Brindabella Homestead

Charles Blyth Brindabella Homestead, N.S.W. 1898 Pictures Collection nla.pic-an2291553

I like the way this painting evokes the countryside in this part of the west. Miles Franklin's My Brilliant Career contains descriptions of this area and this image caught my interest as a result.

Librarything

I placed 6 books on Librarything. The connection to others with a similar interest is a good idea in addition to the cataloguing facility. It could be fun to share ideas on books without the rigid constraints of a formal bookclub.
The use libraries are making of these online clubs allows others to join when it might be the only way it might be possible for them eg the elderly, shift workers, the handicapped and mums with limited personal time.
Gurulib extended the options beyond books. We all have libraries beyond the printed matter so it's great to be aware of other possibilities.

Technorati

I searched Technorati using video in addition to bookmobile. My search result went from 205 to 32. There are a few ways at the site to refine your search.

Facebook and social networking

I joined Facebook but was reluctant to put too much personal information there. It was astonishing to see so many people have the same name. I was looking for an American friend of 30 years ago and sent a message to 2 of the very many possibilities. Within 24 hours each had replied confirming they were not the person for whom I was searching. I can see that it can be used to generate a community of those interested in particular things. The UQ site is an example of that.
The use of Twitter after the Iranian elections and its role in capturing the image of passengers on the plane that went down in the Hudson gives an idea of how it can be useful "in the moment". It seems far too time-consuming and distracting for regular use however.

RSS feeds and blogs

I have added an ABC feed and a couple of SLQ blogs. John Oxley and Exhibitions. It's a good way to stay up-to-date with information of interest with minimal effort.
By gathering a collection of useful feeds, I can use a blogspot as a way of centralising content of interest to others as well, useful in the current information environment.
I was interested to read Ann's comments on blogs and feeds http://annsl2dblog.blogspot.com/ and some of the useful connections she made.

Thoughts on wikis

I checked SJCPL subject guides. I liked their simple, clear instructions . The help sheets attached to databases are usefully placed and uncomplicated. Subject guides are informative, to-the-point and accessible. There are ideas I could use.
Library success: a best practices wiki - the coverage of topics is wide-ranging and relevant to current library trends and interests. I liked the tips page for getting started on the right foot.
LISWiki - I enjoyed reading a number of the blogs here. The ideas and technological applications from so many librarians interested me. I liked reading Info Junkie and the responses it attracted. I became aware of the value of blogging and wikis to a number of librarians. Wikis could be a good way of consolidating and reviewing ideas and procedures without lots of time consuming meetings.

Reminder of how libraries are changing

A reminder of the changing sights and sounds of the library

. What does this mean about what is going on behind the noise and machines?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_mistress/