Wickis ... I learned some time back to inform patrons of the nature of Wikipedia and not to use it as a primary research source because of the potential unreliability of the information.
In reading about the various wikis, however, I can see where they would be useful in situations where what you are looking for is opinions. For that reason, the Princeton Book Lover's wiki seemed to be the best use. (It would have been helpful, however, if, in giving book reviews they would have posted other favorite books of the reviewer so the reader can get a frame of reference... in other words, I might give more credence to a biographer's review of a book than a person who reads only Stephen King novels.)
Despite the fact that they give lots of information, I would be dubious about posting information as being created by me (as some of the library sites do), unless I had the ability to prevent some anonymous person from changing my words an misrepresenting my views.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thing #16
This was very interesting reading and I agree with most of it. The "just in case" collection is a case that is pertinent to our library. With a miniscule budget, that type of collection is not affordable to us, nor pertinent. I've been steering people to NebraskAccess to eliminate the need of "just in case" materials.
With the on-line materials we are able to access information that a generation ago was not available to rural libraries. Helping patrons not computer savvy to feel comfortable with this type of reasearch is on a "one-by-one, as need arises" basis. Have not had success with classes, as people only come when they have a real need for it.
"Technolust" is a problem we don't have, again a small budget the reason. I'd be happy to get a T1 line, which is not available here.
In "temporary places in time", the description of what libraries are really fits a small community. With limited places to go, the library is a place for people to meet and chat as much as a place for research. The more ways we can fulfil needs of the community the more relevant we will be.
With the on-line materials we are able to access information that a generation ago was not available to rural libraries. Helping patrons not computer savvy to feel comfortable with this type of reasearch is on a "one-by-one, as need arises" basis. Have not had success with classes, as people only come when they have a real need for it.
"Technolust" is a problem we don't have, again a small budget the reason. I'd be happy to get a T1 line, which is not available here.
In "temporary places in time", the description of what libraries are really fits a small community. With limited places to go, the library is a place for people to meet and chat as much as a place for research. The more ways we can fulfil needs of the community the more relevant we will be.
Thing #14
I was impressed by this tool for its organizing of materials. I really liked what the Holdredge Library did with Delicious.
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