Reflection

Well I have finished!!! While I had not used many of the technologies that this course led me to I found that some were extremely interesting and that I was missing out. This is true of the Librarything and some of the Flickr and the online image stuff. The podcasts and blogs that are out there are not something that I have had a chance to discover before and there may be some thing of interest that I will yet discover. RSS feeds and Delicious are still something that I am not sure of for me - the feeds are mainly news based and I don't take much notice of the news at the best of times.

Some of the other things look interesting and now that I have had the opportunity to look at them I will try to experiment some more.

Mashups

Not being up to speed with some things I first heard of mashups as a music thing - the joining of two songs for example being the most common. I have had some experience with this from tv I watch and friends with a bigger interest in different forms of music than I am regularly used to. As a cross media thing, I have used google maps and white/yellow pages online. I can see where they get their definition from.

With multimedia and Library/Web 2.0 technologies the Library could incorporate a number of different technologies on the web to enhance its profile or add content to the web.

Podcasts

I feel that I am probably missing out on something with podcasts but I have yet to work them out properly. Friends and family use podcasts and I have used them in my studies but I have yet to invest the time to properly investigate whether or not there is something out there of more interest to me. I had a look at Podcast alley and found some podcasts that I would look at at some stage - I like movies and tv eg and found one that relates to 'Chuck' - a great show that I watch. 'Podcast Feed For:Chuck vs. the Podcast - Enhanced AAC'. I would have to download an aggregator to watch it though so I haven't found the time to bother.

YouTube

Youtube is great for looking for songs that I haven't been able to find physically before, or that I haven't heard for years .... It is surprising what music you can find when you look, that can't be located even with the technology of Itunes :)

I also use it a lot for looking for movie trailers. I am sure that there are a lot of other uses but they are the ones that I put it to.

Occasionally I use it to find news stories or events that I missed the first time round - the opening of the Oscars for example.

Discovering Web 2.0 Tools - Geni

I have been using Geni for quite some time - it is a site that allows genealogists to add a family tree and then add to it forever, as they research. My brother initially put me onto the site, and it is mostly his work to add to the tree over time. One good thing is that if other family branches research their part of the tree, you can merge 'their bit' with yours and add years worth of research in mere seconds.

Google docs

I found this an invaluable tool when working on an assignment at CSU. I used the Google docs to create and store documents pertaining to a website that I needed to create. I was able to add documentation adding instructions to my site.

UoN PBWiki

Joined the group - awaiting permission to use. It looks like a tool that could take up a lot of time.

Wikis in the Library

Wikipedia, while a good place to find quick and easy information, is not the best source of academic research. Anyone can add anything at anytime. But this very freedom allows groups to work together to achieve a goal even when they are not all in the same place, country or even time zone. When working on my Librarianship through CSU, I made great use of a wiki while completing a group assignment. Each team member was able to contribute and interact despite distance and time constraints. It may be that the Library needs to invest in similar practices since we now cater to an everwidening workforce from the City campus, to Callaghan, Ourimbah to Sydney.

Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

There has been a lot of interest in Library and Web 2.0 - as social networks become more and more prevalent and user interaction is the norm, the technology will continue to develop. Instant gratification is the norm and 2.0 allows for easy use and input.

Technorati

I tried playing around with this and found a few things - social networking is all about the individual and their opinions. While this site gave an way in to search for a whole range of things, I don't know if I would be interested in finding other people's blogs this way.

Del.icio.us account

I set up the Del.icio.us account and then promptly forgot what I used to log on. I sent myself the details and fixed the appropriate details, then got completely lost again. I don't know that Del.icio.us is something that I am particularly interested in especially since I have to use a yahoo account that I have trouble remembering on top of my other log ins.

Using web 2.0 in the workplace

Web 2.0 is beginning to allow greater interaction between the Library and its users. As technology continues to develop this will lead to greater scope. Currently the Library uses web 2.0 technologies in a variety of low fuss/high impact ways to increase users knowledge and update them on what we are doing and what other news may impact upon them. As the technology changes/develops there are a enhancements should increase. The impact of the technology is dependent on user demand and access as well as the perceived need.

User driven services are enhanced and increased through the use of Web 2.0 technologies. The danger may be in encroaching into social networking domains that the user perceives as personal space for individuals rather than instititutional - but this doesn't appear to be happening. As users become more enamoured of these web 2.0 technologies the number of ways that they can be used to integrate with library services and resources will continue to grow. Simply making things available online increases the ability of users to interact with them.

Library thing

I have created and added some of my books - I could get quite carried away with this as I have had lists of my books in the past - the advantage here is that I don't have to type all the details myself. The disadvantage is that while I have listed the titles, I didn't take too much time ensuring that I had the exact edition that I hold. I would work on that if I keep the list up to date. You can also see that I like collecting all the books of my favourite authors.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/shaunaparsons

Image generators

This image was done using the jigsaw option. It makes it hard to tell what is going on in the picture if your image can't take having missing bits but I think it could be really effective.

This is an image using a beading effect. This could be quite cool depending upon the original image :)

RSS feeds

I still haven't gotten into the habit of RSS feeds. I don't follow news casts - either tv or newspapers so I don't see the need for RSS feeds of the latest news...

Using the RSS feed finders was difficult in some ways. I didn't quite see what was happening with the Feedster. It didn't seem to give me any useful links... nothing that I wanted to click on at any rate. Topix seemed better but it was a news feeder... some times the news catches my eye but I don't see the need to be 'in the loop'.

Technology

Technology can allow us to do so much more these days, from finding information, shopping online or adding photos to our own sites or others. Photo sharing and tracing family genealogy are two ways that many people can use the technology. I am still new to the whole range of online sharing - mostly because I don't want too many photos out there that are freely accessible to the multitudes.

Temple found on our way - Kyoto

Temple found on our way - Kyoto, originally uploaded by commscentral.

Japanese architecture is intriguing.

Puppies grow up ....

but not much changes

Easiest thing to do with lifelong learning

I tend to gather information as I go, anything that interests me is something that I readily pick up. I will research, read, watch and continue to learn about these things as I go.

Lifelong learning

Setting goals and making the best use of technology are always my downfalls. If I have an interest or it meets the needs that I have, I will make sure that I learn how to use it. The technology that doesn't currently impact on me - such as using a blog, is something that I haven't bothered with. I do use Facebook for example, but not often and I rarely post anything. I don't really like putting myself out there on the internet through blogs/facebook etc but I use the chat function quite readily for example.

S

Hi all

I have rearranged my blog to begin chatting to you all at the Library. The rest of the blog was put together for an assignment as part of my Librarianship. Don't bother to read it - it was pretty boring when I did it :)

Assignment 2: OLJ/Evaluative statement

References
Abram, S. (2007). Web 2.0, library 2.0 and librarian 2.0: preparing for the 2.0 world. Paper presented at the Online Information 2007 Proceedings.

ALIA. (2010). ALIAnet newsfeeds (RSS). Retrieved 28.5.10, from http://http//www.alia.org.au/rss/

Ash, D. (2009). Social media is NOT private. Retrieved 14.5.10, from http://www.examiner.com/x-45696-Portland-Workplace-Issues-Examiner~y2010m5d4-Social-media-is-NOT-private?cid=exrss-Portland-Workplace-Issues-Examiner

Brown, A. (2009). Developing an effective social media marketing strategy. Retrieved 15.5.10, from http://www.examiner.com/x-/x-13398-salt-lake-city-social-media-examiner~y2009m7d30-developing-an-effective-social-media-marketing-strategy/

Brown, A. (December 19, 2009). Top 10 Social Networking Tools and Trends for Libraries from 2009. Retrieved 6.4.10, from http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/2009/12/19/top-10-social-networking-tools-and-trends-for-libraries-from-2009/

Brown, A. (December 26, 2009). Top 10 Social Networking in Libraries Trends for 2010. Retrieved 6.4.10, from http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/2009/12/26/top-10-social-networking-in-libraries-trends-for-2010/

Carscaddon, L., & Harris, C. S. (2009). Working the social: Twitter and Friendfeed. Retrieved 14.5.10, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6663770.html?nid=3302

Casey, M., & Stephens, M. (2009). You can’t afford not to do these things [Electronic Version]. Library Journal, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6639942.html?industryid=47356

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (9.1.2006). Service for the next-generation library [Electronic Version]. Library Journal.com. Retrieved 5.4.10, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html

Chad, K., & Miller, P. (2005). Do libraries matter? The rise of library 2.0. Retrieved 1.6.10, from www.talis.com/applications/downloads/white_papers/DoLibrariesMatter.pdf

Cohen, L. (2006). A librarian's 2.0 manifesto. Retrieved 12.4.10, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZblrRs3fkSU

Dempsey, L. (2009). Always on: libraries in a world of permanent connectivity. First Monday, 14(1).

Farkas, M. (2008). The essence of Library 2.0 [Electronic Version]. Information wants to be free. Retrieved 8.4.10, from http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/the-essence-of-library-20/

Frank, I. (2008). Librarians in virtual worlds: why get a Second Life. First Monday, 13(8).

Harvey, M. (2009). What does it mean to be a Science Librarian 2.0? Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 6.4.10, from http://www.istl.org/09-summer/article2.html

Holmberg, K., Huvila, I., Kronqvist-Berg, M., & Widen-Wulff, G. (2009). What is Library 2.0. Journal of Documentation, 65(4), pp. 668-681.

McBurnie, J. (2007). Your online identity: key to marketing and being found. [Electronic Version]. FUMSI, from http://web.fumsi.com/go/article/share/2510

Nosko, A., Wood, E., & Molema, S. (2010). All about me: disclosure in online social networking profiles: the case of Facebook. Computers in Human Behavior, 26, 406-418.

Stephens, M. (2006). Library 2.0 = MyLibrary? Retrieved 2.6.10, from http://0-lib1point5.wordpress.com.library.newcastle.edu.au/2006/04/12/library-20-mylibrary/

Stephens, M., Sayers, R., & Cheetham, W. (2010). The impact and benefits of Learning 2.0 programs in Australian libraries. Paper presented at the VALA 2010 Conference.

Universities Australia. (2009). Enhancing the student experience & student safety : a position paper [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 6.4.10, from http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/documents/publications/Student-Safety-Position-Paper-July-2009.pdf

Utecht, J. (2008). Stages of PLN adoption. Retrieved 15.5.10, from http://www.thethinkingstick.com/stages-of-pln-adoption

PART B - Assessment item 4: Assignment 2: OLJ/Evaluative statement

(b) a reflective statement on your development as a social networker as a result of studying INF506, and the implications for your development as an information professional (@750 words).

Throughout the course of this subject, the readings and tasks have led from a basic knowledge of some social networking technologies and their uses to a fuller range of knowledge and an understanding of their wider implications. When this semester began, my knowledge was limited to social networking sites such as Facebook which had been used in a limited way, wikis with which I was more familiar, photo sharing sites such as Flickr, an understanding of avatars and similar concepts within virtual worlds and an acquaintance with such technology as Twitter and Delicious social bookmarking. By completing the requisite readings and online journal tasks, this basic knowledge was developed and honed into a better understanding of what was available and how it could be better utilised within an academic library environment.

As with all new and emergent technologies, the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies are user interactive and user driven (Brown, 2009). Library policy has to change or staff need a motivated, energetic team to drive the project as well. To ensure success of the project, staff will be required to monitor, update and fix it when it crashes while continuing to investigate better ways of doing it. Users are more able to interact directly with the library and the library staff through instant messaging and blogs and eventually through virtual worlds and social networking sites such as Facebook. Despite this, there are many obstacles to overcome including issues of privacy, training, promotion and choosing which social media technologies to utilise to maximise user interface without spreading the library/staff resources too thinly(Nosko et al, 2010).

As these changes take place, it is essential that staff are up to date and familiar with the emerging technologies. Prior to this semester, the limitations of my skills and knowledge were much larger. Now I have a better awareness of the skills that I need to develop to both remain up to date and to excel as the library needs change and users make more use of Web 2.0 social networking technologies. From the grounding that I have obtained with a range of social networking sites, it is essential that the potential use of these sites not be overlooked in my work environment. I will be able to contribute to the policies that are to be put in place, ensuring that all options are fully researched and the best options for the library are utilised and strategies developed for the best advantages of both staff and users. Establishing this project will require work such as applying for funding to commence the project, the formation of a team and strides taken to make sure it is successful.

Establishing the best social networking technologies to implement, ensuring training for all staff, promotion of their use within the user community and what identification of a target audience is essential. Issues of privacy and access, budgeting and then establishing which services to offer through the social networking technologies also must be considered from the beginning. Privacy issues relate not only to the information that is added or can be accessed by users but also what information can be accessed by supervisors or colleagues (Brown, 2009). Options to ensure privacy such as passwords and authentication may restrict the social networking as an open and sharing space. By making users identifiable they may choose to opt out of the technologies completely.

Social networking sites such as Twitter, for example, allows for quick, short updates which appeals to a user group that has a short attention span and an aversion to reading; Flickr allows for the sharing of photos; and Delicious caters to those who use bookmarking to find and store information sites and sources. The mobility that is now inherent in these technologies allows for use for a wider range of users at greater distances (Carscaddon & Harris, 2009; Dempsey, 2009, p. 5, 8). These different social networking sites allow for increased public use and can be customised to suit each user.

Library 2.0 needs to cater to the social networking trend by maintaining a service that has been restructured to communicate across time and space constraints in a mobile ready environment to support the informational and collaborative needs of communities and organisations worldwide. As such, social networking technologies respond to users wants and needs, reflect users’ preferences and expectations and as such they go where the users are providing a constantly evolving service that will require staff involvement and continual training.

As social networking technologies continue to develop and society evolves to become more mobile, the role of the library and the librarian will be to cater more easily to these needs quickly to provide information when it is wanted 24/7 and worldwide. Training is essential at all levels. I feel that continued development of my own skills will be essential.

Within the workplace, focus groups should be convened to research and implement social networking technologies not currently in use such as Facebook or virtual worlds. It is necessary to properly discuss and investigate the needs of the users to ensure that the correct technologies are utilised. It is much better to implement one or two well used technologies than try to create a presence in a large number of technologies that are not used by the University population. For example, The University of Newcastle Libraries Information Desk staff implemented the use of Google chat to remain informed and up to date with each other. When this technology was rolled out to include users, it failed to be successful.

Social networking is one way for libraries to respond to the needs of users. Much research and work will be needed by a team of committed staff to ensure that the process is not haphazard and half hearted to ensure that the best possible use for the relevant technologies is found.

PART A - Assessment item 4: Assignment 2: OLJ/Evaluative statement

(a) an evaluative statement using three (3) experiences documented in your OLJ as evidence of meeting the learning objectives of the subject (@750 words);

Social networking technologies are becoming more prevalent within all areas of the community and Library 2.0 and Web 2.0 technologies have revolutionised the services that are being offered. Due to this heightened interaction between the user, technology and the library, the user becomes a partner in the process. Libraries are able to make information available whenever and wherever the user requires it through a range of mobile communications, which has been the ‘fastest diffusing technology ever’ (Chad & Miller, 2005; Dempsey, 2009, p. 2). Libraries are evolving to become socially directed and configurable to enhance the user experience interactively through a wide range of communication vehicles such as chat, instant messaging, sms texting, email and virtual spaces such as Second Life, e-books and online journal subscriptions. (Dempsey, 2009, p. 11; Holmberg et al, 2009, p. 668; Stephens, 2006). This increases the convenience of the library by providing a better service, supplying information to meet changing and competing demands and the workflow of the user and attracts younger people. (Dempsey, 2009, p. 13; Stephens et al, 2010, p. 2). One of the issues raised by this, however, becomes the imposition of the Library into the social realm of the user which may alienate some further.

In order to provide this changing service -

Essential skills, knowledge and attributes of an Information professional

http://http//inf506shaunparsons.blogspot.com/2010/06/essential-knowledge-skills-and.html

Information providers within Library 2.0 need to be aware of the new technologies, provide training and support and not be afraid to challenge the way things have always been done. Despite the challenges that this presents, by making the best use possible of the traditional and the new social networking trends, library staff can provide a vibrant collection that caters to the needs of all users in a way that supports the way they wish to make use of the Library.

Collections too, are also changing to meet the demands of users. Spacing constraints of physical collections are becoming less of an issue as online databases with full text access and e-books can be accessed through a variety of mobile measures including mobile and I-phones and laptops. Funding for this change in collection remains a concern. Alerting services such as RSS feeds allow users to remain up to date in a range of issues from research to news broadcasts. Information management is still a vital component of the role of the librarian.

RSS feeds
http://inf506shaunparsons.blogspot.com/2010/05/rss-in-action.html

One of the social networking technologies that is being utilised by organisations and institutions is RSS feeds. Meaning ‘Rich Site Summary’, ‘RDF Site Summary’ or ‘Really Simple Syndication’, RSS feeds allow users to cater sites to their own needs and to stay up to date with news and information from organisations and institutions (ALIA, 2010). The University of Newcastle keeps users up to date informed regarding Campus life and the Library through RSS feeds of the Library blog. Coverage includes database access, security measures and other library news is reported in a timely fashion, if users are subscribed.

By subscribing to the RSS feeds, this information downloads regularly to users. Library staff are able to better monitor their time and service the users of the library. The system is a voluntary one, however, and this may mean that pertinent information may still be missed by the users that require it the most. By becoming active partners with library users and making use of the new social networking technologies to allow for integration and interoperability, libraries are striving to enhance user experience (Abram, 2007, p. 7; Holmberg et al, 2009, p. 668). RSS feeds allow The University of Newcastle libraries to provide a better service.
Virtual worlds such as Second Life offer a wide range of opportunities to involve staff and users in both traditional and emerging literacy skills programmes.

Second Life
http://inf506shaunparsons.blogspot.com/2010/06/second-life.html

Second Life is a 3D virtual environment which allows users to create environments that mimic real life. These avatars can also create an imaginary vision. These online worlds can allow for increased communication at a distance, increase use for users with a physical disability who may have difficulty accessing a library in person. Second Life is free to join and allows users to communicate via text, chat or voice communication. The virtual world can allow users to interact with others, learning new social skills as well as being provided with traditional library services. These services can include reference questions and library collections and can allow for such interaction as book talks, art exhibitions, meetings and networking (Frank, 2008, p. 4; 12). Unlike the real world, this virtual world can cater to those users who have disabilities or have distance issues. Within this world, Library staff are required to have their own avatars to provide teaching and guidance in how to research, provide lessons on information literacy or show users how to choose an efficient search strategy. While programming skills are unnecessary, a high degree of skills for working within the virtual world and interacting with users is required.

Users now connect and share on a scale that has never occurred before. The benefits of this are enormous. Socially, culturally and educationally, contact can be made between users of all ages, ethnicity, experiences and abilities. The educational advantages have barely been measured or utilised. Simulation, role playing, creation, collaboration and self directed learning are all possible within the social networking sphere. Virtual worlds encourage contact between users and creators and the possibilities are endless. Using established social networking sites allow library staff to access servers, software and technical support without the need for specific programming skills. There are a number of ethical issues that inform the decision to use these technologies. Privacy has become all but non-existent and the temptation for employers or colleagues to monitor social networking sites exist.

Careful marketing of the Library’s social networking technologies will allow for a viable online identity which will cater to a wide audience ensuring that it remains purposeful and timely and ensure that it is found by those seeking it (Ash, 2009; McBurnie, 2007; Utecht, 2008, p.1).

As users continue to rely on social networking technologies, Library 2.0 will continue to evolve and develop to incorporate these into everyday contact and support.

Essential knowledge, skills and attributes of an information professional in a web 2.0 world

Information professionals require a wide range of skills to remain competitive in the information literacy world. Both Library 2.0 and Web 2.0, with its highly interactive options allows library staff to remain committed to providing up to date information services that reflect the needs and desires of the users and almost instant feedback when service delivery fails to reflect the needs of the users. By making use of this feedback and interaction between staff and users, library staff need to:
- Provide up to date social networking technologies – blogs, wikis, instant messaging, sms, podcasts and maintain a presence on the major social networking sites such as Youtube and Facebook.

- Combine old technologies with the new – physical collections with online collections

- Provide information regardless of format

- Connect users to a range of technologies and the information that they require

- Use both traditional cataloguing methods and newer Library 2.0 methods such as cloud tags, tagging, RSS feeds etc

- Enhance the user experience by encouraging feedback, integration of services and interoperability

- Training is required into the new technologies so that staff are able to provide access for users in all manner of social networking technologies including Facebook, virtual worlds such as Second life, making videos for Youtube and podcasts – all to encourage and expand the user experience

- Provide information and resources in a timely fashion and allow quick turn around of the technology, information etc as user needs develop and/or change. Updating all information as required.

- Ability to think on their feet, change with new ideas and reflect back to the user what is presented to them

- Awareness that change is not a bad thing and encourage others to grow and develop

- Make sure that the old technologies and ways of doing things are utilised properly not simply discarded if nothing better has come along

- Research the best means of getting the information across to the users – which social networking technologies work best, which are accessed by the users

Second life

As a non user of 3D gaming or virtual worlds in general, the Second life interface is wholly daunting and difficult to negotiate. While it is possible to establish many useful library settings within this world, such as library tours, informational guides and help including how to skills and other information literacy goals, such a goal is epic. Users would need to be familiar with the world and its set up beyond basic measures such as joining the Second life world and moving around in the world. As a first time user, many of the instructions are unclear and even reading the how to guide which is quite extensive did not allow for adding friends as easily as imagined.

Avatars are becoming an important element in 3D and online gaming, allowing users to learn, grow and develop skills, friends and communities. However, users need to have advanced online skills, world creators such as the library staff who would be setting up the worlds and the relevant learning tasks skills and links, need to be advanced in computer usage. As such, this form of learning world would require new levels of skills and training which may benefit users as 3D worlds become the norm for communication. At this stage, despite the growing numbers of users - according to Boulos et al, 2007 this figure was 6 million users in 2007, library users would need to be fluent in the use of online virtual worlds to be able to gain any benefit from the library establishing a presence in the Second life world.

As users become more familiar with virtual worlds and avatars, there is much that libraries can do to make use of the technology. Virtual worlds can make learning more fun, creative and interesting and this may lead to extending the library’s sphere of influence and teaching of information literacy skills to a much wider audience. Avatars allow freedom through anonymity which may encourage users to be more open in claiming what information they require and asking for help in a range of ways that interpersonal contact may hinder. Physically entering libraries and asking for help may be off putting to some library users and the virtual world can overcome those fears or negative feelings.

Real time interaction and chat through virtual worlds such as Second life offer a range of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 options that libraries can utilise to ensure that users receive ongoing support and lifelong learning skills. More creative ways of teaching are assured through the online virtual worlds however, until users are confident and competent in the uses of Second life, the aims of libraries may be limited.

A-Z of social networking

A – Z of social networking

Considering the University of Newcastle libraries.

Blog, e-books, help, podcasting and reference.

The University of Newcastle libraries are embracing a number of Library 2.0 initiatives in order to offer better services and increase the student experience. Being aware of the technology and actively seeking to utilise it as a part of the ongoing library culture is a major function of the Library staff. The University libraries currently offers a blog to keep library users up to date with the latest news related to library services, training and outages.

E-books are offered through a wide range of avenues from Google books to subscription sites including EBL, Books 24x7, or Knovel (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/findinfo/ebooks.html) and the collection is evolving to include a large number of books in online format rather than the more tradition forms.

Help is offered to the library users as all members of the Library staff are committed to ensuring that social networking is kept up to date and reliable. The Reference staff have received training in a number of social networking options and new ideas continue to be developed. Some of the training for users utilise social networking such as youtube and interactive software.

As yet, the library does not have podcasting as a social network that is utilised fully, however, faculties within the University use the library as a podcasting site. The technology is based within the Library building and faculty staff use this facility often. Library staff require more training to better understand the function that podcasting could provide. Podcasting has been used in the past by the University Librarian to contact the University population.

Reference services are offered through a variety of social networking sites – flickr, twitter, blogs, instant messaging and sms are some of the services offered. Users are able to contact Library staff in a variety of ways including mobile. As the technology changes and the demand from students to keep up to date increases, further use of social networking is likely. Facebook is one option that staff could look into but as well as this, the use of video on youtube for example, is likely to become more prevalent especially as staff development changes and the library staff become younger in the future.

RSS in action

Two examples of other organisations/institutions that use RSS feeds are the University of Newcastle and ALIA.

http://uonlib.wordpress.com/feed/

http://www.alia.org.au/rss/

RSS feeds allow direct feeds of the latest content for its subscribers. As such, institutions and organisations are able to keep users up to date with changes, new information, critical updates and applications that can be tailored to suit the individual needs of the user. Not only can information that is essential to update local information such as library news, university changes etc, the feeds can also keep the individual up to date with the latest news and weather from around the world.

This information can be tailored to suit each user in a variety of ways. The University of Newcastle uses its RSS feeds to keep students and staff informed about new databases, system outages, daily news events thought to be of interest to users such as security on campus and extended library hours. By placing this information in one easily accessed location which is continually updated, staff and students of the University can access the latest information with the touch of a button.

Organisations such as Alia can also keep their subscribers up to date with the latest information about subscriptions, research, events such as Library and Information week, or online publications. By keeping members abreast of current content, organisations are able to provide a better service.

RSS feeds enhance the library’s ability to meet the information needs of its users by providing useful links and topics of focus that may impact upon users’ experiences with the library and the University at large. Training sessions for information literacy can be advertised and promoted to ensure that users are kept up to date with the latest skills required to utilise the learning environment successfully. Busy students are able to see at a glance what options are available to them and keep abreast of problems that may impact upon their student experience.

What I expect to learn from completing INF506

I expect to learn new ways of utilising the technologies that I familiar with while gaining new insights and understanding in the 2.0 technologies that I am unfamiliar with or have merely glimpsed. I hope to make better use of the new 2.0 technologies for personal, professional and study purposes.

Social Networking Technologies and Sites

For personal purposes I currently use - Google Chat; Facebook; Geni (family tree)and Youtube

For work purposes I currently use - Google Chat (my worksite also uses Flickr)

For study purposes I currently use - Facebook; Youtube and Flickr

What is social networking?

Social networking allows people to stay in touch (or connect) via a variety of ways such as social network websites including Facebook and blogs, wikis, twitter or Youtube. By linking to networks, people are able to contact a large number of others and maintain this contact.