One of the big topics in the chat after my talk was IM in libraries. Anyone from NJLA who is reading this, you will love what Michael Stephens has been working on: a training module for using IM in public libraries. Great timing.
Category: ‘puters
google + libraries, happy at last
If you haven’t reloaded Google today, please do so. They’ve got a National Library Week logo up. This is the first year they’ve done this.
a cautionary tale about electronic resources
Karen posts about the unpleasant discovery she made that her library was paying twice for an electronic resource because of one small mistake. If someone as tech-sharp as Karen is having these sorts of troubles, imagine how daunting electronic resources can be to someone who is still new to the vast world of subscription services.
This scenario shows just how confusing electronics resources can be. Particularly if you have too many people responsible for different parts and communication doesn’t take place. Mistakes happen but the most important thing is that we learn from them. What I’ve learned from the experience is that electronic resources require a strict attention to detail, planning and constant evaluation. Hopefully by thorough analyzing our resources and keeping a stricter eye on them we will be able to plan more effectively and acquire resources to meet our needs.
open source stuff you may already be using
Open Source software can save your library money. Two great posts, one by Meredith at Information wants to be Free, and one by Karen at Library Web Chic — two smart women using open source blogging software — about what open source software they use. Links galore!
how popular are podcasts really?
The Pew Internet survey says that 6 million people have downloaded podcasts. Here’s some discussion about why that number is probably somewhat, or even very, overstated. [rc3]