Libraries and Facebook

Today while viewing a visual studies listerv, I came across an interesting post relating to Facebook and North Suburban Library System (NSLS). As most people know, Facebook is a social networking website originally used by college and university students. However, according to the post, NSLS “has created a Facebook application that lets users add a search box for the Digital Past online history collection.”

The researcher is then able to download historical images from various libraries and cultural institutions to their profile. I think this is a really ingenious use of modern technology to connect with the public, especially, younger demographics. I wonder has visitation risen at the participating institutions since creating the Facebook application. Also, what copyright issues did they consider during the selection of materials? I’m sure not all the images are in the public domain.

To view the original post click here.

EndNoteWeb

I’ve been feeling a bit frustration with my LIS 2600 class. I’m having technological difficulties, well really, EndNoteWeb issues, pertaining to importing files. I’m sure it’s something minor that I’m not doing which is causing the problem, but it’s frustrating all the same. I find the EndNoteWeb help, not so helpful and the blog offers more details than I’m ready to delve in.

When I talk with librarians who received their MLS or MLIS ten years ago, most said “boy has technology changed library school. . .you’re doing what!” It makes me wonder what technological advancements may impact me as a future librarian. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself here! I have to conquer importing files to Endnote first.

J

Black Music Month

June is Black Music Month--to celebrate I’m including links to information pertaining to Madame Lillian Evanti (1890 – 1967), the first recognized African American to sing with a European company. In 1925 she made her operatic debut in Delides’s Lakmé in Nice, France, and performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. To read the 2006 Black Music Month Proclamation by President Bush click here.

To view Madame Evanti Wikipedia enter here. However, Cultural Tourism DC, African American Heritage Trail contains more information.

Smithsonian Network Community

It’s been brought to my attention that the Smithsonian will join the social networking community. Smithsonian Networks Community will allow individuals and organizations that are fans of the Smithsonian to create a profile and communicate with each others via blogs, discussion forums, and share photos and videos.

It makes me wonder if technology will change the role of curators, and if they will embrace technology with the same enthusiasm as librarians? On another note, it seems the Smithsonian is trying to reach a younger audience by creating this online social community.

Smithsonian Networks Community mission statement includes providing "the tools to share the experiences that connect us to our American heritage, to explore science and discovery with like-minded passionate people. . ."

Wow, it will be interesting to experience this endeavor once its launched!

Relax!

Relax--that is what I was telling myself on the way home from work today. Ok, this is what happened, I was reviewing one of my syllabus at lunch today and noticed that I didn't complete an assignment that was due last week (Sunday). So I left the break room with sandwich in hand to complete the assignment before the last fifteen minutes of my break was over. I completed the assignment, but while driving that hour long commute home, I was thinking, "how did I overlook that!"

Then one of my favorite songs from the 80s popped into my head: Relax! by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. I told myself "relax" for the remaining time on the road and felt much better when I arrived home. If you don't know this English band, here's some information from wikipedia.

Double Fold

I recently read Double Fold: Libraries and the Assault on Paper, by Nicholson Baker for my LIS 2000 class.

I found the publication very entertaining. Baker tells his story for the quest to preserve newspaper print in its original format with such passion that at times you find yourself questioning the library and preservation communities that he criticizes for disposing newspapers. Even though newspapers are generally preserved with microfilm technology, Baker views this technology as limiting the wealth of information contained in print and denying individuals of their viewing and reading experience.

As a future librarian, this book made me realize the library profession is also prone to criticism from the general public, and we must continue to educate the public and our patrons on several issues. Including, what we do? How we do it? Why we do it? Other wise, individuals like Baker can convince the general public that librarians are destroying our national and local resources without rhyme or reason.

Electronic Publishing

I often wonder how simple life would have been if I had access to electronic journals during my high school days or even better, my first few years of college.

Youth and young adults of today have various resources to consult when completing research and scholarly published journal seem to gain popularity as a source for reliable information. However, I wonder how instructors and librarians who assist young researchers rate these journals? This is a new subject for me to ponder, and I have lots of questions. For instance, Do you have to belong to a professional organization to publish in some of these journals? How are the submissions reviewed and who reviews them? As a future librarian, how will my profession give creditability or merit to these journals before recommending them to the public?

These are just a few questions that I look forward to exploring in my LIS 2000 class.