411 on Social Networking

I think that the VBPL should use a networking site to connect with teens. It would help its' image among teens as well as be a safe friend for them to have. It could be a good way to showcase the fun events that VBPL has to offer.

Reader's Advisory wiki

In thing 14, I posted a favorite book in the Staff Picks! section. Adding my comments and editing the page was easy. Other library groups can use wikis to share opinions with one another and develop new concepts among themselves.

Wikis

In thing 13, I learned what wikis are. I found the type of information found on the average wiki to be interesting. Libraries can use wikis to seek customer input on certain topics and to make customers aware of new happenings at their library.

IM and Reference at the library

I think that IM and reference are a good mix at the library. Staffers can use IM to quickly reply to reference questions asked from a distance, as well as answer presented questions at a later time.

IM and Libraries

Libraries should use IM to relay important information to customers and within their staff. IM is different than traditional communication channels by the parties being able to know if the peer is available or not. It also allows for easy collaboration. Most of our customers are regular IM users, so it would be helpful to know what their favorite way to communicate is in order to effectively relay information to them.

Thing 10

In thing 10, I located a few useful library blogs. To me, the easiest method of finding feeds was Technorati. It is also my favorite method because it has a nice, convenient design with everything spaced clearly on the page. Syndic8 was the most confusing one to use because it doesn't have any pictures or vivid graphics. It was mostly text. I found a news feed on Topix that was all about the latest happenings with Starbucks Coffee worldwide.

RSS and Newsreaders

In Thing 9, I learned how to use RSS feeds and newsreaders. I had fun learning how to put many different RSS feeds on your Bloglines account. What I like about RSS feeds and newsreaders is that they allow you to view all of your favorite information sources and web pages without being bombarded by advertisements. I might be able to use RSS to view what's going in the news and any work-related information. The advantages of using an RSS reader are that they conveniently display all of your favorite web sites in one place & you don't have to waste time viewing each individual site. Plus, the information on each page you have viewed is stored for future reference. However, the disadvantages of using an RSS reader are that advertisers can't make you aware of things that they are trying to sell & most people still don't know how to use one yet.