US NOW film review

I recently wrote a film I was going to see called US NOW. I went to see this last week. The film dealt with the web 2.0 economy. They interviewed people like Clay Shirky and Don Tapscott and other organisations that are part of the web 2.0 economy. The film was ok, nicely shot and everything, but yup the wisdom of crowds being the saviour of the world is slightly irksome and cliqued. Obviously other writers have criticised this view. I really despise this idea that the web is making people able to join groups and create new communities. The mumsnet look liked a middle class mothers union
. Only people with internet access can join and this is what this documentary skirted over.
There have been other review of the film. There is also a video report including an introduction to the film. I am found on the video report 97 seconds in.

I love my ipod touch

I am loving my Ipod Touch. I am on the Applications all the time. Downloaded Classic books application, which is fantastic. I'm off to read Huck Finn. I am also enjoying being with my girlfriend.

Facebook continued from David Lee King

David Lee King has another interesting article on how to use facebook. He has some really great ideas on there.

Online information starts tomorrow

Due to a busy work schedule (and not having £600), Online information starts tomorrow. Clay Shirky is talking and there seem many interesting events that are occuring.

A free film at Nesta

Found via Wikinomics, there is a film being shown at Nesta next week called US NOW (10.12.08). For those who have read wikinomics its well worth going (i'm there, is that not reason enough?) The film looks at the affect of the collaborative economy brought about via the web.

Mash up continued

Having briefly discussed the mash up at birkbeck last week, I was great impressed and frustrated in equal measure. Impressed in Owen Stephens organising the event, with some great talks, especially from Tony Hirst discussion and use of Yahoo pipes and google docs and how to utilize them.
My disappointment comes in not staying for the afternoon session to utilise what I had learnt from the talks beforehand. Unfortunately I had not booked time off work to do this. For those who went, I had a very enjoyable time (and a lot of coffee). For those who diddn't, here are a few links from those those who went (1, 2 & 3).
Also, thanks to David Flanders, who went and informed us about JISC's developer Happiness Days in London Feb 9-13 2009‏.

Library Mash up

I am presently at the library mash up I had discussed before. After get through signing in to the network and having 6 power points between 30 persons and we are off. I know i'm using this like twitter, so apologies.

My great gran passed away

I had some sad news when my Great Gran Vodden (bottom right), passed away in her sleep in hospital. She was aged 107 and had only recently been to hospital, caring for herself in the same house for over 60 years. She was going blind and deaf, but her mind still sharp. She had 3 children, 12 grandchildren, numerous great and great grandchildren. She also had a great,great,great gran child born 101 years exactly after her own birth. Although it was time for her to go its still sad to hear the news, and doubtful i'll make the funeral to give her the good bye she deserved. I'll always think of you fondly gran.

What I read was great

I've just finished Steven Levy's book The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture, and Coolness. Levy provides a wonderful insight into the ipod and apple and its affect on society. Steven has previously written about apple and also touches on Jobs 'hacking' days in the 70's with Captain Crunch. He is able to ask Jobs anything. The book is well worth a look.

I got my ipod touch

I final got it. Thankfully i'll get my wi-fi friday and be able to use it. Also next week is the library mash up i'm going to. I'll use it there to blog etc.

Clay Shirky interview

Clay Shirky of famous Power Laws, Weblogs, and Inequality and the book Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations, is interviewed by Richard Wallis over on Panlibus site. Worth a listen (if only I had internet at home......just 16 days to go).

Brothers court case

Most of may know of my brothers murder. Well the accused has pleaded 'not guilty'. I can't say much more on the because of due process. We know await the trial. this will be the 30th of march (3 weeks after my brothers birthday and the day before my mums). Tomorrow will be the first anniversary of my grandfather passing away. Life don't seem so good. Thank god I have my girlfriend.

Facebook in libraries? Can it ever succeed?

I recently discussed David Lee King's article looking into facebook in libraries. Well a few other bloggers have been discussing this article (1 & 2).

I then went back to the original article and looked at the comments Kings comments had got and at the relevant libraries that had been using it (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6).

In looking at this I noted that the highest of these facebooks pages was 349 and lowest 25. My question is, will facebook ever be able to replace the online catalogue? I mean, with figures these (fairly) low, how would we get are patrons to go to this site and make people comment on our services?

My idea for facebook libraries is to offer something free that the catalogue does not. I think search skills video's on youtube or something along those lines. Without people visiting the facebook page its just a dead link in my opinion. We have to offer more for less in these days of credit crunch.

Lib Democrats show the decline of UK Public libraries

I have not mentioned public libraries recently (as I don't work in them anymore), but I found via lisjobnet, that Lib Dem culture spokesman Don Foster said a survey showing that 35 branches were lost in the last financial year "demonstrates the severity of the crisis facing library services across the country".

This seems a shame that public libraries are getting so little support (excluding the support of some personages and blogs). Hopefully the powers that be might see that culture is not just football and opera, its allowing the young and old to advance there own minds in a library enviroment, and not in google or second life

Unquiet History podcast

Librarian.net introduced me to an interesting podcast [whoops error, digital recording], entitled Unquiet History, which follows on from Matthew Battles book of the same name. When I finally get my ipod touch might even get to listen to it.

Saying good bye

I went down to Cornwall this weekend. Since my brothers death I have not been as much as I had hoped with other commitments (like weddings and house hunting). We (my niece and parents that is) had to pack his so few belongings. It brought home I have no future with this person, just cherished memories. I some times feel this gets better, but it always comes back. Hopefully some day the loss might not be so sharp.
On my journey home I started using his photo's in Imovie. I loved doing it, but just so few photo's of one I held so dear. I think of what one blogger wrote previously to me:-

I also lost a brother. He was 24; I was 26. At 53, he's still as alive in my heart and in my head as ever, though we will never get to compare wrinkles. His birthday is coming up: August 7. I will be celebrating it with him in my dreams.

I miss you everyday Jo.

Google-publishers settlement

Google has settled its publishing rights row. I've not really had time to review it but two eloquent bloggers have (1,2). I'm hoping to blog over the weekend, as I was initially going for my brothers murder trial. Thanks to the great british judical service that is not, we were informed there is no trial as there is no judge.

Owen Stephens interview on Panlibus

Owen Stephens on the library mashed library '08 at Birkbeck which I had mention before, has been interview By Richard Wallis on Panlibus about the event. Seems like the Mashed library looks a very interesting event.

Itouch and tools to use

Having written previously (or poorly), about my new acquisition I noted this article on interesting things to do with the ipod touch. All I need know is the toy and the internet connection.

I break rules not follows dem.....itouch is mine

Although some people have indicated how many dots should be used in a sentence (3 allegedly, I like to Agree with Lou Reed and walk on the wildside of grammar and diction. Anyhow, I have ordered myself an itouch (another incorrect pronunciation), but i'm a rebel innit! When the baby arrives I'll reveal how great it is.

Dis lookz da bomb........

Having moved house (no it did not go well), I was checking my bloglines, when I came accross this found via Self-plagiarism is style. Its in England and its free (which one is rarer). I'm going to go to what they describe as :-


This informal event is a chance to meet others involved in Library Technology and related fields such as metadata, search, etc. Inspired by the Mashed Museums event, the day will give the opportunity for you to discuss ideas, share visions, and hopefully actually develop some stuff. All you need to take part is some enthusiasm for exploiting technology in the Library and Information world.

Mash it up.

Richard Wallis on youtube video

After listening to Richard Wallis podcast on Panlibus, Alan Choo pointed out Wallis interview explains how Talis can easily integrate its APIs into applications.

Another library documentary

Following on from the success of Hollywood librarian news is coming through that an amercan film crew are making a documentary about Latvian libraries. The article says of the film:-

The film is being shot for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which plans to show the film to librarians and library administrators from many countries where similar projects could be implemented.

"Tresais teva dels" is the foundation's pilot project in Europe; before that, the foundation supported the development of libraries in North and South Americas.

Last week the film crew visited Preili Library, Kastire Library and Riga Central Library branch "Vidzeme", where library visitors were interviewed. The goal of the documentary is to show the role of modern libraries, provided with latest technologies, in the improvement of the quality of life.

Apple Itouch wins T3 gaget award

Boys with toys mag T3 has revealed the Apple Itouch as gadget of the year. Ummm, I so wish I had one.

Its a bit late.....

But today was Open Access day. Anyhow Walt has already written about it. Anyhow, i'm moving house an need to pack.

Facebook aricle of interest

David Lee King has a great article on how libraries can use facebook. He discusses:-

I’ve done into three sections - Basic Info, Facebook Functionality, and Social Stuff.

I've passed it on to my manager to see if we maybe able to use it on our facebook page.

E-books tested as British Library

(Via lisnews). Seems the BBC has been testing out E-books at the British Library. The technology reporter Simon Gompertz was :-

Working lunch's Simon Gompertz has visited the British Library and asked Librarians to give their opinions on electronic readers which have been designed to replace paper books.

Check the video, it has some interesting feedback. With the talk about the kindle, sony e-reader and the itouch/iphone

Annoyed Librarian creating havoc in the librosphere?

Annoyed Librarian has joined the ranks of the library journal, and created some dismay to David Lee King. David has said:-

Yep - that’s right. The same organization that publishes the Transparent Library column is now giving voice to … an anonymous blogger.

Other Bloggers haves commented on this (1), well one. Oh this has been added too.

King goes on to say:-

'And now that same juvenile, irresponsible behavior has been paid, and has been given a voice … by “the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field.” Hmm… another irony noted.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m all for tearing down bad ideas, pointing out inconsistencies, sharing what I think.'

Why the upset? I always find the annoyed librarian quite funny. I can't take his/her rants seriously or the talk about 'twopointians'. Anyhow, on most blogs do we not allow anymous responses? I think it just gives the annoyed librarian more ammo.

Story via Panlibus

Panlibus has an interesting article that the itouch and iphone has a new piece of free software to make it into a portable ereader.

It says:-

As reported by Forbes.com, a free to download software add-on for a mobile phone is already outstripping the potential of Amazon’s flagship eBook Reader. Stanza from Lexcycle is freely downloadable from the Apple App Store:

Wow, I can't afford it but i'm so tempted. The article looks at the effect on the Amazon Kindle. Well worth the read. I real want one.

Malcolm Gladwell tour tickets in London

Malcolm Gladwell will be touring London for his new book out called Outliers. Popbitch has a reduced price for tickets for his tour. I am not sure £20 is cheap enough though.

Congratulations to Michael Stephens

Michael Stephens of Taming the Web fame has his Dissertation Bound. The dissertation is entitled modelling the role of blogging in librarianship. Looks a really good read. I wish mine was still online, I have to sort this out.

Zotero. Is it here to stay?

I have not really been keeping up to date lately with the blogosphere. but have heard a fair bit about Zotero (1, 2 & 3. Which is described as :-

Even though it is still in its toddler-hood, Zotero’s idea of being a bibliographic manager that runs in your browser and grabs citations on your command from lists of books or journals is still appealing. Plus, the ability to make folders for your citations from particular topics is something that EndNote (via EndNoteWeb) is finally giving in to.

Unfortunately the might of Thomsons Reuters is suing them(via Panlibus as:-

Thomson Reuters demands $10 million and an injunction to stop George Mason University from distributing its new Web browser application, Zotero software, an open-source format that allows users to convert Reuters’ EndNote Software. Reuters claims George Mason is violating its license agreement and destroying the EndNote customer base.

I better get a move on and use it then.

Sue Hill and Hollywood librarian

I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff at Sue Hill who were so supportive in the recent months. They've been top to me.

I was sad I couldn't make there viewing last week of the Hollywood librarian. Loving the Blog to.

My sisters wedding

My sister yesterday was married in Scotland. t was a lovely day and I was supported by my lovely girlfriend. It was hard to be happy with my recent loss but I'm glad I went.

Senate House Library opens up to facebook

Senate House Library (where I work) has started a facebook page. Please join us, join us.......

Why no comments article via ttw

Taming the web has linked to an interesting article entitled 'why no comments' (via here). In it, TTW says (sorry this is poor practice but still):-

One of the stumbling blocks for libraries when we talk about blogging is the fact that so many library blogs never get comments. This article - focused on associations - might be very useful for strategic planning for the library blog.

I especially like this one:

2. Open and easy. If you really want to build comments, you have to be open and make commenting easy. Limiting your blog content or commenting features to members also limits what you can achieve with your blog. A members-only strategy may be appropriate in some cases, but not if your goal is to engage a vocal audience. In fact, to truly be open, try setting up a blog with

No login;
Easy to find comment links;
No captchas—those annoying things that make people spell out letters to prove they are human;
No moderation. (You can always be notified of new posts and moderate after the comments are posted.) The instant gratification a new commenter feels when they see their name and content post to your site is not to be underestimated.


I totally agree. So many times i've spoken to libraries and ease of access is such a stumbling block. It could be I don't sell it well enough, but I think any blogger feels content when they recieve comments.

Please feel free to comment ;)

Public library survey for masters degree

Sarah Hammond has a questionaire for any public librarians. If you got the time to assist this Masters student please do.

The funeral

On friday we buried my brother. In a moving ceremony we celebrated my brothers short life. I keep strong for my family, but the void he leaves is irreplacable. I'll always miss you Jody and thankful for the time you gave me and promise to stay strong for you and mum and Pete. You would have done so for me.

A question

I am interested in doing a Phd in librarianship. Does anyone know what universities would cover this area in the uk?

New blog release

For those short story writers a new has been released called small stories. The blurb on the front says of the site:-

Read. Write. Share.
Small Stories - social storytelling.

Share stories with other people
Read and comment on other peoples’ stories
Guidelines:

Stories must be submitted by the author.
Stories have to be 300 words or less.

Sounds an interesting format and not covered in adverts. Sweet

Funeral

As you may know, my brother was murdered. This friday we will finally lay him to rest. I miss him terribly, but i'd like to say thanks to some lovely comments left behind and the support I have had, especially Phil Bradley's. I will always remember the good times. But always hoped for more......

Innocent blood

My step dad left this poem as a tribute to my brother. For those who feel my actions are wrong for this site, then I apologise, but am using this as I can't make sense of much at the moment.

INNOCENT BLOOD

Innocent blood, poured out on the sand,
innocent blood from an innocent man,
Life taken, lives ruined, by mindless attack,
life taken, lives ruined, AND NO TURNING BACK.

No smile, no joy, no memory now,
no smile, no joy, no crease of the brow,
no laugh, no shout, no jokes \in the night,
no laugh, no shout, ``Dad, mum, you alright ? "

No future together, no son to hold,
no friend through the years as I grow old,
How much you have taken, you may never have known,
The love of a father, for his son that has gone.

DAD

Jody the Junglist

This is for my brother, who passed away. Here are 2 links. One from the BBC and video a great friend made of him. Thanks for everyones thoughts. Its appreciated.

Bad day

Had the worst news when I was told my brother was murdered. Still numb.

The Google storm rages on........

I recently discussed the fall out from Google Librarian central, which Steven Cohen had pointed out, had not been written in for 1 year. Well, they have finally responded, and told us there back. But only as a newsletter.
As one critic said:-

They've been thinking about how best to communicate with us, and this apparently is best done by closing the weblog and reverting to a newsletter. Is this one of the first examples of a company dumping Web 2.0 technology in favour of 1.0?

Meredith Farkas has been defending the Google line, saying:-

Some people are up in arms because they feel that Google has some obligation to libraries beyond the contractual obligations to those they’re working with. Some people feel like librarians have been used. I must be missing something, because I don’t feel anything of the kind. Marketing is designed to make you like a company or product. Their marketing worked.

Fair point Meredith, but as a company there making a profit of everyone's culture, there not doing this so we can access information. Google have said that:-

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.

ut I'd agree with another view point, that :-

Google's real mission is to organize the world around advertising.

If there doing it on the back of being the only company making books available online, they have a monopoly to decide what goes up and what gets hits. But hell, Marketing is designed to make you like a company.

Interview on my other blog

As you may or may not know, I've recently started a new blog called SAVE SENATE HOUSE. Anyhow, two students have started a successful facebook campaign. I have just interview one and put it up on the site, so please check it out.

New book I have been enjoying

I've always been a big computer fan, since my first one back in 1982. I have also often thought about writing a book on the ZX Spectrum. Seems someone has got there before me, when I picked up Jack Railton's book 'The A to Z of Cool Computer Games'. Though not totally based fully on the Speccy, many games are discussed.

I'd still like to see a book or article on the 80's Politics of Spectrum and its games (for example Monty on the Run was a game about the coal miners strike and how the mole was trying to escape miners, flying pickets, or the game Morris Meets the Bikers', which was a game which was made by automata, who tried to make the games 'non confrontational', how 80's pc is that?_

An indepth look at Google library blog, or what happened

As many bloggers (1, 2, 3) and especially Steven Cohen deliberate the impact of Google Librarian Central blog and its disappearance, it seems little has been said why? Expecially from Google, but other sources. Perhaps google never got around to reading.

Firstly, Steven was not the first one to point out the demise of the blog, as it was discussed way back in January.

Secondly, Google now no longer has any competition from Microsoft in this area any longer. Therefore, the competition has disappeared in May of this year. But this does not still explain why they went 10 months without mentioning it?

In my opinion, Google was always a company and companies there are to make profits, and not to help society live a fruitful existance (unlike librarians). As Charles Arthur had pointed out :-

Google gets the book contents free, gets to sell adverts against them, and the publishers get ... what? The promise that they might sell some more books. It certainly sounds like something for nothing. And once again, it's Google that gets the something, and everyone else who is left scrabbling for the scraps.

Google should at least address this error. If they make a blog for librarians and then dump it, you'll really annoy people (as Steven has shown).

Also, it might make us look less uncritically at Google, and agree with one critic who says google is White bread for young minds

Encyclopaedia Britannica Debate - Do schoolchildren and students know how to research?

The RSA in London has an interesting talk called 'Encyclopaedia Britannica Debate - Do schoolchildren and students know how to research?' Sounds like an interesting panel especially with Stephen Heppell. As its free i'll have to go, even though I fly out the next day.

Who needs a library when Tesco's is just as good?

I read with interest Pete Smith's blogs discussing how one councillor in Doncaster, the Director of Customer Services (sic), Stuart Hall, has had this to say about cutbacks that will materially damage the library service[whoops, Pete pointed out it was an officer not councillor]:-

“What is the point in buying new books? Tescos sell them cheaply and everything you need to know is on the Internet.”


Ummmmm. Now i'm not sure if I'd really like to see Stuart Hall's book collection, but is this guy for real? So, whats he saying? That libraries are dead? That a dumb terminal will give us the answers? That Jackie Collins new novel will show us the meaning of life?

How Google Used Librarians…and Got Away With It

A few blogs have been discussing Steven Cohen's blog on How Google Used Librarians…and Got Away With It (1,2).Steven, David Rothman and Siva Vaidhyanathan, gicve a good platform why this has occured. I was astonished when they pointed out Google hadn't even enter a blog entry for a year.

Phil Bradley (the english voice of reason) has some salient points also on the matter. Phil, like Steven Cohen has argued we should not just use (or is it BE USED) by Google. But to use other sources.

Anyway, all too sad and all to predictable.

Youtube librarianship

This is via Librarian in black, about Videos on YouTube for Librarians. It has 100 Awesome Youtube Vids for Librarians. I think I might have to bring this up in the Web 2.0 thing we're doing about at the library I work at and discussed before (1,2).

A new blog I started

Having discussed the possible closure of Senate House, I have started a blog to discuss what is occuring, and to create a conversation on the blogosphere.

Save Senate house appeal

Obviously as some of you may know I work at Senate House. Well, it seems HEFCE (the governing body for higher education) has slashed the funding of Senate house by £716000. This could possibly mean the closure of Senate house, and the splitting of the marvellous collections it has. Though I doubt London would agree to have a great early twentieth century building made into posh flats would they?

Anyhow, some students have set up a facebook page to save senate house. They have also set up a petition. Anyhow, if you have time please sign it and join this group.

Is Print dead?

I have just finished Print Is Dead: Books in our Digital Age, which discusses the future of books in a digital age. I was interested in seeing what Jeff Gomez had to say. I was not that impressed. Firstly, if your writing about books check your quotes, because in a digital age any idiot can check this. So do not quote that Growing Up Digital: Rise of the Net Generation was written in 2006, that was another Tapscott book.
Then he goes on about how the millenials are turned off by magazines, books and newspapers, and turning to there sony readers and Amazon Kindles. The idea of the pleasure of using the text is discussed and rubbished. But, if the death of print is occured, why does he not discuss childrens books? Kids love the visual quality of books, the learning of colour on the page and the numbers and they also love being read stories. Gomez just paints over this issue. Wow, what a waste of my time, I even wished print was dead after reading this.

300 not out and Web 2.0 strategies

This is my 300th entry so a little marker in the sand. As I off work yesterday with a dodgy stomach , I had some time to read some blogs. I therefore discovered to that Web 2.0 strategies. It all sounds very interesting, especially as its in Covent Gardens.

New blog

I was introduced to a new blog recently (well it's my boss'). It his blog, which discusses his recently released short stories book called The Revelation: And a Hundred Other Stories. Anyhow, I hope some people will take a look, i've still yet to read the book myself yet though.

When the going gets tough.......

We all Start singing Billy Ocean. Well, after putting forward my idea's for the web 2.0 idea's, it seems it was a no go. A few idea's are being implemented but not as fast as I would hope. Well, as Michael Casey says in his book you always get doubters. I just got to try harder at the next meeting.
Anyway, I had my graduation and 40th birthday over the last few days. Milestones in my life. Although I was upset about not getting more stuff implemented, meeting with old friends soon put it into perspective.

Richard Wallis talking with JISC/SCONUL

Richard Wallis from Talis was talking on a recent podcast with Rachel Bruce of JISC and Anne Bell of SCONUL discuss the recently published JISC & SCONUL Library Management Systems Study - An Evaluation and horizon scan of the current library management systems and related systems landscape for UK higher education.
The point I found interesting was when Wallis discussed user generated content being used by Academic libraries in the UK. Wallis pointed out a similar point that Karen Schneider discussed last week, that you need a large quantity people of users/taggers to make the system efficient. Both Anne and Rachel felt that this should be used on a world wide basis. This would be an interesting idea, and they pointed out the Flickr Commons, in which :-

Back in June of 2007, we began our first collaboration with a civic institution to facilitate giving people a voice in describing the content of a publicly-held photography collection, The Library of Congress. The pilot project we created together launched on January 16, 2008.

This sounds an interesting idea for putting forward for the meeting on friday.

Google Maps, Web 2.0 and the number 42

As my many readers will know, I have a meeting on friday a meeting/discussion about web 2.0 in the library. Therefore, over the weekend I set myself the task using Google Maps, having to set up a small project of linking to all the Schools of advanced studies. Two hours later this is the result. The meaning of life is Google maps.

Bookjetty.....oh no, not another one

Phil Bradley pointed me in the direction of Bookjetty, another social cataloguing. Ummmm, I covered this area TWO YEARS AGO, and companies are still trying to beat Librarything. You'll have to do better than that Bookjetty.

The tagging meme

After Tim Spaldings interest view on how Ann Coulters book book was being tagged by Amazon, It was with interest I read Karen Schneider's article entitled Tagging in workflow context. In her article she feels that only the 'most determined cranks and pranksters might actually use' tagging in libraries. Indeed, to get a participation from one's patrions may be difficult.

She points out:-

'If I’m not going to tag when I find a book (why would I, if I haven’t read it, Amazon notwithstanding), and I’m not going to tag when I check out a book (an unrelated physical activity), and I’m not going to tag after I read a book (because that would mean the sole reason I’m returning to the catalog is to tag an item, which feels low-gain), and I’m not going to tag when I return a book (can you see me at the circ desk, reciting tags I want added to an item — or perhaps shouting tags into a book drop? Or I guess I could write them on a p-slip)…

Seems to me that tagging workflow in a catalog should be “gamed” so that the next time I visit the catalog to find something, the catalog entices me to tag.'

I was wondering what would 'entice' users to tag?

Web 2.0 idea's to be put forward

I'm hoping to get some feedback on this, so here is a blog where I would appreciate some feedback. I was recently asked to go a work meeting along with a few others about some web 2.0 the library could introduce. I've come up with the 11 below. But does anyone else have any idea what could be added?

Idea 1.

YOUTUBE used as a learning tool. An example of this can be seen in this link, in which users are shown how to use a self issue system.
Youtube video’s would assist library users, as many don't always use the training schemes either because of time or space (for example part-time students or live outside London respectively). Therefore, they do not know how to use the catalogue, bliss, periodicals. Youtube can answer this by hosting 15 minute videos on these areas. These could be embedded on the website.

They could also be used as training tools (Bliss training especially).

Idea 2.

BLOG used as a news tool. To inform patrons of upcoming events, new exhibitions, new sources added. Advantages are immediacy of the newsletter. There is also already a blog used in senate house (I think its bib service, but I need to check that). RSS. could be used to update patrons of all news immediately. Feedback of what THEY want.

PROBLEMS :- Comments. If you close them off it kills off the conversation with the user. Defamation and threats can be used on blog comments.

Idea. 3

FLICKR (an image/video hosting website, web services). Use photos of the library. What floor houses what (5th floor English etc). What our photo copy cards look like.
Could be used to indicate new staff etc. People will now other staff names. Flickr catalogue could use

Problems:-
New staff may not want open access to there photo's.
Web 2.0 problems. Once information is put up it is no longer under YOUR ownership. People will use (and on occasions) abuse it.

Idea .4

An instant messaging service for each department. Most users are connected and use IM. Therefore a resource that will already appeal to them and cost nothing.

Idea 5

Text messaging fines to user, rather than email. Most students have a mobile. Many complaints have been made about emails entering junk filters or incorrect email addresses. Millennium has this resource to text clients immediately.

Idea 6.

A section about the advantages and disadvantages of web 2.0/ the read write web/ social media.
For example how some students in Canada used facebook as a research tool and received no marks from there examiners as it was seen as plagiarism. How wikipedia is not a totally good resource tool (and some USA colleges will not accept it as a legitimate place to quote. The use of Google scholar, connotea, citeulike, delicious. Teach the user how he/she can improve there research. The idea here is to educate rather than preach to the end user.

Idea.7
Allowing users to access there own records. Many users never remember what they borrowed and are unable to know on there records (neither are we). The user should be able to enter a password to get this.

Idea.8

A facebook page. Can be updated with events etc. Most popular social media site and used by patrons.

Idea.9

Tagging ‘A tag is a (relevant) keyword or term associated with or assigned to a piece of information (a picture, a geographic map, a blog entry, a video clip etc.), thus describing the item and enabling keyword-based classification and search of information.’

An example would be to use librarything , which tags books and shows similar items to the book someone might need. This would assist in serendipitous searching.

Idea.10

Podcasts
To be used for blind user for instructions on the system. Podcast could be used for presentations given by the university or used for training. The problem with podcasts is that popular ones would mean bandwidth being taken from the system and requires more bandwidth to be paid for.

idea 11

A Twitter account so people could see any new news etc.


thanks all.

Oh dear, I joined twitter

Well, after over a year of berating Twitter i finally joined it. As any regular readers may have noted i've not really been regular in this field (the blogging field), as of new job, house, girlfriend, starting a chartership etc. But twitter allows for a quick entry, and feels like i'm in the blogosphere (even if i only have 4 friends).

Chartership begins......

I have recently decided to start my Library Chartership, which means more studying and more writing (which means less blogging I assume).

Reading and mooching

I'm a member of the book swapping website Bookmooch and spoken many time about it before (1,2,3). Having virtually read all web 2.0 books, I needed something lighter to read. Therefore it was good news when my 200th book book from bookmooch was Salt. I'd read Cod, and was very impressed.Anyhow, work awaits.

Hollywood Librarian review

Having missed the first screening of the Hollywood librarian, I was not going to miss the first in London. I got there in good time, and was one of 8 people there to see it. I'd seen more people at worst films than this, with friends who will remain nameless.
Well, for those of you who have seen the film, are librarians and enjoy you job (so not annoyed librarian then), you will love it. The film discusses the role very much from an American view point, but thats not a bad thing. It looks into the descruction of Baghdad library, comparing it with the desctruction in Alexandria. It looks at the declining revenues paid into libraries and the impact they have on there communities. It looks at how libraries have been portrayed in film (from Fahrenheit 451 and the time machine, and librararians). But most importantly it looked at how we love our job, and how priviledge we feel to do it. I came away feeling quite elated.
One complaint though. Why not more people there? Why didn't they advertise it in Cilip ? it is London.

An interesting idea for books?

Over on last100, they have an interesting article on Peter Gabriel's website The filter, which is described as:-

The Filter is the ultimate discovery service. Tell it the movie, music and WebVideos that you like and it will find new stuff for you that match your taste – every day.

An interesting idea, which could certainly be extended to books (though everyday might be difficult to do). It would certainly help with serendipitous searching.

The books I have read......

Well, of late I have heavily reading the web 2.0 stuff. I have read Gene Smith's Tagging: People-Powered Metadata for the Social Web. If your interested in folksonomies and librarything, its well worth a read. Code is also included as well. Tim Spalding had discussed the book previously.

Who needs a librarian?

Nice youtube video about the needs for librarian (found via Siva Vaidhyanathan)

Senate House, a fine spring morning

I thought I would try out my new phone, on Senate House, where I work.

British Blogs continued

Jennie Law has started a wiki for British library blogs, so says Phil Bradley.

Boys and toys

I just got myself a new phone. The Sony Ericsson K850i. Unfortunately I was sold on it because my photo's can be sent to my blog and you can tag them too.

RSA event The Future of the Internet: And how to stop it

Jonathan Zittrain, who has recently released his new book The Future of the Internet: And how to stop it, will be discussing his book at the RSA on the 24th of April. Tickets are free. I, like other love free stuff.

London screening of Hollywood librarian

Having spoken previously of the Hollywood Librarian, its nice to see on the 17th of April there will be a screening at Wood Green. I'll be there with my popcorn.

British library blogs

I noted that Jennie Law has an interesting blog entry entitled UK librarian blogs - the list so far. Like it says, it notes all British library based blogs.

A new beginning

I recently went for an interview at a London University library, for a six month contract initially. Having gone, I was not too confident of getting it (having done badly previously or been messed around by agencies). Thankfully, I was informed the same day I had got it. The new role will mean no shelving to. I will also be working on a new Integrated Library System (not Talis. Also, i'll be working on Bliss classification scheme, alongside Dewey. So, I am celebrating, but I am awaiting the contract so perhaps I should keep quite till I start 2 weeks time.
Starting the new job means I will be leaving North Library in Holloway, which is a shame, as the manager has been very good, and some of the users really nice. Anyhow, i'm happy. It means I can start on my chartership.

Nesta, Andrew Keen and Charles Leadbetter

Its been a few weeks since I wrote, so I thought I would briefly talk about the conference I was going to. This was held at the very nice Nesta building in London. Andrew Keen and Charles Leadbetter discussed there very different approaches to the web 2.0 world. Having been to a few of these before I thought Keen may face a rather pro web 2.0 audience. Wow, was I surprised. Leadbetter's view of we think (almost reminiscent of Star Trek's Borg 'we will be assimilated'). Most people felt his idea's were to vague, served little political purpose and was just not a well though out argument. Keen, on the otherhand seemed to have an easier ride (and argue his point better). Keen has the idea we need a hierarchy and used Steve Jobs as a place in point, of an individual and not the group. Well, I like Keen's argument and book, but Jobs created LISA, the impact of Steve Wozniak. I think Keen has been caught in the reality distortion field
.
It was a good conference and Keen offered me the opportunity to interview him for my blog which was nice of him.
BTW, I unfortunately missed Clay Shirky's talk at the RSA called Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations, which is the name of his new book. Anyhow, couldn't go I had work.

Andrew Keen and Charles Leadbeater’s in London

Andrew Keen (writer of Cult of the Amateur) and Charles Leadbeater’s (writer of We-think: The Power of Mass Creativity) are giving a discussion on monday, 3nd of march called Mass Collaboration or Extermination by the masses?. Tickets are free.

Hollywood librarian screening in UK

Well, after a long sabattical from blogging of 2 months (moving house, no time or net work), some news from me. Seems that the Hollywood librarian is playing in Brighton 7pm, the 25th february for its only screening. More information here on Tom Roper's blog. Unfortunately I can make it. Oh well, i'll have to wait for the dvd release.