Computers in Libraries 07, Tuesday review

Many of the sessions I attended today were practical; they were either "how we did it" or "use these tools" sessions. These are great things, but after the statistics in OCLC's and Pew's presentations on Monday, I'm taking these sessions with some skepticism. If librarians are far ahead on the digital application spectrum, are our audiences really wanting these web 2.0 services? If some do, is it enough in either size or strength of desire to spend the resources necessary to correctly implement social software?

My tentative answer (only 2 of 3 days done and not much time to reflect) is yes. Allowing students to help create research tools thru the use of wikis or similar tools creates buy-in. Having a blog, with RSS feed per Cohen's request, keeps users informed of news and situations, and it allows them to interact with the library thru comments, thereby humanizing the library.

So what did I get from today?

• Use WorldCat.org and its downloadable search box to help spread the news and use of library holdings.
  
• Use RSS feeds not just for new items but also for trouble connecting, more content, and similar news that may be small, but helps keep the library in front of your users.
  
• You should use CMS because there are many good options for content manangement, including blogs and wikis, which take little or moderate training, respectively.

So far I have learned some things, confirmed much more, and generally enjoyed my self professionally.