. I don't know how often I will check back in the google reader account. I hink there is got to be a way to check on these updates without logging into the Google Reader account. So off to do a little more investigating!!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Thing 2: What is Library 2.0?

I would have to agree that Library 2.0 is not jsut about technology but more about how a library "does business". I think that the role of the libraries is constatnly changing and it can be difficult for libraries to keep up with the ever changing technology but there are other services that Libraries can be providing like more programming. I really enjoy hearing about the Teen programs because even if it has something to do with gamming at least it gets people in the door and they can see what else a library has to offer. I also like the library having accoutns on MySpace and Facebook because there is this very large group of people that spend a lot of time on their computers so libraries have to grab their attention in that arena.

What I have seen in the many years that I have worked in a public library is that one of the underlining philosophies is to help provide information to the public that we serve. With Library 2.0 it is just changing how we provide that information and it can be very exciting.

I would agree to really understand blogging and rss feeds is to actually go and try it. We just had a workshop on GoodReads and Shelfari and what I tried to show my fellow co-workers is how it is beneficial for them personally and we talked how these tools could be used in the library. I also hope by showing people how things work it won't be so "scary" to go and try it for themsleves. I think sometimes we just need a little help getting started and than the technology does not seem so bad. So once you have tried one option such as blogging or joining goodreads you may be willing to try something else and it will expand from there.

This is an exciting time for libraries and their staff. There is so much out there and we don't always need to learn everything but at least try and keep the stuff that works for you.

Thing 1: Blog Challenge

Well I gave up on the Feedburner option. I think I did it right but I was not sure and when I started to make corrections it seemed to get worse so I just deleted the account. I did just get done trying the Sitemeter option. This seemed to be easier and it does seem to be working so I hope people will clikc away on my blog so I can check the stats. Well I am on to Thing 2. Many of my co-workers are way ahead of me so it is time to play catch-up.