Contributors Michael Stephens

3974 posts

Social Networks, from the 80s to the 00s

Brian McConnell writes: As Facebook enjoys its moment in the sun, we should take a moment to step back and look at the history of computers and social communication. Some historical perspective is in order, both to assess the real value of social networks as businesses, and to anticipate how they are likely to evolve in the future.  Take a look for a concise timeline of social networks through the years. This is perfect for my social networking class as well as the Internet Fundamentals class I just started this weekend, His final thoughts about the future of social networks […]

Ten Common Objections to Social Media

Via Stephen’s Lighthouse:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/ten_common_objections_to_socia.php Emphasis mine:  A List of Objections, Replies and Concessions Regarding Social Media and Tools 1. I suffer from information overload already. Possible replies: Try just skimming messages in some fora – you may need to look closely at every email you get but you don’t have to look at every Facebook friend’s update. The right tools for you will feel helpful in time, not like a burden. Experiment for awhile with new tools and stick with the ones that deliver you the most high-quality information, whether those tools are high-quantity or not. (Thanks to Aaron Hockley […]

Chatting with ACPL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzBC8q_hTHY In December, when I presented at the Allen County Public Library, the good folks there asked me to sit down with their video cameras and answer some questions about reading, books, my early library use and where we might be going. The conversation just went up at YouTube. I am honored to be a part of their ongoing “Conversations” series that also includes Stephen Abram and ACPL Director Jeff Krull. Thanks ACPL!    

Blyberg on the Debasing of L2

http://www.blyberg.net/2008/01/17/library-20-debased/  Don’t hold your breath waiting for technology to adapt to the library environment. Web 2.0 did not evolve with libraries in mind, and there’s no reason to think that it ever will. I realize that, at first glance, that statement seems to run counter to what I’ve been saying with regards to not forcing a square peg into a round hole. What I mean is that we cannot expect to retrofit our libraries with tomorrow’s technology. The true pursuit of Library 2.0 involves a thorough recalibration of process, policy, physical spaces, staffing, and technology so that any hand-offs in […]

Oh My! How those LIS Jobs are a-changing!

Some synchronicity: http://librariansmatter.com/blog/2008/01/15/emerging-technologies-specialist/ Kathryn Greenhill notes her new job title: Emerging Technologies Specialist — Actually, the contract says “Librarian – Emerging Technologies” – but we’re still sorting that bit out… I’m still at Murdoch University and based in the library. The position is funded 50% by the library and 50% by central IT, and covers more than just the library. (snip) I report to the chair of the Learning Technologies Steering Group . The LTSG is a University Committee that looks at existing systems like WebCt and Turnitin, but is also the group where Web2.0 types of technologies are examined […]

Link Hotness

Greetings! I’m embedded at the Panera Bread at the corner of State Street and Congress Parkway in downtown Chicago, waiting for my first class of the semester to begin. LIS701: Introduction to Library and Information Science will be Wednesday nights inside the Harold Washington Library Center of the Chicago Public Library. I am really looking forward to starting with a new group of MLIS students. While embedded, I’m updating my course Web sites with some wonderful recent links. I thought I’d share them here as well for any TTW readers who might be designing their own courses, enhancing a Learning […]

64310 imprints, 67 clicks and 15 fans

64310 imprints, 67 clicks and 15 fans Originally uploaded by K.Jane Via Flickr, KJane reports on a Facebook ad she did for her library: ‘d like to think that paying 10$ for 64310 imprints is a pretty good deal. The ad was used only to let our undergraduates know that we had a presence on Facebook. We welcomed them to 2008, we wished them a great semester, and we suggested they become a fan. It would have been nice if we had gotten more fans out of it but still, I am pleased. I like the idea that I can […]