Instant Messaging at the Library

According to Pew Internet.org, the number of teens that utilize the internet has dramatically increased in only a few years. In addition, a lot of teens and adults utilize IM messenging services and libraries have jumped on board to connect with these users.

I think that it's a great idea that libraries are reaching out to internet users. It seems like many people avoid (hearsay) the library to do research online, and (if that's true) it's unfortunate because there are so many other resources at various libraries. Perhaps, librarians who instant message can reach that audience to bring them into libraries or at least help them to more efficiently search the internet for research purposes.

Instant messaging librarians may also be a more convenient way to get one's questions answered than having to come all the way to the library (if one doesn't need a more in depth search strategy).

The Ease of Searching for RSS Feeds

In one of my 'thing' assignments, I created a bloglines account and had to add at least 10 feeds to my account. In utilizing the bloglines search feature, I retrieved most of my feeds; for me (especially as a newbie to RSS), it was the easiest way to search for new feeds (a one stop shop!).

I've looked at a few search sites (Feedster, Topix.net, Syndic8, andTechnorati). At present, I'm having some difficulties getting on the feedster site. The other sites look promising, though. Syndic8 and Technorati look especially user-friendly. I am happy that I've found a blog on vegetarian cooking (my passion)(http://www.technorati.com/blogs/veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com) at Technorati. : )
Sadly, my search for Project Runway, on Syndic8, didn't turn up anything; maybe, I'll try again, later. : (

All in all, I've learned a lot of great things about RSS and I look forward to adding many more feeds to my bloglines account. *smiles*

RSS feeds

Discovery Exercise (option 1)

Here is a link to my bloglines account:
http://www.bloglines.com/public/Trankuility


I am so glad to have learned more about RSS as a part of the Lib 2.0 program. Before RSS, I had to wade through my inbox for site/group updates or I had to visit individual sites for updates (which could/can take forever). Now, I have a way to receive updates from more of my favorite sites in a much faster way.

For work and personal use, I can skim through lots of info at a clip and click on anything interesting or pertinent for work.

RSS will make it easier (or is making it easier), I think, for librarians/info staff to stay current in issues/info relevant to library work. If librarians publish some of their work-related newsreader accounts for public use, then patrons and other library professionals may benefit from reading about libary issues or innovations in an easily accessible format.

Lib/Web 2.0-What does it mean to you?

...your thoughts on Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you?


I really love the user-friendly components of Web 2.0 . For example, I love how easy it is to set up a blog or an account on myspace. To be able to talk to people from around the world almost instantaneously is amazing; growing up, I always wanted a penpal and now I can have as many virtual pals as I want.

It's great that libraries are reaching out to patrons/potential patrons through wikis, blogs, myspace and other means. It's neat that patrons can send instant messages to librarians (how convenient is that!). It's vital that librarians keep up with technology so that libraries can stay current and connected to its computer-literate patrons/potential patrons. It's also vital that libraries offer courses to their communities in using the computer and the internet because there's so much useful info online and businesses are putting many of their services online, as well.

7 1/2 Habits of Successful Lifelong Learners

7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

Assignment:Which habit is easiest and which is hardest for you?

Easiest: Play!

I am a huge bookworm, and I just love to read in depth about various topics of interest. It's fun to browse library/bookstore shelves (even the virtual "shelves" online) for new materials to read.

Hardest: Teach/mentor others

For me, it's rewarding and challenging to teach another person something that I've learned. It's rewarding because I like to help others discover something that has been of use to/entertained me. The challenge of helping others is discovering that you may not know all of the particulars of a subject and knowing when and/or where to obtain help from experts in the topic of interest.

I'm all for self-improvement; so, I look at this challenge as a plus.