The articles on the future of reference were very informative. Some words that kept coming up were: interact with users, service philosophy, personal connections, team activity, personal service, and marketing. In other words, reference service has to adapt to a changing world. Personal service today is totally different from yesterday and will be changing again tomorrow. Librarians must try to meet the needs of the people, whatever they will be. The only thing that is certain is that things will change! This is hard for those of us that like things the way they are!
I looked at all of the online answer sites. I think the appeal is anonymity. You never feel stupid or foolish for asking a question. There is also the time factor if you receive an answer quickly.
I found the following questions at the sites I looked at:
Who is the biggest loser?
A princess some soup and a spool of thread?
What does it mean when a mobile says "userbusy" when I try and phone someone?
Have you ever wondered who buys the 72oz. super big gulp from 7-11?
What is one photo that defines the year 1963?
I believe that any kind of question can be directed to a library. Some of these questions do not appear to be serious questions. (I have wondered who buys the super big gulp!) We, however, as librarians should not be judgmental as far as whose question deserves an answer. I do remember one child who asked for the book the Real Santa Claus. I know she was trying to figure out for herself whether or not Santa Claus was real. I think she found the book on our card catalog.
I think the Slam the Boards events are worthwhile for self-promotion and marketing.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
THING 33: Travel 2.0
Travel 2.0 was really interesting to me. I looked at many of the sites listed including Cranky Flier, Trip Advisor, Vcarious, Green Routes, Boo.com and Mapness.
I think Trip Advisor was my favorite. They have something called Trip Watch where you can sign up for a free weekly newsletter with up-to-the-minute reviews and deals for your favorite destinations. I signed up for Port Elizabeth, South Africa. My son will be studying abroad there next year and hopefully these newsletters will help me to become familiar with his destination. I will also send the newsletters on to him. This sounds like a great way to scope out a place you are planning to travel to. Anticipation is often one of the best parts of a trip!
Most of these sites would be useful to our library patrons. I like the reviews posted by travellers to give you a heads up on what to expect at a certain hotel or resort. Travel information is a very important use of the internet for most people.
I think Trip Advisor was my favorite. They have something called Trip Watch where you can sign up for a free weekly newsletter with up-to-the-minute reviews and deals for your favorite destinations. I signed up for Port Elizabeth, South Africa. My son will be studying abroad there next year and hopefully these newsletters will help me to become familiar with his destination. I will also send the newsletters on to him. This sounds like a great way to scope out a place you are planning to travel to. Anticipation is often one of the best parts of a trip!
Most of these sites would be useful to our library patrons. I like the reviews posted by travellers to give you a heads up on what to expect at a certain hotel or resort. Travel information is a very important use of the internet for most people.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
THING #32: Google Maps
View amana colonies in a larger map
This is a map with directions from Bellingham, MN, to the Amana Colonies in Iowa.
I would like to visit the Amana Colonies.
Google Maps are very versatile. I was interested in many of the mashups. Cheap hotels was of interest to me because I'm always looking for a bargain. Place in the middle was interesting because I would like to meet my sister for a get together this summer and this gave many suggestions on where to meet in the middle. Wines and times showed all the wineries that can be toured. The uses are endless. I have used Mapquest quite a bit, but not Google Maps. I will definitely use them in the future. I will also be able to assist patrons looking for various maps and locations.
THING 31: More Twitter
I have been discovering more about twitter. I started out by trying to find more people to follow. Oberstar was the only Congressman listed for Minnesota to follow. The White House link wouldn't work. Barack Obama is no longer twittering since his election.(Too busy?) Oprah is at the top for the number of people who follow her. I am following some of my fellow librarians who are doing 23 things.
I had to give one of them a hard time for telling me she was hiccupping one day.
I tried out many of the fun things including twitstamp, twopulr and twitterfall.
Twitterfall is a great way to keep on top of current interests of the day.
I added my name to the Tweeter Directory under Education - Librarians. What a great way to be in touch with librarians around the world!
In the stages of Twitter I am between 2 and 3. I have a presence on Twitter and am starting to use it more. You definitely hear more and more about twittering on all the news broadcasts. I think Twitter is an easel for your thoughts, but I'm not sure how many people are really interested in my thoughts!
I had to give one of them a hard time for telling me she was hiccupping one day.
I tried out many of the fun things including twitstamp, twopulr and twitterfall.
Twitterfall is a great way to keep on top of current interests of the day.
I added my name to the Tweeter Directory under Education - Librarians. What a great way to be in touch with librarians around the world!
In the stages of Twitter I am between 2 and 3. I have a presence on Twitter and am starting to use it more. You definitely hear more and more about twittering on all the news broadcasts. I think Twitter is an easel for your thoughts, but I'm not sure how many people are really interested in my thoughts!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
THING 30: More Ways to Use RSS and Delicious
I have had a terrible time trying to learn new things about RSS and Delicious. I have spent a lot of time on these two things and feel like I've been spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I did not have any problems setting up my RSS reader and bookmarking on Delicious in the first 23 Things, but I don't seem to be able to go any further.
I must confess that I haven't been using either of them regularly and don't think that I will in the future!
I must confess that I haven't been using either of them regularly and don't think that I will in the future!
Monday, April 6, 2009
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