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......