Week 2: Blogs vs Wikis

Blogs seem to be better for posting info and messages--like a listserv. It builds on to previous posts, so all the info is in one thread. With a listserv, it can be confusing to see who has replied to which message and to keep track. I'm still getting used to the blog world, but I've already learned alot.

Wikis are useful for group editing of a document, and keeping a record of the changes. In MS Word, you can track changes, but if many people are involved, it gets to be a confusing mess.

Wikipedia is an amazing resource. While it may be necessary to check its sources, it is often a good place to start learning about a topic. (I'm not sure I would use it for health info--and MedlinePlus is more authoritative.)

more on RSS feeds and SDI

When I was in my first Ref position (a while back...) I was very interested in doing SDI. But having to review journal issues everyday, thus keeping issues off the new journals shelves, got things bogged down AT MY DESK. I had to finally abandon it except for obvious "Special issues" that I knew would be of interest.

This RSS feed is fantastic.

Patrons can use it and I can use it to stay more up-to-date on library-related topics.

Using RSS feeds at my library

The RSS feeds from PubMed searches are certainly time savers for our patrons (and me). This was all new to me, so I'm going to play with them some more.

Some of our administrators want to know what articles have been published recently by our faculty/researchers. An RSS feed is a good way to do that quickly. (He originally wanted us to page through the new journals everyday! Argh!!)

I am already appreciating the ease in checking my favorite blogs and sites.

I've learned alot this week.

Thanks!

This is my first post on my new blog.

Yipee!

Daisy