The Librarian in Black points to an article on WebJunction called “Technology Watch List for Small Libraries” and I have to say that I am also unimpressed. The difference between reading blogs and RSS feeds and creating blogs and RSS feeds is substantial, as is the difference between employing a thin-client solution to the centralized server problem and just learning how to do ghosting effectively. Ebooks are not a good solution for cash-poor libraries [which is what I hear when I hear “small libraries” though maybe this is geared towards small rich suburban libraries] and when I think “cost effective” for virtual reference, I think IM — which isn’t even mentioned — not joining a consortium. In short, this article seems to be more effectively titled “shopping tips for small libraries” because by and large it is much more geared towards things to buy than things to learn.
some rss reading for those who are interested
I’ve gotten at least one request — which means there are probably more silent readers wondering — if I could define my terms somewhat more, maybe give some more background reading on some of the stuff I talk about, specifically RSS. I’ll point you to a few pages that have been helpful to me:
- FaganFinder’s “what is RSS” page is a big, deep explanation.
- Here’s how the Cincinnati public library explains it to their users which includes link to
- Steven’s article on RSS for non-techie librarians and
- Karen Schneider’s 15 minute tutorial for those who want to get started first, then learn what they were doing.
how is an ebook not like a book
Jason has a good example of how DRM can affect libraries. Can you count the different ways this ebook is not like a real book?
when is a blog not a blog?
Small update and interesting sidenote. Even though the web4lib content is being presented in blog format, it’s not really a blog. That is, you can’t comment using the comment form without being a list member. Not that this is a bad thing, but it is definitely a repurposing of the blog format in a way that produces unexpected results. Anyone who doesn’t know about web4lib should read up on it. Maybe it’s the librarian in me, but I think the list of guidelines for list behavior is sane, thoughful and thorough.
web4lib blog
Web4lib’s content is available for reading and permalinking in blog format with and RSS feed and interchangeable skins! [unalog]