Marketing Libraries Outside the Echo Chamber‏ event part.4 (conclusion)

So. How was the evening? Well, pretty damn good. I came away from the event feeling totally revitalised and feeling pretty glad what I do. Meeting people like Gary Green, Phil Bradley, Laura, Jo bo Anderson and Bethan Ruddock actually did make feel embarrassed at how little I have done in comparison. It might just push me to do more.
BUT. In response to Ned and Laura, I do say this. Both seemed to be critical of the echo chamber. The echo chamber has its problems. Agreed. But without that echo chamber how would those two groups from the evening of come together. Also echo chambers can act as a meme to users (which I think is a good thing?)
Finally, I should point out Laura has put up a post on the event here.

Vendors turning Librarians benders

(Originally found here) seems that SirsiDynix is making some rather unfriendly comments about Open Source vendors to some of there users saying:-
"This document was released only to a select number of existing customers of the company SirsiDynix, a proprietary library automation software vendor. According to our source it has not been released more broadly specifically because of the misinformation about open source software and possible libel per se against certain competitors contained therein."

This has caused a great deal of debate with Stephen Abraham (vice president of Innovation for Sirsi Dynix) writing in a blog post entitled it's about a respectful discussion. On the other side we have Meredith Farkas looking at the subject of open source and the part of vendors in the library role. Her discussion is well more interesting look at things.

Why do I do This? Wiki

Following on from my recent blog post entitled Why do I do This? The person who started the original meme for this, pointed me in the direction of a wiki . The wiki has been set up to collate people's blog posts on the subject.

My favourite London Bookshop

I read recently a meme about your favourite bookshop (I can't remember where), but this is my favourite shop its Judd books. Its brilliant for social science, history and fiction and the books are fairly cheap. I have picked up these two books there. If you get chance, go in.

Walt Crawford meme

As some blogs have already indicated(1,2), Walt Crawford has a new job with Palinet. The full article on his job is here:-

Walt Crawford Named Director & Managing Editor of PALINET Leadership Network
10/4/2007
PALINET is pleased to announce the appointment of Walt Crawford as Director and Managing Editor for the PALINET Leadership Network. Crawford is an internationally recognized writer and speaker on libraries, technology, policy, and media, and the creator, writer and publisher of Cites & Insights: Crawford at Large, an ejournal on the intersections of libraries, policy, technology, and media published monthly since 2001. He also maintains a blog on these and other issues, Walt at Random. He was recently listed as one of the 31 most frequently-cited authors in library literature 1994-2004 (the only American writer on that list outside academic libraries.) Cathy Wilt, PALINET’s Executive Director, comments: “We are thrilled to have Walt direct the development of this library leadership community of practice. The PALINET Leadership Network and PALINET members will certainly benefit from his substantial experience, not to mention his editorial wit and wisdom.”

About the PALINET Leadership Network
Currently in beta release, the PALINET Leadership Network is an innovative online member service for library leaders designed to create a community of practice by sharing informative articles, forums on current issues, and collaborative discussions on cutting-edge topics. Designed as a wiki platform, the PALINET Leadership Network provides the latest innovations and most current leadership information in the library arena and beyond. Developed in partnership with the Library Leadership Network (LLN), it is an ideal vehicle for staying current with literature, blogs, and other leadership conversations, as well as a critical tool for mentoring staff.

See Walt Crawford at the PALINET 07 Conference + Vendor Fair, October 29 - 30, 2007 at the Tremont Grand Conference Center in Baltimore, MD. Register at www.palinet.org/2007conference.

Many congratulations to Walt and best of luck in the new role.

How addicted?

I found this via Thoughts from a Library Administrator, which is a test to see how addicted to blogging. I'm only 64%. I'm feeling a bit disappointed.

Meredith's questionaire

Meredith Farkas has a questionaire over on her blog. Its an update of one she had done previously on the biblioblogosphere in 2005. Its only 30 questions and really quick and easy. Funnily enough it might be used on some of my dissertation. Thanks to Walt for pointing me to this on his blog.

Ubuntu

After watching Jessamyn West, I was inspired to add Ubuntu to my pc laptop. Unfortantely, I need to sort out the wi-fi drivers, but its better than windows (i am a mac user so forgive me). Anyhow, great video Jessamyn.

The week that was.........

Another week and another 3 I missed to blog more fully about.
1. A new book By Walt Crawford called Balanced Libraries: Thoughts on Continuity and Change. Available from lulu for £11.85. Looks as thought provoking as his blog is.
2. Tim Spalding's treatise entitled No more User Generated Content on LibraryThing. I think he's sick of the word ;)
3. Following on from my previous blog about the threats Kathy Sierra has faced on the blogosphere, business week has an interesting analysis entitled Dispatches from the Blog Battle Zone. Looking both at the misogyny and anonymity (as some other bloggers have also written about). A worthy article if you have the time.