The Gates Foundation recently announced that it would grant $6.9 million to assist public libraries in seven states improve their broadband access. This initiative is in response to the high demand for free Internet access by public library patrons.
As an intern in a public library, I can attest to the robust usage of the public computers for various purposes, including those related to Web 2.0 technologies. Patrons would frequently visit Facebook and other social networking sites or read and post blogs. More traditional uses of the Internet like job searching, e-mail and general Web browsing also occurred, but the demand was certainly there for emerging technologies.
Now, I am working in a health sciences library that is employing Library 2.0 to engage, inform, educate and include students, faculty and staff. It has been helpful for me to learn not only the technological side of Web 2.0, but the theoretical frameworks that inform the application of them in libraries.
For example, our library has been undergoing some major renovations recently. We maintain a blog that serves as a communication tool to keep our patrons updated on the progress of the work and how it might affect their use of certain areas of the library.
We also host a community blog that is dedicated to providing community health information to individuals and health professionals in South Texas.
Staying abreast of trends in Web 2.0 and seeing specific examples of how these technologies are being utilized, will help me be a part of the evolution of these applications in our library. During this course, I have bookmarked some resources in my Delicious account and I plan on referring back to the information I have received. I also look forward to using Web 2.0 applications in my professional career and in my personal life.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
YouTube for fun and education
We've all seen YouTube videos of cats flushing toilets or young kids being terrorized by other kids, but YouTube is also being used for educational purposes. It is even being utilized by politicians to communicate with the public about their professioanl agenda and personal beliefs. For political purposes, this method can reach a wider audience than more traditional ways. If someone missed a speech on TV, they can watch it at their convenience later.
Here is the video for Barack Obama's full speech to the DNC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ato7BtisXzE
As a medical librarian, I was also interested in seeing what was posted to YouTube about health literacy. I found a very apropo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEMtJOZMIRQ
We focus on literacy in terms of health-related issues and concerns, but barriers to effective communication exist in every facet of our lives. It is not only characterized by low literacy, lack of education and resources, but by professional lingo and expertise in a particular field. I too am guilty of assuming that patrons/students/faculty have more information literacy skills than they do. In the health education field, we often talk about "meeting people where they are". This can refer to a physical place or an emotional or mental state.
As librarians, we often help people who are seeking further understanding and information after a meeting with a specialist in some field like a doctor, lawyer, car mechanic, etc. To successfully assist our patrons, we need to carefully assess their needs and help them find resoures that are at a level they can comprehend.
The many Web 2.0 tools I have been blogging about can aid us in our outreach and reference services. They can deliver traditional library resources right to a patron's home!
Here is the video for Barack Obama's full speech to the DNC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ato7BtisXzE
As a medical librarian, I was also interested in seeing what was posted to YouTube about health literacy. I found a very apropo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEMtJOZMIRQ
We focus on literacy in terms of health-related issues and concerns, but barriers to effective communication exist in every facet of our lives. It is not only characterized by low literacy, lack of education and resources, but by professional lingo and expertise in a particular field. I too am guilty of assuming that patrons/students/faculty have more information literacy skills than they do. In the health education field, we often talk about "meeting people where they are". This can refer to a physical place or an emotional or mental state.
As librarians, we often help people who are seeking further understanding and information after a meeting with a specialist in some field like a doctor, lawyer, car mechanic, etc. To successfully assist our patrons, we need to carefully assess their needs and help them find resoures that are at a level they can comprehend.
The many Web 2.0 tools I have been blogging about can aid us in our outreach and reference services. They can deliver traditional library resources right to a patron's home!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sharing is nice...
Sharing is nice and convenient too when you use web-based applications like Google Docs. I've used this twice in my short career as a librarian. In one instance, the document was meant to share and disseminate information and policies more than as a collaboratory venue. Most recently, 2 colleagues and I were working on a grant proposal and we used a Google Doc as our form for adding text and revising. It required less time than having to work on a Word document and then sending it as an attachment.
It was interesting to learn about the other applications available. Another way I may utilize this technology is in the creation of an on-line tutorial I am working on with a colleague. In conjunction with this application, I can forsee the use of Snipshot to edit images for the tutorial. I always like learning new methods for doing work in a more efficient way!
It was interesting to learn about the other applications available. Another way I may utilize this technology is in the creation of an on-line tutorial I am working on with a colleague. In conjunction with this application, I can forsee the use of Snipshot to edit images for the tutorial. I always like learning new methods for doing work in a more efficient way!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Noodling around with Wikis
Ahh...the many functions of a wiki. I, like most people, was familiar with wikis because of Wikipedia. I knew that they were tools to disseminate information in a collaborative method. As an information specialist, I was a little wary of the material I'd read on a wiki. Because anyone, expert or not, can contribute to a wiki, I always confirmed information from another source before incorporating it into my body of knowledge.
I now have a broader view of the uses of wikis, particularly in a library setting. The library I work in does not have a wiki yet, but I see one on the horizon. One possible function of a wiki for our students would be as a collaborative space for the students to post study tips, survival skills for health sciences students and other information like that.
We recently launched a Facebook account, so I envision some Web 2.0 tools being integrated into that medium. Perhaps, linking users to a Flickr account with pics of library activities and outreach and a wiki.
It was enlightening to find out about how other libraries have incorporated wikis into their library resources. For library personnel, I see it being used as a collaborative planning tool similar to Google docs.
Personally, I have been having fun creating my wiki and learning how to use some of the functions like adding photos, RSS feeeds and new pages. I am not concerned as much with the content at this point, but would just like to feel comfortable with the wiki functions.
Cheers!
I now have a broader view of the uses of wikis, particularly in a library setting. The library I work in does not have a wiki yet, but I see one on the horizon. One possible function of a wiki for our students would be as a collaborative space for the students to post study tips, survival skills for health sciences students and other information like that.
We recently launched a Facebook account, so I envision some Web 2.0 tools being integrated into that medium. Perhaps, linking users to a Flickr account with pics of library activities and outreach and a wiki.
It was enlightening to find out about how other libraries have incorporated wikis into their library resources. For library personnel, I see it being used as a collaborative planning tool similar to Google docs.
Personally, I have been having fun creating my wiki and learning how to use some of the functions like adding photos, RSS feeeds and new pages. I am not concerned as much with the content at this point, but would just like to feel comfortable with the wiki functions.
Cheers!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Flickring
Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a presentation about this photo sharing tool. I was excited because I immediately thought of a personal application for Flickr. Since I have recently relocated to Texas, I thought it would be fun to share my experiences with my friends and family back in North Carolina.
For the last 4 months, I have been acting like a tourist and exploring South Texas and the Hill Country. During my wonderings, I have taken photos of the beautiful, rugged scenery and new friends here. Now, I just need to find the time to start posting my photos to Flickr. Sigh...
In the meantime, I am exploring the site and browsing others photos. One I found particularly intrigueing is a picture of a sign in Las Vegas that boasts "Gorgeous Librarians".
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=librarian&w=all&s=int
Whenever I tell someone what my profession is, invariably they get a perplexed look on their face and say something like, "You don't look like a librarian". Hmm...what does a librarian look like anyway? Very prim, with a bun and large glasses? Is gorgeous librarian an oxymoron? I don't think so.
It seems that a stereotype still exists about the physical appearance of a librarian. But, I can only recall one librarian that really fit that stereotype in any way. I guess we in the profession just have to laugh about it!
For the last 4 months, I have been acting like a tourist and exploring South Texas and the Hill Country. During my wonderings, I have taken photos of the beautiful, rugged scenery and new friends here. Now, I just need to find the time to start posting my photos to Flickr. Sigh...
In the meantime, I am exploring the site and browsing others photos. One I found particularly intrigueing is a picture of a sign in Las Vegas that boasts "Gorgeous Librarians".
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=librarian&w=all&s=int
Whenever I tell someone what my profession is, invariably they get a perplexed look on their face and say something like, "You don't look like a librarian". Hmm...what does a librarian look like anyway? Very prim, with a bun and large glasses? Is gorgeous librarian an oxymoron? I don't think so.
It seems that a stereotype still exists about the physical appearance of a librarian. But, I can only recall one librarian that really fit that stereotype in any way. I guess we in the profession just have to laugh about it!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Technology overload
After posting my last comment on this blog, I attended a webcast at work entitled, Reversing the Ratchet: Basic Technology Adoption Strategies for Library Workers by Steven Bell. The issue of quickly emerging technology and its impact on librraies was discussed. This is the URL to the program:
http://www.collegeofdupagepress.com/library-learning-network/soaring-to-excellence-2009/reversing-the-ratchet/
Apparantly, I am not the only one overwhelmed with technology, how to learn it, keep up with it and apply it wisely.
There was some good information shared in this webcast. It gives non-early adopters like me hope!
http://www.collegeofdupagepress.com/library-learning-network/soaring-to-excellence-2009/reversing-the-ratchet/
Apparantly, I am not the only one overwhelmed with technology, how to learn it, keep up with it and apply it wisely.
There was some good information shared in this webcast. It gives non-early adopters like me hope!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Staying Current with Web 2.0
Wow! I can't believe that I entered the world of Web 2.0 just one month ago. I have been encouraged with how user-friendly the technology is. So far, the most difficult part is finding the time to explore the tools and apply them to my professional work and my personal life. Utilizing these tools enables you to have quick and easy access to information, but then you have to try to keep up with all the information you are receiving!
A primary component of my library position is outreach with consumers and area health professionals. I have found the MedlinePlus What's New RSS feed very helpful because I often educate people about this resource either at exhibits or in presentations. Another source I subscribed to was the BHLIC blog. This blog has relevant and easily digestible information that I can incorporate into my work.
The beauty of these technologies is the abilty to share sources with colleagues and friends. I noticed that in the Google Reader, you can receive feeds to users Delicious bookmarks. This is a great example of how the tools can be used together to keep you up-to-date.
From a personal perspective, I decided to subscribe to a colleagues blog. She and I used to worked together, but then we both moved to Texas over the summer. It has been fun to see what she has been doing these last few months.
A primary component of my library position is outreach with consumers and area health professionals. I have found the MedlinePlus What's New RSS feed very helpful because I often educate people about this resource either at exhibits or in presentations. Another source I subscribed to was the BHLIC blog. This blog has relevant and easily digestible information that I can incorporate into my work.
The beauty of these technologies is the abilty to share sources with colleagues and friends. I noticed that in the Google Reader, you can receive feeds to users Delicious bookmarks. This is a great example of how the tools can be used together to keep you up-to-date.
From a personal perspective, I decided to subscribe to a colleagues blog. She and I used to worked together, but then we both moved to Texas over the summer. It has been fun to see what she has been doing these last few months.
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