Sunday, July 24, 2011

Final post

Let me say this has been an important course for me to have chosen because my familiarity with most of social networking sites was minimal.  I must say that it was through the combination of the readings, the hands-on-approach of setting up, investigating different features, and maneuvering through the different formats, and using other new Web 2.0 tools that I have become more comfortable.  However, I think the most valuable education came from "following" everyone, previewing their book reviews, and reading the various postings, joining in discussions that I learned a great deal.

I learned the ways in which social networking can be aptly applied to a library setting, particularly the rewards and challenges that must be considered.  Prior to this course, I was somewhat apprehensive about these tools, but now understand the value of the communication level that they afford.  I now realize that if you want to reach the "net-gen" you need to connect with them in a variety of ways and that learning today is not about being linear...but rather through inquiry and critical thinking that require a less structured approach, and allows each person or researcher to acquire information in unique ways.  Out of all the tools learned in this course, I really have begun to like the blog format and hope to convince the library media specialist I work with that this tool should somehow be incorporated in our library.

I honestly cannot venture a guess about what is to come.  I feel that the privacy and copyright issues will warrant more serious investigations that may redirect how we co-exist with the Web and its formats.  I have often mentioned, jokingly, that soon humans will be implanted with a computer chip upon birth, I'm not sure it is just a figment of my imagination.  Someone else in class mentioned the book Feed, which is about this exact experience..I have just started reading it..!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

IL Games and Video Games in Libraries

After reading the article by Cohen, Miner, and Nishikawa concerning the creation of two games to complement their IL program, several things came to mind.  It seems like one of the greatest challenges was for the students to fully understand what is meant by information literacy and for librarians to fully understand the mechanics available within a games creation that would fit well with information literacy instruction.  One important factor in the creation and establishment of these games was the level of  collaboration between the two groups. This conversations that ensued offered the students a much broader idea of what librarians hoped the games would accomplish.  For example, that the games were not meant primarily as a means to enhance research for a paper, but instead to assist them in finding and using information as they do every day through search engines, such as Google.  Since the games were to be implemented around 2009, I wonder what the usage statistics are and if they have been embraced by students for their intended purpose.

Video games have never been a good fit for me..I was never very successful at the few I attempted back in the early phases of game consoles.  Suellen raises some salient points in her article on games in libraries, that have raised my awareness in several areas.  If promoted in a positive manner, it seems like video games do have a place in libraries.  I'm sure there are many library patrons that still think libraries should be quiet spaces to read and reflect, and don't quite view them as social spaces. While there are still quiet places to be found, libraries have been gradually transformed into social spaces as well.  I was surprised and pleased to learn that according to Squire and Steinkuhler (2005) very often students interested in games will check out books that somehow relate to print materials--either through a specific genre or related topics!  As Suellen mentioned, children are learning differently in the digital world, and storytelling becomes a interactive learning environment as they manipulate the games, identify characters, and become creators of the story.  Having not considered this before, I think it is a great feature that video games allow children to discover consequences of their actions in a risk-free environment. 

Thanks, Suellen..this article has changed my view of the value of providing video games in libraries.


Loraine

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Responses to "Orphan Works" and Fernandez on Privacy

I am actually working in the Digital Commons database at URI this summer (through a grant received by Special Collections), and am inputting over 200 Theses and Major Papers from graduate students in the Marine Affairs program.  Most of these date from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s.  If any of these research papers have been published to a journal or magazine in the past, and the authors, or there descendants, have not been contacted for permission can they be considered "orphan works?"

Peter Fernandez, Reference Librarian at University of Texas, Knoxville is a prolific writer on social networking media and deals with many issues inherent in them that need to be considered.  There are several key points mentioned that I agree with wholeheartedly. Users must realize that social networking sites are motivated by profit, so linking to personal information is important to them which can undermine privacy. On the other hand, librarians have an ethical commitment to patron privacy. His mention of two 2007 studies was revealing--on one hand 19% of librarians expressed concern over privacy issues, yet a PEW study claimed that 85% of adults say privacy issues, especially control over access to personal info is "very important."  Considering the rise of social networking sites in the last 4 years, I wonder if the librarians' view has changed.

If libraries consider utilizing Facebook for outreach they should keep users informed about the available security settings available to them in FB, and by inserting announcements regarding privacy on their FB pages. In an academic setting, it is important to include privacy issues during each information literacy instructional session.  Also, it is necessary for libraries to respect users' boundaries as stated by danah boyd "You should enter the students' social networking space only as a mentor and only as invited."  Another key area is establishing a policy regarding the use of social networking media and privacy issues.  Fernandez brings up an interesting question concerning contacting students about overdue books if recent contact information is outdated?  If the student is not a "friend" of the library, would this be an invasion of privacy?

Loraine

Monday, July 4, 2011

Academic Libraries, Facebook and MySpace, and Student Outreach

Connell's survey resulted in some key points, several of which were also included in "Use of Facebook in academic health sciences libaries."  Both articles mentioned the fact that not much library literature on the topic has yet emerged, so both (written in 2009) are valuable.  Looking at both articles it seems that there may be a divide between the value academic librarians place on Facebook and the acceptance rate of the interaction with libraries by students using Facebook.  It seems that there must be more focused conversations between the two groups, if Facebook is to become a valuable librarian's tool.  With so many methods of communication available perhaps the division can be addressed and practical uses of Facebook become more manageable for both groups.

Both articles do indicate that many students feel more comfortable contacting librarians through an email system.  However, the Connell survey revealed that 3/4ths of the students surveyed would either accept a library's friend request or proactively add the library as a friend. This is encouraging for librarians. I like the way Mississippi State University began with a closed Facebook group for student employees, found it successful, and then created an open group which was advertised during a fall orientation program, with posters, and ads.  These methods allow for interested students to participate but did not force the library on those not interested, and especially by not utilizing the "friend request"
scenario.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Book review assignment---Everything is Miscellaneous

Below is the link to my review of "Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder" by David Weinberger.  I enjoyed the book especially for its ability to enhance my knowledge of digital information and the advantages of Web 2.0 tools for the opportunity it gives all of us to contribute knowledge that may be relevant to information seekers throughout the world at any given time. 

I decided to try Voicethread for my presentation tool and am pleased with the final project.  Voicethread is an interactive platform that allows people to navigate and leave comments in 5 ways.  It is easy to share, users can doodle while commenting, and voicethreads can be embedded (as here) or exported to MP3 players or archival movies.  Since this is my 3rd attempt at a final production, I suggest that users view the Wiki attached to it (something I should have done but was unaware of)..it would have saved me valuable time and some frustation.  Here is the link for it:  Voicethread Wiki

http://voicethread.com/share/2129519/

Friday, June 24, 2011

Toward a Twenty-First Century Library Catalog

This article was written in 2006, so I'm guessing this upgrade was completed and implemented sometime in the previous few years.  Being very interested cataloging and its processes, I appreciated the article because I have been often frustrated by the inability to search information I know can be found in the MARC record but that is unsearchable.  It is important that the new "version" of search capabilities be launched in tandem with the established version. I was sort of anxious when the HELIN consortium instituted the Encore search mode...but relieved when the previous search screen remained intact! 

I was impressed that Antelman, Lynema & Pace realized that their project was able to go forward because of the philosophical and financial backing of their institution.  In addition, their library staff understands "that calculated risks are opportunities to improve the library as well as to open up new challenges in their own jobs."  It seems that to be successful in many innovations factors such as the above must be present.

I went to the NCSU website to try it out for myself...I intentionally misspelled a word to see what would happen and just like on Google a "Did you mean" suggestion appeared..this type of upgrade for our middle school library catalog would be an immense help..we have many academically low students who could be more successful in searching if this were added.  I also liked the idea that I could actually enter no specific search term and "browse" the entire catalog...sometimes I just need to wander.  This feature is especially helpful when you can't actually get to the physical library to browse the shelves, but know the call number for a specific subject and want to "see" what else is there.  I also liked the "New Titles" and the "more titles like this" (as Amazon has)..I think next generation searchers will appreciate these new features, many of which they are accustomed to in the searchable world outside of libraries.

Loraine

Monday, June 20, 2011

Wichowski-Folksonomies

Informative article by Wichowski, of particular interest is how folksonomies will be accepted and used by worldwide users.  Which poses a question....are folksonomies being used in other cultures...if so, will there be a disconnect due to language barriers?

Important mention by Wichowski about the difference between finding tags posted by the mainstream media and how those posted by the non-mainstream users "may represent an aggregate total amount far greater than that produced by the mainstream."  By providing an increasingly higher amount of information there comes a better chance of a wider variety of people finding just what they wanted.

I also agree that the use of natural language increases the chance of easily finding relevant information for those who may not grasp the intellectual discourse.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Twitter for non-profits

From looking at Miller's tips for non-profit tweeting, I think they relate very well to the idea of social capital.  Who can argue with the benefits that result when people are being genuine, generous, and grateful whether in person or online?

What comes to mind for me is the idea of "goodwill."  Social capital is built on creating a trust with communities of people and using tweets can do just that by helping to create a bond among people with similar interests, and to create a bridge with diverse people who may not be aware of the organization's mission.  Creating tweets and interacting with others help them and you stay relevant, enthusiastic, and a way include links to other important resources that enhance your mission.

Loraine

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Twitters I Follow

As soon as I opened my Twitter account I easily found 2 organizations to follow; but when I found out that we needed to find 5 total I felt I needed to focus on some key areas of interest. Here are my decisions:

1. To assist in my understanding of Web 2.0 and social networking tools, I chose ReadWriteWeb who delivers the latest news, analysis, and conversations in all things web especially technology and social media. 

2.  Because I enjoy reading (not much time for pleasure reading lately), I am always looking for recommendations and reader reviews of new titles and up-and-coming authors.  I happened on a site called Goodreads.com which deems itself the largest community of readers in the world, I had visited several times in the past and was excited that they joined Twitter.  On this site you can find new books, read or make recommendations, track your reading, and join book clubs. 

3.  Being almost finished with my MLIS and interested in public librarianship, I felt that the Public Library Assocation (PLA), a division of ALA would be a good fit for locating the latest news, current library issues, and free Webinars that I could access to improve my knowledge base.

4.  I did a Google search for "Libraries and Twitter" and found an extensive list both national and international--I was really looking for libraries in my community on Aquidneck Island (Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth) and was saddened when none of them were included.  Wanting to find at least a library in Rhode Island, I chose the Providence Public Library because it is an extremely active library community that always offers a wide variety of quality programs throughout the year; guest speakers, cultural programs, health topics, local authors, lifelong learning topics, and some that they hope will attract a myriad of ages and talents.  For example, in May they offered Laughletics - a competitive improv comedy show with local entertainers as judges.

5.  Last, but certainly not least, I am a huge Boston Celtics fan dating back to the Larry Bird era!  I actually was absent for my daughter's backyard christening celebration because my brother-in-law had tickets to a playoff game and offered to take me...my husband said one word "Go!"  Anyway, I like the idea of following the team, especially since they got ousted by the Miami Heat (who I hope loses to Dallas tonight).  On the site currently is a list of some players that may be draft picks this year..It is neat as they post player information....stats and schools/colleges/teams they have played for.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Oops!

I totally misconstrued the assignment for the week...I thought we were supposed to review the Blogs, Mashups, & Wikis article...instead of looking at the list of blogs Suellen suggested. Anyway here is my report on one of the blog posts that I found interesting from the list.

From the blog of Robert Scoble I viewed a YouTube video by Martin Seibert, creator and CEO of  Twenty Feet, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkKxgMigPGs. This German company is a statistical aggregating company that offers insight into how your Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts are doing by connecting to each.  As your initial history grows, Twenty Feet will create statistics that describe to you in graphs and pie charts how your media is doing by the clicks on the links that are posted over a 3 month period.  Each result is given a particular icon on the activity screen that shows likes/dislikes, the number of people who are subscribing and unsubscribing on any given date; data that is extremely helpful to the business community.

Mr. Seibert mentioned that stats are updated once-a-day which is not always enough for people who want instant gratification...a situation that they are hoping to improve.  One advantage is that when something happens out of the ordinary (whether negative or positive), any spike will result in an email to you, which you can then investigate and perhaps connect the date with a specific activity.

Most of the funds for the company currently come from German web agencies, but with the increasing number of subscribers they hope to create some income on their own in the near future.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Blogs, mashups, & wikis

As Suellen noted, even though this article is a few years old much of the information relates to our class assignments.  I especially liked how the Dr. Dearstyne listed both a few examples of Web 2.0 applications at work and several sites for blogging guidelines.  The listing of 8 issues in the area of records and information management is comprehensive; the one I particularly am interested in is number 2 which discusses issues that deal with the creation, collection, storage, and dissemination of vast amounts of information that changes rapidly.

I wonder whether any of the blogging guidelines had been recently updated so I checked out two of them.  Electronic Frontier Foundation's Legal Guide for Bloggers was updated in Feb. 2009 and the website is presented as a guide that was "created to answer FAQ designed to help loggers understand their rights and their freedom of speech".  It simply means to inform bloggers of some legal issues that may arise when blogging.

I also looked at the IBM Blogging Guidelines, that were updated in 2010, and am impressed with the professionalism of the site and its design.  It seems that collaboration and a sense of community among all employees is important to the company and the ideas and comments of others are greatly welcomed.  As a result, every two years the company upgrades this site after hearing from its IBM'ers (as they are referred to).  The site has a short video that focuses on three important issues:  protecting confidential information or property, respecting the privacy of others (okay to discuss in generalities), and anonymity is not an option (should always include a disclaimer).  Trust and personal responsibility are at the forefront.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Adding blog lists

Hi all--It took a little while but I added links to most of your blogs on my blog...it seems an easier way to access them (and see all the visuals) than Google reader... and it tells me when something has been posted.  I am excited now about finding other blogs to link to...

Happy blogging everyone...Loraine

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Pros and Cons review

Today I ventured into the "Experts weigh the Pros and Cons of Social Media" blog and connected with two of the bloggers.  I am somewhat in agreement that with so much information bouncing around that erroneously facts being accepted as fact.  In addition, in the quest to be "first" results in the sacrifice of being "right."  There is an underlying fear that news consumers will focus on "infotainment" and disregard serious coverage of critical issues.

However, I was optimistic when I looked at those who commented and found one by a "ntindall" that lead me to a blog by journalism teachers from colleges and universities around the country.  The blog is AEJMC: Social Media in the Classroom  http://aejmc.blogspot.com/ that discusses and shares best practices in the area of journalism studies.  Interesting blog by Terri Thornton who questioned a panel of experts as to "how will people know what is a journalistic story and what is a paid, biased, or fictitious post?"  One answer was to encourage journalistic literacy programs. 

If that is to be the case, in addition to IL and DL we will now include JL....

Loraine

Koltay review

Koltay's article brings up several key points that librarians/information specialists should keep in mind when working with 2.0 tools and services.
  • One must evaluate the ability of the latest technology to meet user needs
  • Mentions the lack of evaluative criticism necessary to reach a balanced view of the positives and negatives
  • Readers of online information must become vigilant in their ability to distinguish the inherent differences between informal content and formal authoritative knowledge (Very important point)
Working with middle school students everyday, I witness the intense need to help students develop strong techniques for evaluating online information and web 2.0 tools.  It is a strategy that should be introduced to today's children as early in their educational training as possible.

I especially liked Koltay's discussion on information styles; the pragmatic and the analytic, and that librarians/information specialists much remember that user needs very often change over time. I wonder about Koltay's statement that "serving the amateurs is the closest possibility of using Web 2.0 properly."
Is he suggesting that these are not as useful in the academic setting? Or just that those seeking authoritative content would not necessarily be interested in as much user participation?

Loraine

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Initial foray...

You can see from the Forums section of Sakai that my initiation into blogging was somewhat unnerving...but I'm optimistic that things will get better as I venture forth.  I like the format of Blogger, the design and layout are clear, the color scheme is conducive to a sense of calm, and there are ample options for unique creations and multiple edits.  I especially like the automatic save feature!

After reading posts regarding online presence from others, I realized that I do have 3 email accounts, and did join Shelfari (blog involved with books and personal reviews), although I have not done much with it lately. 

Last week, I did set up a Google Reader page and was successful in subscribing to most of your blog pages, I will enter the rest of them sometime today.  My blog was set up in a hurry due to a recent family emergency that unfortunately ended in the passing of a dear sister-in-law.  I will soon be updating and experimenting with other features, adding pictures, etc.

Loraine