Thing 16

Library 2.0

Though I am reluctant to embrace a life in front of a computer, I do understand the importance of changing libraries so that they meet the demands of the times. It's not up to me. Not everyone has a good library a block away, but they do have internet access for the most part. Library 2.0 opens up the good libraries online. That's great. I really felt a sense of relief though when I read Wendy Shultz's piece on what Library 4.0 might be. Maybe there will be a period after all of this hustle and bustle (not that it will end) when libraries focus on some of the other aspects (seemingly less important) such as the 'feeling' of a library. You know, all that human stuff. There's a balance with everything I guess, the goods and the bads that technology brings.

Thing 15

Custom Search Engines:

These would be great for research projects if you can set them up to get the results that you need. I don't think my plan of action went over so well for setting up a search on the musical phases of Bob Dylan. I really like the stuff that he did on Self Portrait and want more of that. So I tried a search in reference which might not have been the best choice (wikipedia...etc) just overviews really. But I did come across the documentary Don't Look Back that I'm pretty excited about. I just checked it out from the library and will watch it tonight. So yes, for research projects and a targeted custom search engine, this is pretty helpful. The Reference Desk could really utilize this for student projects.

Thing 14

This was a good exercise for me, I haven't edited HTML really, so even copying and pasting and noticing that there even was a HTML tab was new for me. I can imagine that IMing would be good for patron off-campus questions, but then again they can always call just the same. I share a phone number with 2 other people, so perhaps instant messaging would be a good alternative for contacting someone immediately when the phone line is tied up.

Thing 13

This was a good exercise, wikis could definitely be used in our own library for posting schedules or process maps/procedures available at any computer. It seems as though it would keep library procedures up to date and not gathering dust on some shelf in a binder. Perhaps in the future we will take advantage of this possibility.