Thing 12 Discover how VBPL is using IM and Reference IM

VBPL is now offering IM Reference Services. Currently it is not being utilized much, but hopefully it will catch on with our customers. There have been some glitches, such as Meebo showing the library offline when in fact we are online. Hopefully, Meebo will bring back some of those customers especially teenagers who seem to be utilizing online resources instead of coming to their local library.

I tried the link for submitting a question to Ask VBPL from the list of "30 Things" and the page is unable to be found. I did go to our home page and investigate how to submit an IM question through Meebo, but I didn't want to create unnecessary or busy work for those folks manning the IM reference. Also, I didn't want to create unnecessary traffic that might impede a customer from reaching our IM service.

I do think that IM reference at the local library is a good service and that messaging and reference at the library are a good mix. It extends our capability of answering questions and reaching a whole new audience.

Thing 11 How libraries are using IM

IM (instant messaging) differs from traditional communication channels since IM allows instantaneous communication between a number of parties simultaneously. It is considered less intrusive than phone conversation since people aren't forced to reply immediately. In contrast to email IM lets parties know whether their peer is available, busy, or away from the computer.
It is more genuine than email since allows easy colloboration.

IM's availabilty and ease of use has made it extremely popular. Libraries are now using IM to communicate and answer questions in real time.

IM has become increasingly popular with teenagers since it allows easy communication with friends. 87 percent of teenagers between 12-17 are online. 4 out of 10 online Americans are using IM, thats 53 million Americans. In order for libraries to stay up to date with all of their customers they must start offering IM services.

Hondo's Big Day

Hondo the spoiled chocolate lab, enjoying his BIG DAY.

Thing 10 Blogs and News Feeds

I found it easy to use Blogline's Search Tool. I searched the topic of Labrador Retrievers and found alot of feeds, blogs, and other sites.

Feedster was not accessible it is under construction.

Topix.net was a good site. The page opens to Va. Beach news, weather.... It has "topics getting our attention", polls, movers and shakers, entertainment...

I didn't like Syndic8.com. I found their page to be disorganized and too busy on the page. Several times the page back key didn't work.

Tenchnorati wasn't one of my more favorties either. I didn't like the scrolling main page.

Thing 9

Really Simple Syndication is a whole new world for me. After looking at the discovery exercises I can see alot of benefits to RSS such as getting information much faster with no spam and receiving this new information in one spot. RSS feeds make your reading much more efficient. You can recommend articles to friends with just one click. You can simpfly your reading experience, discover new content, stay up to date, and receive all your information in just one place.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 and Library 2.0
Web 2.0 is changing the way we provide library service in a multitude of ways.Libraries are no longer what they used to be with the addition of Web 2.0. This new model of library service is in constant purposeful change. We are providing many new virtual and downloadable services. To achieve success with 2.0 libraries must reach users, evaluate services frequently, and make use of the customer's input.

7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning

In the 7 1/2 habits to lifelong learning the easiest habit for me is to begin with an end in mind.
The hardes habit for me would be to use technology to my advantage such as computers, MP3 players....

Since I am a very organized person I always have an action plan with an end in mind. However, I feel I'm definitley technologically challenged so that is why using technology to my advantage is the hardest habit.