You have been given an individual library service to investigate. Write a substantial post about the recommendations you would make about the use of 2.0 technologies in your individual library service. Give specific examples from other best practice libraries worldwide. Provide links to all these examples. Again use the following 5 categories to discuss in your response - Local Studies, Children’s, Teenage/Youth, Adult Fiction, Information/Reference. Make certain you label your post, this post will require multiple labels
Again the library service in question is Northern Regional Library Service.
As discussed before there are no web 2.0 technolgies implimented for this service. And as the Liberty 3 catalogue for this service just times out every time it is pretty difficult to acertain what items they have for each collection. As such I do not think that if it were working that there would be any web 2.0 through out it.
Despite this I have a few suggestions for this service in the way of implimenting web 2.0 technology into their website.
1. Social Networking Sites; Following the examples of other succesful 2.0 libraries, having a Twitter, Facebook or Myspace page would not go amiss. Not only is it free to set these accounts up but it involves predominantly the younger generation and would help create awareness for all of these libraries involved.
Take for example, Gwinnett County Public library, on their homepage there is a link for both their facebook and their twitter. The facebook they use to broadcast events for the library and for basic details, hours of openning etc. They also have photo albums which would update to a persons feed when they are published and thus capture the attention of the viewer.
Their twitter also reminds those subscribed to their feed of upcoming events, if the library will be closed for a holiday and generally keeps them updated.
The Northern Regional Library Service could utilize these sites to create further awareness for their libraries. This would either involve correspondance between the libraries (I would suggest an email group or sharing the one facebook at allotted times) but essentially would advise patrons and keep them up to date.
2. An RSS feed.
This function would be benificial for The Northern Regional Library service as they could update their page with events, new items etc. and a subscribed user would be able to see it from whatever feed reader they were using; they would not have to keep checking back for updates.
Flinders University Library is an excellent (if not some-what over excessive) example of RSS feeds. They service a large population of students and clientelle and as such offering feeds in different dewey areas for the different subjects covered prooves useful.
Even though The Northern Regional Library does not cover a large population in comparison to other areas, they could still utilize feeds to update their clients on upcoming news and events, and perhaps new items brought in (e.g. Local Studies, Children’s and young adults fiction and non fiction, Adult Fiction, etc.)
3. Social Bookmarking. Another way for this Northern Library to keep patrons interactive would be to add a user review function on their catalogue (when they got it working, that is) I don't know if that could be implimented using Liberty3 technology but they could always consider other systems, hopefully within their budget.
The State Library Of Tasmania's catalogue (which I have discussed in a previous post) allows each user to write their own personal reviews of items within the catalogue and rate the item. This is useful as it gives others a peer review to go by when deciding whether to borrow the item or not.
Northern Library could impliment this to involve their patrons more as currently there is literally NO web interactivity between the client and the library. It may be a small rural service but keeping up with the times would perhaps help put them on the map, so to speak.
Also in reference to their Aboriginal external site, The Northern Regional Indigenous Unit, they could impliment feeds and perhaps a chat box or forum to help encourage interaction within the Aboriginal community over the large area it spans. Events could be RSS feeded or Twittered. They could even utilize Flickr for photos (this includes the whole service too)
4. Flickr. Lots of Libraries are utilizing Flickr to display, and more importantly share, past events and generic photos taken within the library.
This post within a Flickr group is a great example of how many libraries are sharing on Flickr.
In conclusion any of these web 2.0 technologies will help Northern Regional Library Service boost it's reputation and clientelle usage. Mostly everything I mentioned is free too! And not hard to maintain either, you let the clients do most of the work.
It's time to step into the future, Northern Regional Library. Do not be afraid.
-Toni
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Investigative Exercise 9 - Community Profiles
The Northern Regional Library service has no web 2.0 technologies that I can see. Add to this the factor that their web catalogue does not function at all for me to search their items and I would say that the Northern Regional Library service definately needs a revamp.
Now, there are number of reasons behind this "library fail."
1. The library service is covering a number of small rural town areas and as such I believe that only basic services are provided to cover a small population over such a large area. (Northern Regional Library service covers 68,905 square kilometers yet serves 28,729 people. Compare this to Blacktown city council which covers only 47 square kilometers and had a population of 271,000 as of 2006!)
2. Collaboration. Northern Regional Library Service isn't a 'library' in itself but a network that comprises of different rural libraries. I can imagine it would be difficult for any of the librarians to actually get together and discuss the introduction of web 2.0 technologies due to the amount of travel and time outside of their working hours. Of course this could be done online too but I am also unsure what kind of resources they actually have for this. Rather narrow minded of me to say but smaller libraries and smaller councils = smaller budgets. This brings me to our next reason;
3. Cost. Whilst we're on the topic of councils; there isn't one councils but 4 different councils covering the span of these libraries and from experience it is usually people working for or in the council that end up making their own websites with a sub-section for their libraries. The fact that this service exists is a testimony that the councils themselves decided not to maintain their own libraries and pay for online searching programs to be integrated tells me that this is both costly and time consuming for them. Much easier to band together like so.
Now, there are number of reasons behind this "library fail."
1. The library service is covering a number of small rural town areas and as such I believe that only basic services are provided to cover a small population over such a large area. (Northern Regional Library service covers 68,905 square kilometers yet serves 28,729 people. Compare this to Blacktown city council which covers only 47 square kilometers and had a population of 271,000 as of 2006!)
2. Collaboration. Northern Regional Library Service isn't a 'library' in itself but a network that comprises of different rural libraries. I can imagine it would be difficult for any of the librarians to actually get together and discuss the introduction of web 2.0 technologies due to the amount of travel and time outside of their working hours. Of course this could be done online too but I am also unsure what kind of resources they actually have for this. Rather narrow minded of me to say but smaller libraries and smaller councils = smaller budgets. This brings me to our next reason;
3. Cost. Whilst we're on the topic of councils; there isn't one councils but 4 different councils covering the span of these libraries and from experience it is usually people working for or in the council that end up making their own websites with a sub-section for their libraries. The fact that this service exists is a testimony that the councils themselves decided not to maintain their own libraries and pay for online searching programs to be integrated tells me that this is both costly and time consuming for them. Much easier to band together like so.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Investigative Exercise 8 - Community Profile for Northern Regional Library
[Image taken from Northern Regional Libraries website] The Norther Regional Library groups together services for 7 different libraries within the Northern area of New South Wales. Altogether it serves some 28, 729 people over an area span of 68,905 square kilometres. The libraries included in this service are Bingara, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Moree, Mungindi, Walgett, and Warialda.
The councils that support these libraries are as follows:
Lightning Ridge & Walgett: http://www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/library/1644.html
Bingara & Warialda: http://www.gwydirshire.com/libraries.html
Brewarrina: http://www.brewarrina.nsw.gov.au/
Moree & Mungindi: http://www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1
The councils that support these libraries are as follows:
Lightning Ridge & Walgett: http://www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/library/1644.html
Bingara & Warialda: http://www.gwydirshire.com/libraries.html
Brewarrina: http://www.brewarrina.nsw.gov.au/
Moree & Mungindi: http://www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1
There is an emphasis on Aboriginal Heritage, for which the library service has created a whole seperate webpage for.
-Toni
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Blog activity 7 – Comment on your teachers blog.
Hear ye Hear ye!
I am writing to say that I have posted a comment on Gary's blog on his post, "The Federal Government has deferred the introduction of its mandatory internet filtering program."
Now I believe there is some ice cream with my name on it! *goes to forage*
-Toni
I am writing to say that I have posted a comment on Gary's blog on his post, "The Federal Government has deferred the introduction of its mandatory internet filtering program."
Now I believe there is some ice cream with my name on it! *goes to forage*
-Toni
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Blog activity 5 & 6 – Commenting on other blogs
I have commented on Anne's & Angela's blog posts', on Story time and Social Bookmarks respectively.
Whilst we are on the subject, I also invited Anne, Angela, Thuong and Tim to be blog authors on my blog.
-Toni
Whilst we are on the subject, I also invited Anne, Angela, Thuong and Tim to be blog authors on my blog.
-Toni
Investigative Exercise 7 - Podcasts
The following is a podcast located on the University of Adelaide Library website under the Podcasts tabs. Currently they only have 3 podcasts and the length of the podcasts are all short, yet sweet.
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/help/podcast/podcast3.mp3
The podcast is called, "Research Librarians and how they can help you" and is read by library staff members Rebecca and Ursula. It details why a research librarian could prove useful in aiding students with their assignments, rather than just doing google searches and getting lost along the way. It is promoting the use of the university library and its staff to the University of Adelaide students.
There is also a transcript of each podcast for clients to read which could prove useful if the they needed to be in a quiet environment or simply did not want to listen to the podcast at the time, or even if they wanted to follow it along with the script for better understanding.
-Toni
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/help/podcast/podcast3.mp3
The podcast is called, "Research Librarians and how they can help you" and is read by library staff members Rebecca and Ursula. It details why a research librarian could prove useful in aiding students with their assignments, rather than just doing google searches and getting lost along the way. It is promoting the use of the university library and its staff to the University of Adelaide students.
There is also a transcript of each podcast for clients to read which could prove useful if the they needed to be in a quiet environment or simply did not want to listen to the podcast at the time, or even if they wanted to follow it along with the script for better understanding.
-Toni
Investigative Exercise 2 - Slideshare
Upon browsing the wonderful world of Slideshare I located the following slideshow, which I believe would prove beneficial with 'training' library staff about all the possibilities Web 2.0 can offer for libraries.
The slideshow in question is called, "Technology trends in libraries - today and tomorrow".
It's 55 slides long and methodically goes through all the possible trends and applications a library can utilize to adapt to web 2.0. It also provides a useful comparison to old web 1.0 technologies and helps explain how much more useful web 2.0 can be.
I think it would be useful in training library staff to adapt to the coming changes in library services, and help them think outside the box when it comes to promoting their library.
-Toni
The slideshow in question is called, "Technology trends in libraries - today and tomorrow".
It's 55 slides long and methodically goes through all the possible trends and applications a library can utilize to adapt to web 2.0. It also provides a useful comparison to old web 1.0 technologies and helps explain how much more useful web 2.0 can be.
I think it would be useful in training library staff to adapt to the coming changes in library services, and help them think outside the box when it comes to promoting their library.
-Toni
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Investigative Exercise 6 - Social Bookmarking
Social bookmarking has become very popular recently within online library sites and the internet in general. Looking at the State Library of Tasmania, I read the reviews on Born or bred?: Martin Bryant: the making of a mass murderer by Robert Wainwright & Paola Totaro.
(The book reviews at Stonnington Library link did not work properly I am afraid)
I think that social bookmarking and the services involved within it can beneficial, when used right within libraries. The ability for a user to add their own review to a catalogue item could certainly proof useful for those wanting to learn more about the item and who value feedback. Within the State Library of Tasmania catalogue, the review functions themselves can be rated as well as the item in question itself. I think this option is useful provided a lot of users are using such a function. Combined with personal reviews a user can get a general feel for the item combined with their own opinion.
As for drawbacks, I guess it comes down to how many people actually take to this function as it is only really useful if a large proportion of users participate, in my opinion. Also I suppose reviews could be subject to bias but that is what a personal opinion usually constitutes. There is also the problem of spam/junk that some people take it upon themselves to plague the population with, but that comes with any socially active site.
I would like to see how social bookmarking develops in the future, hopefully with good results.
-Toni
(The book reviews at Stonnington Library link did not work properly I am afraid)
I think that social bookmarking and the services involved within it can beneficial, when used right within libraries. The ability for a user to add their own review to a catalogue item could certainly proof useful for those wanting to learn more about the item and who value feedback. Within the State Library of Tasmania catalogue, the review functions themselves can be rated as well as the item in question itself. I think this option is useful provided a lot of users are using such a function. Combined with personal reviews a user can get a general feel for the item combined with their own opinion.
As for drawbacks, I guess it comes down to how many people actually take to this function as it is only really useful if a large proportion of users participate, in my opinion. Also I suppose reviews could be subject to bias but that is what a personal opinion usually constitutes. There is also the problem of spam/junk that some people take it upon themselves to plague the population with, but that comes with any socially active site.
I would like to see how social bookmarking develops in the future, hopefully with good results.
-Toni
Investigative Exercise 5 - Social Networking
I believe that it is beneficial for libraries to be involved with social networking sites. In this constantly changing world libraries have to 'up their game' to create awareness and promote themselves to the public.
Promoting libraries via social networking works particularly well for the younger generation and the computer savvy, I believe. For those who are constantly online and participating and interacting via social media it is a great way to get involved with the library and even connect with more people through these applications.
It is just one more outlet for libraries to communicate with the world.
-Toni
Promoting libraries via social networking works particularly well for the younger generation and the computer savvy, I believe. For those who are constantly online and participating and interacting via social media it is a great way to get involved with the library and even connect with more people through these applications.
It is just one more outlet for libraries to communicate with the world.
-Toni
Blog Activity 4 – Arrangement
I have changed my blog around a bit. I moved the Tags up to the right hand column (previously they were located at the bottom of my blog page) and I changed to a 'cloud' view.
I think my work here is done.
-Toni
I think my work here is done.
-Toni
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Blog activity 3 – Blog Colours.
I have changed the header of my blog. It was a blue and I made it purple by fiddling with the colour selector wheel until I located an appropriate hue. I also changed the font to an orange for a pleasant contrast.
-Toni
-Toni
Investigative Exercise 4 - Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8XW6SJZDQU
The youtube video I reviewed was by Dryden Public Library and the story in question was If you'll be my valentine by Cynthia Rylant.
The video is obviously made for video viewing as the camera focuses closely on the book and I could not see if any children were about. All in all an alright presentation, sound was clear, book was in focus. It did cut off a bit too soon at the end but the story was completed so it wasn't that big of a deal.
I can see how putting story time on a library website or linking to their youtube account could prove beneficial to those who can't make it to the story time.
-Toni
P.S. That kid in the story had way too many valentines, what a Casanova.
The youtube video I reviewed was by Dryden Public Library and the story in question was If you'll be my valentine by Cynthia Rylant.
The video is obviously made for video viewing as the camera focuses closely on the book and I could not see if any children were about. All in all an alright presentation, sound was clear, book was in focus. It did cut off a bit too soon at the end but the story was completed so it wasn't that big of a deal.
I can see how putting story time on a library website or linking to their youtube account could prove beneficial to those who can't make it to the story time.
-Toni
P.S. That kid in the story had way too many valentines, what a Casanova.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Investigative Exercise 3 - Photo sharing and Flickr
Because what every library needs is a mariachi band! Olé!I found this image on Flickr from Lansing Public Library's Flickr Stream via a Flickr group dedicated to library images.
I like this photo particularly because it shows people in the community participating in a library event, even if the 'participation' is just to sit and listen to some brightly costumed musicians perform in the library foyer.
The information on the photo itself (as well as the other photos in the stream) show that the library contributors have taken the time to label (i.e. Tag) every picture for easier access and manouvering through out Flickr.
A lot of the photo's and 'albums' on Lansing's stream are mainly of events and I think that suits fine as it would be incentive for library users to participate more and see how fun a library can be. Also good for those who are already in the pictures to share with family, friends etc.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lansinglibrary/
is the stream for Lansing Public Library and I highly reccomend you check it out. Go. Now.
-Toni
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lansinglibrary/
is the stream for Lansing Public Library and I highly reccomend you check it out. Go. Now.
-Toni
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Investigative Exercise 1- Blogs.
Here's looking at you, Ultimo Tafe Library Blog.
I liked the additional features to this blog, rather than the post content itself. I liked how the more a 'tag' was reused, the bigger it was in the list of tags, very eye catching.
I spent most of my time scrolling down the right column and viewing all the additional features; "Renew your library items"? Yes please. Catalogue search? Sure why not. View the country locations of visitors? Well... okay? (btw there's a lot of people in the U.S.A and India accessing the Ultimo TAFE blog o_O; ... apparently) Needless to say whilst not all accessories were not essential to the blog at least they weren't embedded in such a way that it would make my eyes bleed.
I think my eyes are more drawn to widgets and pictures before I go on to read what the library has to offer. Although It's great to hear that hopefully the library will once again resume normal opening hours after the holidays! Finally.
-Toni
P.S. White on green with slate grey is kinda boring guys, vamp it up a bit.
I liked the additional features to this blog, rather than the post content itself. I liked how the more a 'tag' was reused, the bigger it was in the list of tags, very eye catching.
I spent most of my time scrolling down the right column and viewing all the additional features; "Renew your library items"? Yes please. Catalogue search? Sure why not. View the country locations of visitors? Well... okay? (btw there's a lot of people in the U.S.A and India accessing the Ultimo TAFE blog o_O; ... apparently) Needless to say whilst not all accessories were not essential to the blog at least they weren't embedded in such a way that it would make my eyes bleed.
I think my eyes are more drawn to widgets and pictures before I go on to read what the library has to offer. Although It's great to hear that hopefully the library will once again resume normal opening hours after the holidays! Finally.
-Toni
P.S. White on green with slate grey is kinda boring guys, vamp it up a bit.
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