July 20, 2007
Course Evaluation
By anndaly
1) How well does this course meet your expectations / learning objectives?
My primary learning objective was to familiarise myself with the technologies, which has been achieved.
2) What are the difficulties encountered in accessing the course materials on the Internet at your workplace which have NOT been reported before?
I completed most of the course at home due to time constraints and IT restrictions in the workplace. In retrospect I've done myself no favours as I'll encounter the IT problems when introducing the technologies to collegues and library users.
3) Did you need to seek the permission of your trust IT before you accessed certain course materials on the Internet?
As above, I completed most of the course at home.
4) Do the readings meet the learning objectives of each topic?
Yes, the readings were relevant, enjoyable and interesting.
5) What is the average amount of time you spent on the course each day?
I tended to work on the course in block hours of 3 - 4 but on average I would estimate 5 - 6 hours per week.
6) How do you find the interaction among participants of the course?
It was good speaking with participants during the conference calls but apart from that interaction was limited.
7) Will you continue blogging and/or reading RSS after the course?
Blogging in terms of this course probably not, but I would like to set up a fresh blog between friends to keep my hand in. RSS, yes I will continue with.
Action planning for the next 3 months:
Objective 1:
To re-visit parts of the course that I feel less confident about.
Target:
To improve my competence to enable me to relay my knowledge to collegues and library users.
Deadline:
No deadline - continuous.
Objective 2:
Develop some sort of wiki to support junior doctors involved in preparing journal club presentations.
Target:
To promote the use of wikis in the Trust.
Deadline:
No deadline - continuous.
Objective 3:
Introduce RSS to team and library users.
Target:
As above to promote the new technologies.
Deadline:
No deadline - continuous.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Monday, 2 July 2007
Week 7: Discovery and Reflection
Am just about up to date with the assignments after a number of blunders along the way. Nevertheless, I can see the benefit of the new technologies that I've been exploring, and I see the need to continue with the exploration. I realise without the knowledge gained through the course the library service that we deliver here at BWH is likely to get left behind, and I certainly don't want that!! My ideas are building up and my confidence growing, I've decided to start small with a user group that I am most familair with, to try out either a blog or wiki to begin with.
Week 6 Assignment:Web 2.0 & Library 2.0:What are the implications of the technological trends on info. literacy & how can libraries meet challenges
Web 2.0 & Library 2.0: What are the implications of the technological trends on information literacy and how can libraries meet the challenges?
Introduction
This assignment identifies the emerging Web 2.0 technologies, and defines the term information literacy. It continues to discuss the challenges that the technologies bring about for libraries and provides suggestions as to how libraries can meet the challenges.
Web 2.0 technologies
The technological trends that Web 2.0 has introduced include:
wikis
blogs
podcasts
RSS
social bookmarking
screencasting
It is likely that new technologies will continue to emerge.
Information literacy
Information literacy is concerned with all aspects of information, for example, how best to deliver information, knowing when and why information is needed, where to find it, how to access it and how to share and evaluate information. Subsequently, skills are needed to become information literate in terms of, for example, designing, producing and delivering information in its most useful format and to be able to access and evaluate it. The information itself might be print or electronic. It might be easily accessible, for example, the mere opening of a book, or it might be more difficult, for example, access to a computer, knowledge of how to use the computer and the range of applications, password restrictions and IT restraints.
An aspect of information literacy involves the ability to communicate, share and deliver information in a manner that is useful to the audience. It is this part of information literacy that this assignment is most concerned with and how we (libraries) can meet the challenges of communicating, sharing and delivering information. This involves thinking realistically about the best use of the individual technologies, demonstrating their usefulness and evaluating their success. Applying the technologies is perhaps the easy part, drawing users in is the challenge.
Challenges
The challenges include library staff keeping abreast of, and learning how to use, the new technologies and introducing the technologies to the library user. A further challenge is to design library websites that provide a choice of information delivery systems (RSS, blogs, podcasts, etc.) in order to remain as good as competitors and attract and hold an audience. Consider authoritative websites that supply reliable information, for example, the BBC and look at the technologies used to deliver their information, RSS, podcasts, wikis etc. It is these types of sites that we need to ascribe to in order to keep users interested.
The greatest challenge is closing the gap between the user and non-user; the IT experts and those with limited knowledge. The library needs to be proactive in demonstrating the usefulness of the technologies and the skills of how to use them effectively.
The Web 2.0 technologies are wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. and the use of these technologies requires information literacy skills. The challenges for libraries include keeping abreast of the technologies and developing the skills to apply them, to draw users in and demonstrate usefulness, and to remain as good as competitors.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Week 5 Assignment:Wikis
Introduction
Wikipedia describes a wiki as a wiki is a web application designed to allow multiple authors to add, remove, and edit content. The multiple author capability of wikis makes them effective tools for mass collaborative authoring.
Wikis
I’m disappointed with AskDr Wiki (a medical wiki with the goal of creating a collective online memory for physicians, nurses and medical students). From the title of the Wiki I would expect medical questions followed by answers but there was limited information, although the Wiki appears to be in the development stage. Another aspect of concern is that anyone can add to the Wiki so the information should be treated with caution.
http://quitsmoking.wikia.com/wiki/Quit_Smoking This wiki is for anyone trying to quit smoking, and for those who have already succeeded, to share their experiences, advice, information, stories, and opinions. It contains some useful general information, for example, on ‘addiction’. However, other parts of the Wiki need further information, for example, the section ‘benefits of quitting’ is scarce.
Conclusion
Having looked at a number of Wikis I’m a little concerned as to their quality. However, I do feel that they have a place as a communication tool. If I was to apply a wiki at BWH I think I’d try it out on the staff first of all and then introduce it to a small user group. I’m unsure about a topic for a wiki as yet but am sure my ideas will come as the course and my experience progress.
Wikipedia describes a wiki as a wiki is a web application designed to allow multiple authors to add, remove, and edit content. The multiple author capability of wikis makes them effective tools for mass collaborative authoring.
Wikis
I’m disappointed with AskDr Wiki (a medical wiki with the goal of creating a collective online memory for physicians, nurses and medical students). From the title of the Wiki I would expect medical questions followed by answers but there was limited information, although the Wiki appears to be in the development stage. Another aspect of concern is that anyone can add to the Wiki so the information should be treated with caution.
http://quitsmoking.wikia.com/wiki/Quit_Smoking This wiki is for anyone trying to quit smoking, and for those who have already succeeded, to share their experiences, advice, information, stories, and opinions. It contains some useful general information, for example, on ‘addiction’. However, other parts of the Wiki need further information, for example, the section ‘benefits of quitting’ is scarce.
Conclusion
Having looked at a number of Wikis I’m a little concerned as to their quality. However, I do feel that they have a place as a communication tool. If I was to apply a wiki at BWH I think I’d try it out on the staff first of all and then introduce it to a small user group. I’m unsure about a topic for a wiki as yet but am sure my ideas will come as the course and my experience progress.
Week 4 Assignment: Mix and Mash: Podcasts
Introduction
A podcast is a digital media file (audio and / or video) that is distributed over the internet. A pod refers to a sort of container and cast from the term broadcast. The file is usually pre-recorded, therefore the user can view / listen to the podcast over the Internet at their own convenience. However, a podcast can be live and interactive. Users may subscribe to the podcast by saving the URL to an aggregrator (as in RSS) so that when and if additions are made to the podcast they will be readily available. The most useful application that comes to mind is lectures being available via broadcast, which is especially useful for individuals not able to physically attend a lecture. Wikipedia provides a more comprehensive definition and further useful information on podcasts.
Podcasts in the library environment
The question on my mind is how would a podcast be of benefit to my library users or in what circumstances one might be useful? The truthful answer is I’m not sure! Perhaps a library induction for users not able to physically access the library? I’m not convinced, but as with most new concepts a trial or pilot is needed that could be evaluated etc. However, I have come across a few really interesting podcasts that I feel have great potential for specific audiences. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides podcasts relating to a number of conditions, for example, migraine. The beauty of this type of application is the user can listen and view the podcast in the comfort of their home and the information provided may help prepare them for a doctor / hospital appointment. I’m going to subscribe to the NLM podcast, then when a woman’s health / neonatal topic becomes available that I know will be of interest to my library users, I’ll spread the word!
A podcast is a digital media file (audio and / or video) that is distributed over the internet. A pod refers to a sort of container and cast from the term broadcast. The file is usually pre-recorded, therefore the user can view / listen to the podcast over the Internet at their own convenience. However, a podcast can be live and interactive. Users may subscribe to the podcast by saving the URL to an aggregrator (as in RSS) so that when and if additions are made to the podcast they will be readily available. The most useful application that comes to mind is lectures being available via broadcast, which is especially useful for individuals not able to physically attend a lecture. Wikipedia provides a more comprehensive definition and further useful information on podcasts.
Podcasts in the library environment
The question on my mind is how would a podcast be of benefit to my library users or in what circumstances one might be useful? The truthful answer is I’m not sure! Perhaps a library induction for users not able to physically access the library? I’m not convinced, but as with most new concepts a trial or pilot is needed that could be evaluated etc. However, I have come across a few really interesting podcasts that I feel have great potential for specific audiences. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides podcasts relating to a number of conditions, for example, migraine. The beauty of this type of application is the user can listen and view the podcast in the comfort of their home and the information provided may help prepare them for a doctor / hospital appointment. I’m going to subscribe to the NLM podcast, then when a woman’s health / neonatal topic becomes available that I know will be of interest to my library users, I’ll spread the word!
Week 3 Assignment: Social Bookmarking and Folksonomy
Introduction
Social bookmarking involves saving a bookmark to a public website eg del.icio.us and tagging with keywords. The benefit is that you can access the link from any computer (unlike when saving in your favourites) and others can share your bookmarking. Folksonomy (as opposed to taxonomy) is the classification (keyword / s) used to identify what you’ve bookmarked.
Connotea
For this assignment I’m concentrating on Connotea. Connotea is a free reference management tool that enables you to save and organise links to references, which can be shared with others, saved with one click (after setting-up a Link) and accessed via any computer. Connotea appeals to me because I have found that Reference Manager (which I have used a number of times) is somewhat frustrating to use and requires download of a large file to enable the storage of references, and the added disadvantage of others needing to download the software before being able to access the records (time consuming and takes up a fair amount of disk storage). So as you may appreciate Connotea is worth considering as a reference management tool. I have to say after trying it out I am initially impressed – I completed a Medline search, selected the article to save (tick box) and simply clicked the Links button (that I previously set-up) and there it was saved to my site. I did this a few times for practice and just clicked the My Library icon, and there were my saved articles, which of course anyone could access. I am hoping to promote Connotea to my users who request literature searches but to begin will use it more frequently myself to get to know any negative points that it may have. Will keep my fellow bloggers informed!
Social bookmarking involves saving a bookmark to a public website eg del.icio.us and tagging with keywords. The benefit is that you can access the link from any computer (unlike when saving in your favourites) and others can share your bookmarking. Folksonomy (as opposed to taxonomy) is the classification (keyword / s) used to identify what you’ve bookmarked.
Connotea
For this assignment I’m concentrating on Connotea. Connotea is a free reference management tool that enables you to save and organise links to references, which can be shared with others, saved with one click (after setting-up a Link) and accessed via any computer. Connotea appeals to me because I have found that Reference Manager (which I have used a number of times) is somewhat frustrating to use and requires download of a large file to enable the storage of references, and the added disadvantage of others needing to download the software before being able to access the records (time consuming and takes up a fair amount of disk storage). So as you may appreciate Connotea is worth considering as a reference management tool. I have to say after trying it out I am initially impressed – I completed a Medline search, selected the article to save (tick box) and simply clicked the Links button (that I previously set-up) and there it was saved to my site. I did this a few times for practice and just clicked the My Library icon, and there were my saved articles, which of course anyone could access. I am hoping to promote Connotea to my users who request literature searches but to begin will use it more frequently myself to get to know any negative points that it may have. Will keep my fellow bloggers informed!
Week 2 Assignment: Weblogs
Introduction
A blog or Weblog is a web site that contains information or entries arranged in date order with the most recent entry appearing first on the page. Blog content can range from a personal diary to something far more formal.
Creating a successful weblog
There are a number of steps to creating a successful blog:
Content Appropriate content for the audience served
Design Attractive, quality standards (punctuation, spelling) structure and consistency
Tone Conversational to attract and engage users, and to encourage discourse and comment
Currency Post content and respond to comments regularly
Using blogs in the library setting
There are perhaps a number of roles that blogs can play in the library setting here at Birmingham Women’s Hospital (BWH), for example, to promote services and events, to communicate library news and to encourage the use of new technologies. However, the interest in and uptake of these types of blogs should be addressed. Scout Blogging believes using a blog to promote products and services will fail as blogging culture is about real people sharing their personal experiences and insights, and engaging others in thoughtful conversation. I am therefore thinking to try something less formal, that will be useful to the audience served and provoke free discussion and debate. I'm not sure yet how to progress with this but I'm thinking something around some of the training courses or the journal club that the library provides. I'm hoping as this course progresses that I'll get more ideas, and the next step would be to put one in practice and evaluate the success. My concern is how much interest there is likely to be, but I guess there is only one way to find out and that is to give it a go!
Bloging at BWH
In order to start blogging at BWH the following is necessary:
Liaise with the IT department in terms of the technical requirements needed (keeping a log of technical problems experienced during my participation in this course will help when discussing requirements). Aspects that need to be considered include the installation of blogging software (locally on a desktop or Web server) / considering password protection if content should stay within the hospital firewall / how should the blog integrate with the existing library website etc.
Research the different blogging tools to ensure the best one is selected in terms of the functions provided eg search, archives, comments, RSS. The Annenburg Center provides a useful comparison chart of blogging tools and features
Set up a blogging account
Decide on the audience and topic
Use an appropriate blog name
Consider quality standards – put something together to encourage consistency especially if more than one person is maintaining the blog
Set-up an RSS feed to the blog and inform the hospital community to use an RSS newsreader to view
Promote and advertise as widely as possible, and consider giving demonstrations
Conclusion
Blogs are a useful new technology that are worth exploring and putting into practice both for personal use and in the work environment.
A blog or Weblog is a web site that contains information or entries arranged in date order with the most recent entry appearing first on the page. Blog content can range from a personal diary to something far more formal.
Creating a successful weblog
There are a number of steps to creating a successful blog:
Content Appropriate content for the audience served
Design Attractive, quality standards (punctuation, spelling) structure and consistency
Tone Conversational to attract and engage users, and to encourage discourse and comment
Currency Post content and respond to comments regularly
Using blogs in the library setting
There are perhaps a number of roles that blogs can play in the library setting here at Birmingham Women’s Hospital (BWH), for example, to promote services and events, to communicate library news and to encourage the use of new technologies. However, the interest in and uptake of these types of blogs should be addressed. Scout Blogging believes using a blog to promote products and services will fail as blogging culture is about real people sharing their personal experiences and insights, and engaging others in thoughtful conversation. I am therefore thinking to try something less formal, that will be useful to the audience served and provoke free discussion and debate. I'm not sure yet how to progress with this but I'm thinking something around some of the training courses or the journal club that the library provides. I'm hoping as this course progresses that I'll get more ideas, and the next step would be to put one in practice and evaluate the success. My concern is how much interest there is likely to be, but I guess there is only one way to find out and that is to give it a go!
Bloging at BWH
In order to start blogging at BWH the following is necessary:
Liaise with the IT department in terms of the technical requirements needed (keeping a log of technical problems experienced during my participation in this course will help when discussing requirements). Aspects that need to be considered include the installation of blogging software (locally on a desktop or Web server) / considering password protection if content should stay within the hospital firewall / how should the blog integrate with the existing library website etc.
Research the different blogging tools to ensure the best one is selected in terms of the functions provided eg search, archives, comments, RSS. The Annenburg Center provides a useful comparison chart of blogging tools and features
Set up a blogging account
Decide on the audience and topic
Use an appropriate blog name
Consider quality standards – put something together to encourage consistency especially if more than one person is maintaining the blog
Set-up an RSS feed to the blog and inform the hospital community to use an RSS newsreader to view
Promote and advertise as widely as possible, and consider giving demonstrations
Conclusion
Blogs are a useful new technology that are worth exploring and putting into practice both for personal use and in the work environment.
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