There has been some recent discussion on Libnet about Web 2.0, how to keep up, reading what blogs, who has time, what are libraries allowing/blocking etc. It is hard to keep current with the acceleration of new technologies. I use Bloglines and subscribe to about 45 RSS feeds. I rarely get to them all but about once a month, I skim through everything. About ever couple days (I’d like it to be daily but…) I read my top blogs. I love technology applications so most of them are “tech/web 2.0″ related, but there are library grant blogs, teen programing blogs and lots more too. I also subscribe to vodcasts and podcasts via blogines.
One of my top blogs is The Librarian in Black (by Sarah Houghton-Jan) http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/
I try to read this blog if no other becasuse Sarah’s blog serves as a one-stop-shop for keeping up with technology without having to read dozens of websites, blogs, & RSS feeds related to web 2.0, web design, technology news, library world news, reference stuff, funky gadgets, and other amusing news/sites/posts. She keeps up with reading tons of other blogs and creates posts about what she finds; whats new. I can find out about a cool projects/ideas (Such as IM & Security:How to talk to IT; New blog Friends: Social Networking Sites for Engaged Library Services; sarah’s post of A few good presentations to take a look at), good blog posts by another(such as Top 10 Library 2.0 “no brainers” for Public Librarians; How to Allow for Change in Your Library, Tech for Small Libraries) or fun new free online tools (such as Firedoodle – turn web into whiteboard; Cool Tools for Webmasters; and 3 Sites Worth Checking Out)
On the con side, I have seen inaccurate reporting in blogs – we need to remember blogs are still someone’s opinion, not reviewed, and their interpretation of what they read/see. An example on Sarah’s blogs deals with her interpretation of the upcoming Collaborative Virtual Reference Symposium in Denver and several comments explaining the true purpose of the event.
Conclusion – always remember to evaluate the information you read or yourself!
One of my problems with using web-based RSS readers to keep up is that I still had to go to a site and log in to get my news. My solution was a desktop program called Feedreader. It has a beautifully simple three-paned interface, and you can configure it to start up with your computer so the first thing you see in the morning is the latest updates from all your feeds. Best of all, it’s free!
Good idea Robin! I think its a great choice for many people. I use Bloglines mainly b/c I am using different computers when traveling, and I can access Bloglines from any computer. I have heard good things about Google Reader too… I’d love to hear what other readers/aggregators people use?
I opine that to receive the loan from banks you ought to present a great reason. But, once I’ve received a short term loan, just because I wanted to buy a building.