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.

I have a degree.....

Needing just 50% on my dissertation, I finally discovered I have passed my masters degree. Ok, 53% was not great, but it is a pass. But then, for those who have read this blog my spelling got a real good telling off.....oh well.

The demise of public libraries.....is it happening?

Having worked in public libraries, I have been reconsidering staying within this area. This was underlined via a story by MaintainIT, which pointed to a Boing ,boing story about internet access being filtered and unfiltered in California. In the article RandomReader makes the following comment:-
As a former public library librarian, I can say that unfiltered Internet is simultaneously 1)important for intellectual freedom reasons and 2) a giant pain in the rear end. More broadly speaking, computers are transforming the texture of libraries and attracting new demographic slices that previously had no use for the library. Add to that what Amazon and Half.com have done for allowing book lovers to access books, and the impact of Google on giving people access to basic reference information, and you have even more more upheaval in public library land. Just today I predicted to a colleague that by 2025, the stereotype of public libraries as being about books and a quiet environment will be replaced by something having to do with computers, community programming, and probably the taint of Internet addiction/e-stalking/etc.

I'm in agreement. The days of looking for books are dead. Being an expert on e-mail is soo the vogue. No wonder i'm looking at legal libraries.

Reading on the way to work

Having started my new job has given me time to catch up on plenty of reading (1,2,3) I have just started The Devil's Cup, which looks at the history of coffee. As a blogger, I was interested in the London Coffeehouse's, especially Richard Steele, who created Tatler in one. The book quotes the coffeehouses of the time, who could be writing of bloggers when they says:-
Coffeehouses had made civilised conversation into a popular sport.

Job satisfaction

Having said previously of starting my new job, I am getting into the swing of things. Yesterday, was exceedingly good. Just the simple things make it enjoyable, like getting on with work colleagues and assisting people who need it, and best of all learning from my mistakes. Shame the jobs short-term, but its nice to be enjoying a job.

Shelfari feel the stress

Having discussed previously Shelfari's bombarding of users and none users with spam, it seems there trying to climb out of a hole. Tim Spalding quotes Book Patrols article, in which they accuse Shelfari of Astroturfing, saying:-

Shelfari has engaged in some pretty dubious behavior including astroturfing (posting on blogs pretending to be users, not employees) and partaking in widespread spamming campaigns.

Shelfari CEO, Josh Hug, has defended himself from the claim of astro-turfing, by saying:-

As for the astroturfing, that was an unintended work of an unexperienced but well-meaning intern who failed to make himself known as he commented on blogs. That was not our intent and we were unaware that was going on. It has stopped.

If it was a rogue intern, why was he needing to do it? With $1million investment did they really require such a transparent way of doing this. I maybe a librarything fan boy, but shelfari have really been very stupid, and allowing an intern to do this (without keeping an eye on them) is dafter still.

Sad news

I was informed sunday of my grandfather passing away and am in the midst of preparing myself to be a bearer. I will miss him so much. He watched me as a child play football, he got me interested in football (which in turn made me interested in statistics and classification). He also taught me more important lessons. That money does not make you happy. That you should look out for your fellow man. That you should always remember your family. And most of all, that life is for living. I Salute you for that grandpi.

Shelfari gets shot down........

Librarything has brought to my attention that its inferior competitor Shelfari has been spamming people. Whom Tim Spalding(the owner of librarything) describes (via another source as this):-

in the words of the well-known blog Gawker, "basically social networking rapists."

I've noted also that Shelfari has been emailing me a lot lately and its very annoying (and something librarything NEVER does).

Hopefully, shelfari will stop it soon.

Does Professionalism extend to A major library employment agency?

Having started my new role (which lasts till the end of december), I was still looking for a position after I finished there. Therefore in looking on a library agency website, I noted a role I felt I suited. They asked for a cv on the website, which I sent. After a good few hours no response. So I rang them, to show some degree of keeness (it was a good job, so I wanted it). I spoke to the relevant person, who said my email had not arrived. THEN SHE CHECKED HER JUNK FOLDER. It was in there (first off, that made me feel tremendously undervalued and incredibly angry). As is the way, I kept my cool, asked if I could put myself forward and sending me more information on the role. She did (surprisingly).
I wrote back, said I liked the job, but lacked a few skills but was willing to learn would she put me forward.
Response. None.
I had to ring again. She was at lunch, and would contact me if anything occurred.
Response. None.
Now, most large library and non library agencies (1,2,3, have a professional attitude. Even if they do not have a role, they don't put your email in junk folders, ring you if you got nowhere in the position.
But this one (no names, but very large and so web 2.0 organisation they have a blog) feels they have no need to offer feedback. Well, thanks for nothing. Diatribe ends.
By the way, I had also rung them to see if a half day voluntary role was still available. It wasn't and they were taking it down friday. Funny, I just checked and its still there.

Pre-job nerves and making an impression

Well, as I start my new role as a Learning & Information Officer tomorrow its quite nervy. I went down today to see where it is. I wanted to do a recon mission, so I could check the library, join the library (therefore checking what identification is required to join). Ironically, the library is closed on a wednesday. The library building though looks very nice, and a 100 years old this year. Roll on tomorrow. Its nice to know start my career as a librarian. I would also like to say thanks to well wishers who are presently enjoy the half-term.

Patron training article

There is an interesting article over MaintainIT called A commitment to patron training. Sarah Washburn discusses how they have got people to come to computer training by having a small charge of $5, which is then refunded to them once they start the course.
A very neat idea, as most people don't mind wasting time but hate wasting money. The person who started this Claire Stafford says of this scheme:-

“If they come to the classes they get their money back. We did start it as a free--non-gratis--service, but we were finding that if people didn’t make a commitment, that they were not coming in. And we had waiting lists that were just tremendous! And we couldn’t serve these folks that were waiting, and the folks that did sign up forgot, or had something come up, and failed to contact us and let us know. “

Excellent.

Libraryzen news

Garrett Hungerford over on Libraryzen has created a neat re-design of his website. For those who have not heard heard of library zen, its described as:-

LISZEN, powered by Google Co-op, was launched on October 27th, 2006 by creator Garrett Hungerford with 530 searchable library blogs. Since that time LISZEN has grown to over 750 library blogs and has been noted in School Library Journal, Google's Librarian Central, and other publications. Other Library and Information Science Programs have added LISZEN to their web resources for library students; such as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of North Dakota, and Uppsala University.

Good news

Having finished my dissertation and job as a carer, I will start a new job on thursday at a library. As is usual, pre-first day nerves are setting in, but i'm glad to be back at work.

NYT article

There an interesting story in the New york Times called Libraries Shun Deals to Place Books on Web [may require sign in]. In the article it talks about the Open Content Alliance. this aims to :-
'Several major research libraries have rebuffed offers from Google and Microsoft to scan their books into computer databases, saying they are put off by restrictions these companies want to place on the new digital collections.'
Its very interesting read.

Library Game

Via librarystuff, is a library game using Flash. In the game one has to answer querys for clients and finding them as quick as possible. Kind of reminded me of Paperboy back on my old Spectrum.

Weirdness competition

I was interested watching the television, and the new Wii game called Britains Brainiest family. The game is against other 'families' in the UK. The prize for this is to Win university fees for your kids. Now with Britain going into a pickle about computer games. Now, I like gaming as many other librarians do, but I really am not a fan of paying for one's education by being able to afford a WII, the game and getting my family to play as well (getting my family to play seems hell too me).

Nancy Dowd article

Nancy Dowd from The "M" Word - Marketing Libraries blog has an interesting piece entitled Blogging for a purpose?. Although I have previously tried to get a blog started at a library, it provides some useful insights in whats needed.

Google's My library article

I noted from librarystuff article by Phil Bradley about Google mylibrary. Phil feels that :-

My advice - give this a miss entirely and don't waste any of your time on it. Use something like LibraryThing or Shelfari instead.

I think he is correct here as I have said before.

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.

Database news

Found via Researchbuzz , a database of books with photographs and photograph covers. Researchbuzz writes about :-
Covering Photography, a site that indexes book covers with photographs (as opposed to abstract book covers or those with paintings, illustrations, etc.) ......... The site contains hundreds of book covers with photographs, browsable by date, photographer (Laurie Anderson??), publisher, author, or designer.

The site can be found here. An excellent site for photo libraries.

Inspirational bloggers

I was reading Jennifer Macaulay's blog entitled I Think I Have Blogger’s Block. In this she says why she hasn't blogged so much, that :-
It isn’t that life has gotten in the way, that school has gotten in the way or that I didn’t want to write.
I find it a shame. Jennifer has always been an inspiration whilst (and recently completing) do my own Master degree. It was interesting to watch her go through a similar course at the same time as I was and the problems she encountered.
I do hope she feels that 'I’m generally unhappy about my school experience' will be found soon.
Another blogger who I hope has good news soon is Walt Crawford. As those who read his blog know, Walt is 'between jobs'. I also find his blog excellent material to have a maturer attitude to libraries (thats meant as a complement). I do hope he has something to look forward to after his holiday.
Very divergent bloggers, but I do appreciate reading them on my bloglines.

Free range librarian article

I noted Karen Schneider from has released an interest article on Wikipedia entitled Wikipedia's Awkward Adolescence. If your interested in wikipedia, its well worth a read.

BL books go digital

Via the bbc it seems that the British Library is All books are public domain and often dating back from the nineteenth century. The British library is working in conjunction with Microsoft on the project by utilising its Microsoft's Live Search Books.
The article says:-

Digitised publications will be accessible in two ways -initially through Microsoft's Live Search Books and then via the Library's website.

The books will be fully text searchable, meaning users will be able to look for keywords within a publication, making research easier and enhancing interaction with the material.

Job hunting and blowing your own horn

I read an interesting blog found called blowing your own horn. Ahmed Bilal writes:-

Self-Promotion is something most of us are uncomfortable with - and it's not just the prospect of 'selling' that turns us off, in reality its insecurity (cleverly dressed as modesty) that holds us back.

Whether by nature or by society, we are programmed to sell ourselves short.

I was interested in this, as i have just finished my course, and working through my last few weeks at my present job. Therefore, application forms are presently my main source of reading material. Not the most interesting thing to do.

Therefore, when re-reading through a job application, how one needs to do it not only within application forms but also when working within a library.

In this point I mean the idea of advocacy. In the last few weeks I noted Meredith Farkas discussing the Mudflap girl,
who is now being used as an icon for Wyoming's libraries to indicate they 'are as expansive as the state, and as close as down the street.' I always find it interesting how libraries blowing there own horn.

Librarian movie

Via Lisnews about the documentary Hollywood Librarian. There is a review of the film of it in the Journal Times. I have talked about this film before, but it only seems to have a USA release. Any idea when it will be released here guys?

Siva Vaidhyanathan project

Siva Vaidhyanathan has written on his blog, about his new book and blog that will go with it, called The Googlization of Everything. This will look at the effect of Google on society. It seems to be a long way from completion, but sounds an interesting book. Siva say in his new blog:-

On occasion, I will post an open question on this blog. Please answer it.

So, check it out if you have time.

Dissertation is now freely available at my website

After constantly talking about my dissertation entitled Blogging and its impact on libraries and librarians I have published it here on my personal website. It has both my dissertations, but the blogging one is at the bottom. It is yet to be marked, so please don't inform me it not very good. Also my lecturer said wait for it to be marked, but I wanted to put it up. Anyhow, thanks again for all those who answered by questionaire and a special thanks again to Sarah Houghton and Meredith Farkas (the first for helping me get people to know about the questionaire, and the second for her research).
Anyhow, for those who want to read 80 pages of a pdf, enjoy.

At last.....the dissertation is done

I finally completed my dissertation today. I just have to hand it in. Its been a hard slog, but thankfully its done. I know how some other library bloggers have felt when jobs on top course work have made for a lot of work (1 & 2). I have sent this out to the people who took part before I put it up on my website for others to read (if reading 80 pages on blogging is your interest).
Anyhow, I would like to give a huge thank you to some people's whose research certainly helped. They are Michael Sauers and Meredith Farkas. I would also like to thank Sarah Houghton again for getting people to answer my questionaire.
That means I can start blogging more regularly. On top of looking for a job.

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.

i am back

Well. Kind of. Just reached 10000 words on the dissertation, 5000 to go. Not really that happy with it, and might just ask if it will past. On top with job hunting and less than a month keeping up with my bloglines is a nightmare. At least an interview for a research job.

Great film and blogging

Just watching High Fidelity and as a Nick Hornby fan and reminded me of some of the best idea for blogging. The idea of list. I also like it cos its funny and very soppy and reminds me of my own girlfriend.

Affections and families....the social networking way

I was speaking to a blogging friend the other, who has taken on another blogger for his blog (I am not going to reveal the blog). Anyhow, I occasionally Digg. In passing he told me his daughter sometimes enters his stories on digg, because its his new job. How social networking sweet? How these digital natives show affection can be quite endearing?

The backroom boys and The Good, the Bad, And the 'Web 2.0'

I recently acquired The backroom boys as I had read a review of this book back in 2003. The book deals with the british boffins and 6 different invention after the war, that changed society. the chapter I was interested in the story of the BBC game elite, that was created in 1984. In the book it discusses the beginning of the UK computers and computer industry. One line struck some resonance, which was the following:-
It was going to be a future of shrink-wrapped software products far too complex to be written at home by amateurs : a world of mass marketing, not mass participation.
This reminded me of the article in the wall street journal that other bloggers had been talking about (1,2). This was a discussion between Andrew Keen, writer of The Cult of the Amateur, and David Weinberger, author of Everything is Miscellaneous. Having read some of Keen's book, he don't really appreciate the amatuer. When he says of blogger's :-
The simple ownership of a computer and an internet connection doesn't transform one into a kitchen makes one into a serious cook.
Both instances underline the role of the amateur in society. From the 1980's to today, amateurs help assist and history always shows this. Keen seems to refuse any idea of people needing non-experts to make scientific discoveries. People like Luke Howard, who gave clouds there names. Its a shame Keen seems to quick in his condemnation of the web 2.0 world.
Anyhow, I would highly recommend The backroom boys.

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.

The history of tagging

Stephen's lighthouse has an interesting blog on the history of tagging . Well worth a look. Anyhow, I gotta pack.

55 articles for bloggers

Via lisnews, a list of 55 articles for better blogging. A really should read list (if you have the time). I'll unfortunately be in Germany with my girlfriend to see her parents and go to the beer festival. Nice.

Global services.......Whats the impact on booksellers and book swap sites?

Global services, have gone on a major increase on the 14th of may of this year. The impact of this is being felt within the book swapping industries (bookmooch, swapsimple & swapthing to name a few. This has meant that many users in America are finding it hard to be able to send out books. I reckon this might seriously affect the business model on these companies.

The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet Is Killing Our Culture and assualting our economy response

Having written previously about acquiring a copy of Andrew Keen's new book The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet Is Killing Our Culture and assualting our economy, it seems he's not really enamoured himself to many people. First up, Michael Sauers of travellin librarian fame (and the writer of the wonderful Blogging and RSS: A Librarian's Guide informed me that he had read it. He also gave me a link to his review of it, which was an interesting read. I'm still looking forward to getting it though, as it'll assist with the dissertation.

Jared Diamond's 'Guns, Germs & Steel'

I recently went to Borders and got a copy of Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond. Now, I had heard of this previously, and especially last year when the The Ubiquitous Librarian was discussing it.
Well, its an interesting read so far. It discusses why certain regions in the world advanced and others didn't. If your looking for a book that looks at history, geology, biology, this book ticks every box.

Clay Shirky at Supernova video

Clay Shirky has a great video presentation from his speech at Supernova. He discusses the impact of 'love' when we share our resources on perl problems, linux and the London 7/7. It is so worth a look, as librarians (or whatever) satisfaction is increased when we work as a team and to help others.(This article is linked via Peter Morville's blog).

New book on the way

Seeing I have started my dissertation on blogging (and it going very well, thanks very much), I have needed to find some anti-bloggers or at least anti-social networks. So whilst reading Information world review, I noted Andrew Keen's new book The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet Is Killing Our Culture and assualting our economy. Looks a fun read from the usual web 2.0 love in. If I hear one more feature has been added to facebook I might just scream.

What I have learnt as a blogger

Having reached 1 year and promised to write about my experiences as a blogger over that period I thought I would do that now as I've been relatively quite lately (I blame my dissertation).
1. The first thing I learnt in this year is to read before you speak. Having read Rebecca Blood's book, it gave me a basic idea and history of the subject. After that I needed to gain some people I enjoyed reading. Bloglines has really helped.
2. Always answer comments. Obvious. But many people do not. Its polite and keeps the conversation going.
3. Try and keep your post regular, but only if have something to talk about. Also, look at other blogs and extend or trim your your remit. Although my blog started off as predominantly as a predominantly library 2.0, but the remit has changed to looking at my job and dissertation.

This is just part of a series of short idea. My next post will be how to gain users to your site. This is no that i'm oh so popular, just some idea's I have learnt from other blogs and bloggers.

a quick thanks

To Sarah Houghton (aka Librarian in black) for point out my questionaire. Ning I thought might have helped, but Sarah's comments meant I got some feedback on the questinaire itself already from New Zealand.

Techdirt articles....again

Over on Techdirt they point out that Blockbuster and Netflix have sorted out their patient dispute. The dispute being that Blockbuster was copying netflixs business model. I do find it frustrating that business models are being patented. Jefferson would turn in his grave if he knew this.

Quick shout out to Pete

For those who don't know, England has been suffering flash floods in the north of England. A blogger who live's in that area is Pete Smith, but fortunately in his seems fine in a recent post. Hope the sun come's out for you and family soon Pete.

Siva article

Guess who is catching up on his bloglines? Well over on Siva's site, he has an interesting article called Google still offers really bad search results; Librarians still essential. This indicates the need for librarians rather than just the google search. Not that we did not know that already.

Techdirt articles

Techdirt have a story today called College Libraries: Forget The Books, Host LAN Parties. This loos at how o get more users through the door. Although I do feel Jenny Levine has been doing this for ages!!!!!!!

Questionaire for Librarians with blogs in Libraries

As i've said many times before, I am presently doing a dissertation on blogging in libraries. I have therefore set up a questionaire online, as I was unsure how to set it up on my Ning account. Therefore, if you have a blog at your library, please answer the questions below as it would be really appreciated.


Click here to take our Online Survey

More facebook......

Bought via Tom Coates, an interesting articles about facebook in CNN. Although others have written about the rise of facebook in more detail, its worth looking at. Seems that facebooks newsfeeds appears on every Facebook member's home page, displaying recent Facebook activities of a member's friends..
Seems facebook is taking over by the look of CNN article.

Tim Coates......talking with Talis

Its been interesting to see Talis has been talking about the problems in public libraries and especially talking about Tim Coates blog and how he see's how things are not working in public libraries. I'm not always in agreement with Tim, but I do think he does sometime have a point. Therefore its good to see that Talis interviewed Tim. Its good to see a conversation like this.

Celebrate......all marks passed

I finally got my marks and seems I passed everything. Just a 15000 words dissertation to do.......

New York Times article

There's a great in the New York Times called Can Blogs Become a Big Source of Jobs?. It looks at how blogging can aid with people with one's career. Worth a read.

I don't stand a chance.......

Seeing I finish my masters in September 2007, and I have to look for a 'proper' job, puts a lot of fear in me. Having already struggled with the idea that i'd be up against Walt Crawford for a job, but now the free range librarian is also looking for a job. Well, mcdonalds awaits me......

New alternative search engine site

Read/write web has extended its network, after recently adding the excellent last 100 (a site dealing with the digital lifestyle). The new one is called Alt search engines. For us information a possibly new blog to look at rather than Google?

Netflix, are they joining Amazon?

Netflix, the DVD rental company has been making ruption in its share prices (so say Businessweek). Businessweek believe that Amazon could soon make an approach. With Amazon already acquiring Shelfari, Amazon seem to be cranking the investment up to increase there search facilities (and like businessweek, Amazon's unbox has hardly been a great success). The acquisition seems a pretty good one, as with there database on sales would greatly add to more longtail sales.

Twitter article

There is a nice article over on Bussinessweek called The Twitterization of Blogs. Although i'm not a fan of twitter (unlike other bloggers). As i'm covering my dissertation on blogging its another piece of research to add to my delicous account I suppose.

Naked Conversation.....oh, we're CILIP lets make it no conversation

Although Cilip has enough of its detractors, who are more articulate in there arguments, I thought they were doing something really useful in providing a daily round-up newsletter for information workers. UNTIL TODAY.
Then, you get an email, informing you there replacing it with a weekly one. How good of them to show how poorly there acting. This falls down in so many ways, and perhaps underlines CILIP lack of judgement. This is how I see it falls down.
1. The newsletter we recieved today informed us there would no longer be a daily mail-out. But no explanaition was given. If you opened a library on sundays for 6 months and then just stopped it without no explanation, would the user be happy. NO. CILIP are the professional body that are supposed to lead in these area's and not show us how to do a bad job about it.
2.The newsletter today says:-

Although the current daily bulletin has now ceased, we will be looking at alternative ways of keeping you up to date. Our enhanced weekly bulletin will be appearing on Thursday.

Again, this is covered in bad PR (a reflection of CILIP and some libraries), when they are making all the decisions. In an enviroment of library 2.0 we are all investors in the service we work for. The new network economy can enhance user experience, but CILIP seems to reject this idea. Why didn't CILIP have an email address so we could have some idea's for what they should do with a new service. Oh no. We just pay for the priviledge of being members to CILIP, and our opinion is irrelevant.
3. A weekly bulletin board is impreactical. A weekly update means dated news. More news to read in my inbox. A daily one is short and fresh.
Their are plenty more criticisms I could add, but the idea of CILIP ever taking note is a forlorn hope I think. I do feel that consultation would have been a good idea here.

Copyright Documentary release

From a blog I usually read, I was pointed to a film thats been released on copyright called Good Copy Bad Copy. Its released on a creative commons license, and speaks with some real experts in the area like Lawrence Lessig, John Buckman of bookmooch and magnatunes, the bit torrent site Pirate Bay crowd amongst other. Its free to download here unless you want to make a pay pal donation.

Article on university library

There's a nice article called SOU's Hannon Library gains Web networking savvy
in which the library's information literacy coordinator (Dale Vidmar) has set up social networking sites (bebo, facebook, myspace) saying "I think people appreciate that the library is not this formal imposing place," said Vidmar. "It has personality." Thank god that will never happen in the uk ;)

blogger and podcasting

The June edition of the online magazine Blogger & Podcasting has just arrived in my inbox. Looks really good and something i'll need to read. but then I always say that about Walt Crawfords Cites & Insights.

What I should have done before.........

Having reached a year of blogging and not done much lately, there is one blog which I felt I should write. Thats to say thanks to the following people who left comments on my blog. I am doing this as I read John Schwartz's blog in which he said:-
How does a print media company grapple with the threat of on-line media? If they're not acquiring new media properties, they're attempting to add community engagement to the on-line analogs of their printed publications (eg, opening comments on ariticles or newsfeeds). This isn't always smooth, but rather than fight the trend, most recognize that readers find community content as or more interesting than corporate content (I, for one, find the comments on my blog far more interesting than my blog).
Thjerefore I would like to say thanks to the following people:-

• Stephen O'hear
• Helen Blowers
• Tim Hickey (who no longer blogs)
• Siva Vaidhyanthan
• Paul Miller
• Rick Roche
• Johnathan Kelley
• Don Wood
• Brian Mathews
• Tim Spalding
• Rana Basheer
• Rachel J. K. Grace
• aaron
• Dr.Fiction
• Michael Sauer's
• Dan Champion
• Roger Hiles
• Bill Drew
• Michael C. Habib
• Pete Smith

Thanks for your adding some feedback on my blog.
Also, I will also discuss in a future blog what I've learn't from blogging. Sorry for the infrequent blogs too, but the dissertation seems to take up a lot of my time.

Sorry, I forgot to add Jessamyn West.