COMPETENCY #5: Tagging

Here are the tags I located at LibraryThing: Anglo-American cataloging rules(1) Anglo-American cataloguing rules(1) anobii(1) Archives(1) Audio-Visual Collections(1) audiovisual(2) audiovisual materials(1) books about books(1) cataloging(9) cataloging guide(1) Cataloging of audio-visual materials(1) Cataloging of electronic information resources(1) Digital(1) electronic resource(6) gslis(1) librarians(1) libraries(2) library(3) Library science(6) location-moved(1) mlis(1) non-fiction(1) non-print materials(1) own(1) PROF COLLECTION CATALOGING Cataloging of audio-visual materials -- Cataloging of electronic information resources(1) textbook(3) to MG 9/29/07(1) training book

I clicked on "electronic resource" and chose "Selecting and Managing Electronic Resources: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians". This book was specifically related to my area of interest and will act as a guide for cataloging electronic resources.

COMPETENCY #4: RSS feed

I added the RSS from the Michigan Library Consortium. I live in Michigan and wanted to link to library news in my area.

COMPETENCY #3: Podcasts

I used the Podcast Directory (http://www.podcastdirectory.com/) to find a podcast relating to libraries. I knew my topic for this blog would be too specific to find a podcast related to it, so I searched for podcasts using the search term "Library". I selected the podcasts from SirsiDynix Institute (http://sirsidynixinstitute.com/podcast.xml). The purpose of the institute and their podcasts is to promote technology development in the library community. They bring in guest speakers and cover a wide variety of topics of interest to library professionals.

I didn't have a lot to choose from when searching for library podcasts, but SirsiDynix Institute podcasts seemed to be the most broad-based podcasts covering library technology. Their podcasts are also available from iTunes. One reviewer gave SirsiDynix Institute podcasts a five-star rating indicating that they were very professional and PowerPoints from the web site were available to compliment the podcasts.

Overall, I think SirsiDynix Institute was the best choice.

COMPETENCY #2: Related Blog

My topic is kind of specific, so I chose Google to help me find library blogs. I found a good site that provides a list of library blogs. I chose the subheading of "Public Libraries" and began my search there. One blog in particular that I found that relates to my area of interest comes from a library in Pennsylvania: http://librariesbookstechnology.blogspot.com/search/label/E-books. Here's an excerpt from the blog discussing Kindle:

Kindle has been getting pretty good reviews in the news media and by technology buffs alike. And, I have to say that I've been tempted to try it out.

Now, I may be even more tempted. I've long been a fan of audio books, always having one from the library in my car's cassette or CD player.

Here's another site from the Faquier Public Library. It's their e-resource news site. While it isn't specific to obtaining digital media, it does cover the topic along with every other electronic resource subject: http://fcpleresources.blogspot.com/. Here's an excerpt from the site:

Looking for a good book? Whether you're looking for something to while away your time at the beach or familiarize yourself with the latest literary prize-winner, What Do I Read Next? has you covered. This resource includes over 134,300 recommended titles, more than 74,500 plot summaries, and awards information from 568 awards, all to help users uncover new reading adventures, find long-remembered favorites, and discover award-winning titles.

Finally, I found a technology blog at the ALA, http://www.alatechsource.org/blog?page=1. Here's an excerpt from the site:

A TechSource Blogger Forum: E-Readers and Libraries
Submitted by Daniel A. Freeman on April 21, 2009 - 10:42am
The release of the Kindle 2 has set of a firestorm of speculation about how e-readers are going to transform (destroy?) the publishing industry. Anything with the potential to transform reading has the potential to transform librarianship. If widely adopted, these e-readers have the potential to allow libraries new ways to house and circulate material. But could there be downsides as well? Jason, Tom and Cindi weigh in with their predictions on how e-readers are going to change librarianship in coming years.

I'll continue to update this post as I find more blogs.

COMPETENCY #1: Blog - Head first into the blogosphere

Here I am with my first blog. This blog is an assignment requirement. I don't anticipate using this blog beyond the scope of the assignment nor do I expect to desire another, more-personal blog where I can discuss the musings of my day. I don't view a blog as a necessary component of my life, just a necessary component of my class.

My area of interest for assignments will relate to increasing multimedia/digital media content for public libraries. The library I work with is trying to build ebook library resources with as little funds as possible.