Reading Notes 9

Reading Notes for 11/29

Weblogs
I don't often give it much consideration because I'm used to it being there, but the automatic archiving of blogs and the way they allow you to have your own personal archive is pretty great. In terms of blogging software, I was really pleased at the beginning of the semester with how easy it was to use Blogger, and I'm sure those tools make blogging a more mainstream enterprise. The practical applications of blogs can extend beyond the social information sphere I'm used to utilizing them in into the professional arena as a means of communication between co-workers. Being familiar with different blogging software and available to provide assistance seems like a good way for today's librarians to increase their relevance to patrons.

Using a Wiki
We currently use a system-wide wiki for co-worker communications at my job at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, so I'm familiar with their organizational benefits. Our wiki isn't much to look at, but it's usually really easy to find the specific information you need, and it's handy when you're working in a system with 19 different locations, which obviously eliminates the option of relying on face-to-face interactions. I wonder ow using a blog for the same function would compare.

Folksonomy
That first paragraph describes my life. I have so many things in my "Favorites" list that it's practically un-usable. I need to get on del.icio.us. Including tagging under the auspices of library services as described sounds like a fantastic idea, and offers a way to continue participating in our old gatekeeping role in the new digital era. The development of an agreed-upon ontology, while outside the normal folksonomy definition, would probably be an asset for institutional use.

Wikipedia
Unrelated to Wikipedia, I wish Jimmy Wales would stand still. It's amazing that Wikipedia's content is volunteer-created, but even crazier that the administrative and behind-the-scenes workings are all done one a volunteer basis as well (except for their single employee). I think as a resource Wikipedia is becoming increasingly reliable, and a large part of that is based in their commitment to neutrality, neutrality, neutrality.