Progress marches on. By 2020 internet access will be by mobile devices. See video here
Did You Know 4.0 video via Librarians Matter by Kathryn Greenhill on 9/15/09
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Best Free Reference Sites!
Best Free Reference Web Sites 2009 via Librarian in Black Blog – Sarah Houghton-Jan by Sarah on 9/29/09
Some that might be useful in my library:
Title: ePodunk (TM)URL: http://www.epodunk.com/
Detailed, easily browsable profiles of cities and counties across the U.S. are the specialty of ePodunk, which has grown to include data on airports, cemeteries, museums, and other institutions as well. Profiles include historical postcard images from the Making of America project and all imaginable statistics at the city and county level: income, educational level, economic, crime. Not only does the site link to useful municipal/county government and chamber of commerce sites, but it also displays or links to harder-to-find information like local media outlets, community organizations, political reports, historical weather information, support for libraries, a “gay index” based on the Gay and Lesbian Atlas, films shot in the area, and celebrity residents.
Title: FastWeb: Scholarships, Financial Aid, and CollegesURL: http://www.fastweb.monster.com/ Students fill out a detailed questionnaire about academic achievement, future plans, interests, and awards and then receive information on scholarships and internships for which they are eligible. The beauty of this site rests in its organizational features. Students can set up e-mail reminders about application due dates, mark favorites or delete entries from their lists, e-mail descriptions to friends, and add personal notes about a scholarship. The site also contains advice on test preparation, navigating the admissions process, and transitioning to college. FastWeb boasts that their database searches “1.3 million scholarships worth over $3 billion,” making this a valuable resource for busy students.
Some that might be useful in my library:
Title: ePodunk (TM)URL: http://www.epodunk.com/
Detailed, easily browsable profiles of cities and counties across the U.S. are the specialty of ePodunk, which has grown to include data on airports, cemeteries, museums, and other institutions as well. Profiles include historical postcard images from the Making of America project and all imaginable statistics at the city and county level: income, educational level, economic, crime. Not only does the site link to useful municipal/county government and chamber of commerce sites, but it also displays or links to harder-to-find information like local media outlets, community organizations, political reports, historical weather information, support for libraries, a “gay index” based on the Gay and Lesbian Atlas, films shot in the area, and celebrity residents.
Title: FastWeb: Scholarships, Financial Aid, and CollegesURL: http://www.fastweb.monster.com/ Students fill out a detailed questionnaire about academic achievement, future plans, interests, and awards and then receive information on scholarships and internships for which they are eligible. The beauty of this site rests in its organizational features. Students can set up e-mail reminders about application due dates, mark favorites or delete entries from their lists, e-mail descriptions to friends, and add personal notes about a scholarship. The site also contains advice on test preparation, navigating the admissions process, and transitioning to college. FastWeb boasts that their database searches “1.3 million scholarships worth over $3 billion,” making this a valuable resource for busy students.
Genre Talk
Will the Proliferation of Fantasy Sequels Overwhelm Shelf Space? via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 9/8/09
Guest Op: The Case for Steampunk Romance via Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary by Guest Reviewer on 9/1/09
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk as a literary genre gained notice starting in the 1980s. A subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, it developed as a rebellious response to the science fiction that preceded it. Core elements of steampunk include:
Steam power
Alternate history settings (mostly Victorian/Edwardian era England)
SF/Fantasy elements
Devices that reflect the period but are ahead of their time (e.g., difference engines, airships, etc.)
In fact, the concept of inventions that debut far ahead of schedule represents one of the most fascinating aspects of the genre.
If you're old enough to remember the television show "The Wild, Wild West," think that, but funkier.
Guest Op: The Case for Steampunk Romance via Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary by Guest Reviewer on 9/1/09
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk as a literary genre gained notice starting in the 1980s. A subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, it developed as a rebellious response to the science fiction that preceded it. Core elements of steampunk include:
Steam power
Alternate history settings (mostly Victorian/Edwardian era England)
SF/Fantasy elements
Devices that reflect the period but are ahead of their time (e.g., difference engines, airships, etc.)
In fact, the concept of inventions that debut far ahead of schedule represents one of the most fascinating aspects of the genre.
If you're old enough to remember the television show "The Wild, Wild West," think that, but funkier.
Social Networking, Blogging at work
The line between what is work-related and what is not in the social networking world is getting fuzzier and fuzzier. Studies are being done. Results may surprise lots of IT managers/lawyers/supervisors/HR professionals!
Tuesday tech links via Library Bazaar by Fiacre on 9/1/09
Quote
By describing the practices of knowledge workers who blog, this research provides a view into the changing nature of work that becomes increasingly digital, nomadic and networked. It shows the power of individual knowledge workers, who bypass existing authorities and use their networks to stay informed and to get things done. It documents the blurred boundaries between what is personal and what is professional, as well as the growing need to know how to deal with transparency and fragmentation of one’s work.
Social Media Policies from 80+ Organizations via iLibrarian by Ellyssa on 9/21/09
Social Media Revolution via iLibrarian by Ellyssa on 9/21/09 (Video)
The Social Web, Information Overload, and Libraries via Librarian in Black Blog – Sarah Houghton-Jan by Sarah on 9/15/09 Includes connecting with customers online
Tuesday tech links via Library Bazaar by Fiacre on 9/1/09
Quote
By describing the practices of knowledge workers who blog, this research provides a view into the changing nature of work that becomes increasingly digital, nomadic and networked. It shows the power of individual knowledge workers, who bypass existing authorities and use their networks to stay informed and to get things done. It documents the blurred boundaries between what is personal and what is professional, as well as the growing need to know how to deal with transparency and fragmentation of one’s work.
Social Media Policies from 80+ Organizations via iLibrarian by Ellyssa on 9/21/09
Social Media Revolution via iLibrarian by Ellyssa on 9/21/09 (Video)
The Social Web, Information Overload, and Libraries via Librarian in Black Blog – Sarah Houghton-Jan by Sarah on 9/15/09 Includes connecting with customers online
Best Free Reference Websites
Best Free Reference Web Sites 2009 via Librarian in Black Blog – Sarah Houghton-Jan by Sarah on 9/29/09
The Reference and User Services Association (from ALA) does it again. Worth perusing.
The Reference and User Services Association (from ALA) does it again. Worth perusing.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Genre Talk
And boy has there been a lot of talk about Genre lately! Go Popular Fiction!
Paranormal
Why we love those rotting, hungry, putrid zombies
Little Women and Werewolves? via RA for All by Becky on 10/2/09
Romance
Die, Gothic, Die via Romancing the Blog Romance Authors and Readers Who Blog by Special Guest on 9/6/09 Despite the title, this author is really asking if the Gothic really is dead or ready for a comeback.
What is a gothic? Gothic romances involve a heroine, usually in reduced circumstances, who is called to live in an isolated location - most generally a mansion or something. The atmosphere is moody. The hero is difficult to identify until near the end. Two possible heros are introduced. But who is the hero and who is dangerous? A crime or even murder is often part of the story. The resolution of this bad-news incident reveals the solution and who is the actual hero.
Women's Fiction
The Appeal "Women's Fiction is that catch-all term that covers fiction focused on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of contemporary women. It's difficult to call it a genre, because the story can blend with so many other genres — there can be mystery or suspense elements, it can take place in a different era, it can be funny, or sad, or often both.
...when a reader picks up a Women's Fiction novel, what she is really looking for is a sense of recognition.
Non-Fiction
A New Nonfiction Genre? They Could Have Just Asked Us via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Sarah Statz Cords on 9/16/09. This genre is called "Annualism" It's where an author chooses to do something for a year. For example, work through Julia Child's cookbook.
Paranormal
Why we love those rotting, hungry, putrid zombies
Little Women and Werewolves? via RA for All by Becky on 10/2/09
Memoir
Novelists take a break from fiction and are writing memoirs!
Historical Fiction
Cover Art Can Give Us Clues for the Reader And historical art seems to appeal mostly to the female reader! But does this writer include historical sea adventures and so forth in her observations? Or is that a separate genre?
Romance
Die, Gothic, Die via Romancing the Blog Romance Authors and Readers Who Blog by Special Guest on 9/6/09 Despite the title, this author is really asking if the Gothic really is dead or ready for a comeback.
What is a gothic? Gothic romances involve a heroine, usually in reduced circumstances, who is called to live in an isolated location - most generally a mansion or something. The atmosphere is moody. The hero is difficult to identify until near the end. Two possible heros are introduced. But who is the hero and who is dangerous? A crime or even murder is often part of the story. The resolution of this bad-news incident reveals the solution and who is the actual hero.
Women's Fiction
The Appeal "Women's Fiction is that catch-all term that covers fiction focused on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of contemporary women. It's difficult to call it a genre, because the story can blend with so many other genres — there can be mystery or suspense elements, it can take place in a different era, it can be funny, or sad, or often both.
...when a reader picks up a Women's Fiction novel, what she is really looking for is a sense of recognition.
Non-Fiction
A New Nonfiction Genre? They Could Have Just Asked Us via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Sarah Statz Cords on 9/16/09. This genre is called "Annualism" It's where an author chooses to do something for a year. For example, work through Julia Child's cookbook.
Libraryland Roundup WIN!
Our recent listing of rss feeds that are Vital To Life As We Know It made the Big-Time!
Reader's Advisor Online
Thanked us for our citation!
"One more thing—great thanks to Libraryland Roundup for listing us as one of its five “Vital to Life As We Know It” RSS feeds"
Squeeee! We feel grown-up and important! Thanks RAOnline!
Reader's Advisor Online
Thanked us for our citation!
"One more thing—great thanks to Libraryland Roundup for listing us as one of its five “Vital to Life As We Know It” RSS feeds"
Squeeee! We feel grown-up and important! Thanks RAOnline!
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