Libraryman

Michael Porter (aka libraryman) from Webjunction gave a presentation today on ??? What exactly was the focus of his talk? Web 2.0? Maybe, but he disparaged the use of that term as overused. I guess it was about how library=content + community and we're not using social networking tools effectively to connect the library with the online/virtual community.
Anyway it was entertaining.

Podcast

Today I listened to Helene Blowers podcast on What Library Managers Need to Know about Web 2.0. She's the original Web 2.0 23 things creator and really knows her stuff. Thank you Infopeople for hosting this podcast. I especially enjoyed being able to listen to the podcast while multi-tasking!
Yes, we need a blog for library staff to spread the word. A lot of the staff don't have city email so this would be really useful. I liked the wiki for book reviews idea too.

Bloglines

Just created a bloglines account and added a couple of RSS feeds...librarian.net and The Shifted Librarian. It was a little scary to read through all their suggested categories of feeds and only find one that appealed (bookworm, natch). I am political but certainly don't want to be barraged with outraged polemics every day. Knitting, crocheting, Sports fanatic.......just not me. Travel was tempting and I'd go for an outdoor adventure/hiking/backpacking one.

Web 2.0 at my library

Our city has a lot of programs for seniors. Not just library programs or rec department programs but also transportation, health, housing etc. Some of these are offered by city departments and some by non profits. We have a group that meets monthly of representatives from organizations that serve seniors. One of the issues that comes up is that, although we have lots of services, we also have many seniors who do not know about them. So, since the library is 'information central', I've been thinking about how we could help solve that problem using web 2.0 tools. Maybe a listserv would work. At first I though a website or a blog but that is too one-way. With a listserv, seniors could post as well as organizations with programs or events to announce. I realize that many seniors are not online but I believe that is changing rapidly and now would be a good time to initate something. We have listservs of parents at the schools, why not one for seniors.

a little late

Well, I'm a little late to this 23 things checklist http://our23things.infopeople.org/2007/04/our_23_things.php
But, I never met a list I didn't like so here goes.......