From what I have learned about RFID I think it is one technology that will most improve libraries for the librarians. The idea of having "smart shelves" sounds incredibly enticing. I hate that I can look up a book in my library's catalog and go to the shelf (cause it says it is there) and guess what, its NOT THERE! So I look all around the shelf, I look on the shelving carts, I go back and check the catalog again and then I go back and check the shelf again, still nothing...I go back to the catalog and see it may be at another nearby branch, I call the branch, they do a shelf check, I wait on the phone with the patron breathing down my neck, desperate for the book because their child's book report is due tomorrow....and it is not at the other branch either...sigh....
I do this how many times a week? Or because I am a children's librarian I collect books during the week for storytime and outreaches to schools. I find the perfect book in the catalog for my storytime or class visit and I go to the shelf to retrieve it...dammit...sorry but that is honestly my reaction, albeit a quiet reaction as children and students are around (I work in a joint middle school/public library). I just think the idea of having shelves that always know where a book is sounds AMAZING! A shelf that will keep track of every time someone removes a book, even if they put it back in the same place! AAGGH! That's a happy scream by the way. I can't imagine how great RFID would be in a bookstore as well (I used to work in a Barnes & Noble, their problems are not always so different from ours in a library). Think about it! No more shelf reading, no books out of place on the shelf! I can't help but think how it could improve access for patrons too but I'll stick to the advantages for librarians.
The RFID tag would make circulation activiites incredibly more efficient as well. Check-in and check-out would be faster as the tag could be scanned in any direction. I sit at our check-out desk and have to try and scan those barcodes several times before they take, you have to hold the barcode just in the right position before the "gun scanner" will take it. Also, you can scan multiple books at once for check-out, how fast would that be! Fast I bet.
RFID would reduce staff time for circulation activities and shelf reading. Customer and collection records could be automated in real time. RFID would also help improve circulation statistics and give libraries a better view of what their community needs are based on those circulation stats. RFID tags would also control losses and serve as a security device as RFID tags could include a built-in security feature that would be more reliable than some of the traditional security methods libraries use such as metallic strips in materials and sensor gates. Since RFID would provide more accurate information about availability of materials patrons would be happier and then librarians would be happier!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
OPACs suck, okay, not really....
Okay, I know in previous discussions in d2l and for my part of the group project I was all about the mantra that OPAC's suck! BUT, I believe out of the four technologies I have discussed the one that will most improve libraries for patrons is OPACs. I really don't hate OPACs as much as I would like everyone to believe :)
OPACs have the most potential to change how patrons view and use the library on a daily basis. While my library's OPAC drives me crazy some days I cannot imagine not having it! It is much more user-friendly and well, I hate it say this in fear of sounding silly, but it is so much prettier than the staff side! My boss is amazed that I choose to use our library's OPAC more than the staff circulation side. I don't know why, I just am determined to figure out what makes our OPAC tick and all the little tricks to using it so I can show my coworkers and patrons.
Despite the fact that OPACs seem to lag behind many search engines I think they are a great resource for remote users of the library. I see more and more patrons in my library utilizing the OPAC to manage their accounts and keep track of overdue items, fines and holds.
I think with all the complaints that are thrown at OPACs lately improvements will come quickly and will help increase patron use of the library. Marshall Breeding offers several suggestions for improving OPACs in his article, "Thinking about your next OPAC", including better relevancy ranking, faceted navigation, search result clustering, breadcrumbs, and a faster search environment. An emergence of next-generation user interfaces for library catalogs is already on its way and with it patrons will be able to meet their information needs from any location, not just in the library. They will not have to turn to the librarian all the time to find books and materials, that may be frightening thought for librarians though! Yet I think OPACs are already making patrons more independent in using the library and its resources. OPACS are a fast and easy way to find items and information resources in your local area. Another reason I think OPACs will most improve libraries for patrons is because they include several different technologies at once. When you search for items in my library's catalog you are shown how to access electronic resources and how to set up RSS feeds for items of interest. You can view bestseller lists, the day's headlines and click on links to those stories, you can view the weather in your area, you can search databases. I just think of my library's OPAC as a one-stop shop for patrons. You can do so many things at once just in the OPAC without ever having to visit outside websites or even the library's separate website. I've started noticing how much I can get done just within the OPAC and that makes me happy cause I get exhausted trying to visit like twenty websites a day! I think patrons look for convenience as well when it comes to using the library, I just am afraid most do not know about the OPAC or how to use it when searching. I think most users approach OPACs as they do search engines and are not aware of the subject headings and vocabulary problem. OPACs do help in berry-picking though as they usually provide subject lists related to your search. I think when it comes to helping improve libraries for patrons that also includes education on using the OPAC which I try to do a little bit of everyday :)
I also think OPACs make searching the library easier for children as most libraries offer a children's OPAC.
I find most patrons are amazed at what they can do on the OPAC and that they can do it from home as well. So overall I think the OPAC has the most potential to improve libraries for patrons because it is so accessible and once they know how to use the OPAC it is easy and hopefully with some improvements OPACs will start to think like the patron and will become more intuitive and make searching easier as well.
OPACs have the most potential to change how patrons view and use the library on a daily basis. While my library's OPAC drives me crazy some days I cannot imagine not having it! It is much more user-friendly and well, I hate it say this in fear of sounding silly, but it is so much prettier than the staff side! My boss is amazed that I choose to use our library's OPAC more than the staff circulation side. I don't know why, I just am determined to figure out what makes our OPAC tick and all the little tricks to using it so I can show my coworkers and patrons.
Despite the fact that OPACs seem to lag behind many search engines I think they are a great resource for remote users of the library. I see more and more patrons in my library utilizing the OPAC to manage their accounts and keep track of overdue items, fines and holds.
I think with all the complaints that are thrown at OPACs lately improvements will come quickly and will help increase patron use of the library. Marshall Breeding offers several suggestions for improving OPACs in his article, "Thinking about your next OPAC", including better relevancy ranking, faceted navigation, search result clustering, breadcrumbs, and a faster search environment. An emergence of next-generation user interfaces for library catalogs is already on its way and with it patrons will be able to meet their information needs from any location, not just in the library. They will not have to turn to the librarian all the time to find books and materials, that may be frightening thought for librarians though! Yet I think OPACs are already making patrons more independent in using the library and its resources. OPACS are a fast and easy way to find items and information resources in your local area. Another reason I think OPACs will most improve libraries for patrons is because they include several different technologies at once. When you search for items in my library's catalog you are shown how to access electronic resources and how to set up RSS feeds for items of interest. You can view bestseller lists, the day's headlines and click on links to those stories, you can view the weather in your area, you can search databases. I just think of my library's OPAC as a one-stop shop for patrons. You can do so many things at once just in the OPAC without ever having to visit outside websites or even the library's separate website. I've started noticing how much I can get done just within the OPAC and that makes me happy cause I get exhausted trying to visit like twenty websites a day! I think patrons look for convenience as well when it comes to using the library, I just am afraid most do not know about the OPAC or how to use it when searching. I think most users approach OPACs as they do search engines and are not aware of the subject headings and vocabulary problem. OPACs do help in berry-picking though as they usually provide subject lists related to your search. I think when it comes to helping improve libraries for patrons that also includes education on using the OPAC which I try to do a little bit of everyday :)
I also think OPACs make searching the library easier for children as most libraries offer a children's OPAC.
I find most patrons are amazed at what they can do on the OPAC and that they can do it from home as well. So overall I think the OPAC has the most potential to improve libraries for patrons because it is so accessible and once they know how to use the OPAC it is easy and hopefully with some improvements OPACs will start to think like the patron and will become more intuitive and make searching easier as well.
OPACS
OPACS are one technology I like to think I know a little about but I could be overconfident.
OPAC or Online Public (Patron) Access Catalog provides electronic access for users to search a library's catalog/holdings and view and manage their library account. Some OPACs are site-based and part of an organization's intranet and others are web-based. OPACs developed from the traditional file cabinet card catalog. OPACs development also stemmed from computer based information technology and the MARC II format which led to the creation of bibliographic utilities.
Today in libraries OPACS are usually the front-end of the library's ILS (intergrated library system) and serves as the public face of the library's ILS. The ILS controls circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, interlibrary loan, the OPAC and more. The core of the ILS is the MARC record and the OPAC interface translates the MARC tags into display labels that the general public can read. The OPAC allows patrons to browse any library’s catalog from any location and at any time using an Internet Browser and a computer. The OPAC is menu driven and allows the user to enter information in a field and click on a command. In some cases a log on is required in order to make requests, to reserve materials, or to view one's circulation account. Basically the OPAC will search MARC records in a system by things like author, title, keyword, ISBN/ISSN/LCCN, etc. Most OPACs offer phrase and keyword searching and some OPACs will allow users to sort and save searches. The OPAC will let a patron know whether a item is available, at what branch, and whether they can put a hold on the item.
The expected social impact of OPACs is that they will become the main method for accessing the library's collection without physically having the go to the library. OPACs will increase access as patrons with disabilities and or who are not able to get to a library are still able to browse collections and put items on hold. As more and more OPACs are linked via consortia access will also improve for users. Users can search catalogs of multiple institutions at one time and request materials through ILL and cooperative borrowing agreements. Many OPACs also provide links from the bibliographic record to websites or electronic files and in doing so users gain access to more resources and assistance in meeting their information needs. While I can cite many problems and issues with OPACs I do think what they do well they do really well and they address several aspects of information seeking behavior very well. OPACs allow users to accumulate information along the search path and view subjects related to their search. In addition, OPACs are moving toward a social catalog, Web 2.0 features and the ability to connect services from all over the Web and allow for patron interaction to give users what they want and need.
Most users approach an OPAC like a web search engine and are not aware of the classification system or subject headings.
OPAC or Online Public (Patron) Access Catalog provides electronic access for users to search a library's catalog/holdings and view and manage their library account. Some OPACs are site-based and part of an organization's intranet and others are web-based. OPACs developed from the traditional file cabinet card catalog. OPACs development also stemmed from computer based information technology and the MARC II format which led to the creation of bibliographic utilities.
Today in libraries OPACS are usually the front-end of the library's ILS (intergrated library system) and serves as the public face of the library's ILS. The ILS controls circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, interlibrary loan, the OPAC and more. The core of the ILS is the MARC record and the OPAC interface translates the MARC tags into display labels that the general public can read. The OPAC allows patrons to browse any library’s catalog from any location and at any time using an Internet Browser and a computer. The OPAC is menu driven and allows the user to enter information in a field and click on a command. In some cases a log on is required in order to make requests, to reserve materials, or to view one's circulation account. Basically the OPAC will search MARC records in a system by things like author, title, keyword, ISBN/ISSN/LCCN, etc. Most OPACs offer phrase and keyword searching and some OPACs will allow users to sort and save searches. The OPAC will let a patron know whether a item is available, at what branch, and whether they can put a hold on the item.
The expected social impact of OPACs is that they will become the main method for accessing the library's collection without physically having the go to the library. OPACs will increase access as patrons with disabilities and or who are not able to get to a library are still able to browse collections and put items on hold. As more and more OPACs are linked via consortia access will also improve for users. Users can search catalogs of multiple institutions at one time and request materials through ILL and cooperative borrowing agreements. Many OPACs also provide links from the bibliographic record to websites or electronic files and in doing so users gain access to more resources and assistance in meeting their information needs. While I can cite many problems and issues with OPACs I do think what they do well they do really well and they address several aspects of information seeking behavior very well. OPACs allow users to accumulate information along the search path and view subjects related to their search. In addition, OPACs are moving toward a social catalog, Web 2.0 features and the ability to connect services from all over the Web and allow for patron interaction to give users what they want and need.
Most users approach an OPAC like a web search engine and are not aware of the classification system or subject headings.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Web filters
Internet filters are also known as content control software, censorware, or web filtering software. Filters determine what content will be available to users on a given computer or network. You can install web filtering software on a pc or on a server for computers that have Internet access. In addition, many ISP's provide parental control option to block questionable content. Filters can prevent browsers from displaying unacceptable content by keyword or URL. Filters work through recognizing websie content or web addresses. Businesses use filters for email, spam, pop-ups and to prevent employees from viewing pornography or personal email while at work.
In 2000, the Children's Internet Protection Act was enacted by Congress to address concerns over access to questionable content over the Internet on school and library computers. CIPA requires that all library computers be filtered or the library cannot receive federal funding.
Therefore web filters are used in libraries to prevent children from viewing certain web content. Filters can be disabled for adults if requested.
The expected social impact of filters is that they could have a chilling effect on the way people view and use the library. If a patron cannot access a site they may not want to ask a librarian to disable the filter and they may feel embarrassed or upset and that can impact the way they view the library. It can also create access issues as filters do not always work properly and can either overblock sites that are useful for children and adults or underblock and many adults and children have learned how to bypass filters. Libraries also usually delegate blocking to the filter vendors and do not realize the criteria to block materials may be subjective and may not be right for the library's community. Filters can be used to block political or religious content which again could cause access issues in libraries. On the other hand, filters may have the potential to block harmful material for children and increase education for parents and children on the use of the Internet, both of which could have a positive social impact.
I know there is loads more to talk about with filters but honestly I have such an ambiguous stance on filters. I just don't know how to feel about them. I completely understand wanting to protect children and youth from objectionable content on the Internet and I personally have never witnessed any problems accessing sites in the libraries I have worked in, I have not seen the underblocking or overblocking issues, not that I don't believe they exist or are not valid concerns. It seems in the library field it is just so pressed into your skull that filtering goes against everything librarians believe in. If anyone asks me what I learned in library school I can say one thing for certain, filters bad, filters bad! I really feel torn on the issue and I know there are negative social implications to using filters but I can't see how it outweighs protecting children. But that's just the ravings of one future librarian....
In 2000, the Children's Internet Protection Act was enacted by Congress to address concerns over access to questionable content over the Internet on school and library computers. CIPA requires that all library computers be filtered or the library cannot receive federal funding.
Therefore web filters are used in libraries to prevent children from viewing certain web content. Filters can be disabled for adults if requested.
The expected social impact of filters is that they could have a chilling effect on the way people view and use the library. If a patron cannot access a site they may not want to ask a librarian to disable the filter and they may feel embarrassed or upset and that can impact the way they view the library. It can also create access issues as filters do not always work properly and can either overblock sites that are useful for children and adults or underblock and many adults and children have learned how to bypass filters. Libraries also usually delegate blocking to the filter vendors and do not realize the criteria to block materials may be subjective and may not be right for the library's community. Filters can be used to block political or religious content which again could cause access issues in libraries. On the other hand, filters may have the potential to block harmful material for children and increase education for parents and children on the use of the Internet, both of which could have a positive social impact.
I know there is loads more to talk about with filters but honestly I have such an ambiguous stance on filters. I just don't know how to feel about them. I completely understand wanting to protect children and youth from objectionable content on the Internet and I personally have never witnessed any problems accessing sites in the libraries I have worked in, I have not seen the underblocking or overblocking issues, not that I don't believe they exist or are not valid concerns. It seems in the library field it is just so pressed into your skull that filtering goes against everything librarians believe in. If anyone asks me what I learned in library school I can say one thing for certain, filters bad, filters bad! I really feel torn on the issue and I know there are negative social implications to using filters but I can't see how it outweighs protecting children. But that's just the ravings of one future librarian....
RFID
I didn't know much about RSS and I knew practically nothing about RFID before this class and I think its just about the coolest thing I have read about yet in library school so here goes...
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a device (called a tag) that is attached to an item which consists of a circuit or computer chip and an antenna. A reader, which is a radio transmitter sends a signal that activates the tag. The tag then sends out a response, usually a unique identifier, like a barcode, and the reader receives the identifier and processes it. It usually looks up the identifier in a database to see what the item is and in the case of a library material, if it can be checked out.
The most common RFID technology is to store a serial identification number and other information for a person, or object on the RFID tag or transponder. The antenna in the RFID tag enables the RFID tag to transmit the information to a reader. The reader then converts the radio waved received from the RFID tag into digital information and passes it to computers which process the information.
S
o what does this mean in terms of libraries? From what I can gather, libraries can use RFID for library materials and books instead of using barcodes. Some of the advantages of RFID are that the tag does not have to be on the outside of the book. The orientation doesn't matter, so if you scan the book at an angle the tag still registers. You can scan multiple books at once and the tag can work as a security device. RFID is very customer friendly for libraries as it enables faster checkout and check-in. It can reduce the time spent on circulation activities and allows for high speed inventory and automated materials handling. It also has a long tag life and can control losses and most importantly, improve customer access. Since RFID has the potential to streamline library operations through non-contact inventory management it kind of eliminates a middle man as it would help cut down on library tasks. RFID technology such as "smart shelves" the library shelving can tell a librarian or patron whether a book is on the shelf or not. Wasted time spent searching for a missing book would be gone!
The social impact of RFID varies from how it could be used. If RFID tags are used for human implants to track certain people, hmmm, major social impact, some scary Big Brother stuff going on and certain rights and freedoms would be limited. RFID also could infringe on privacy rights if it is used to tag items bought with credit or debit cards and people could then track others' credit card purchases. Obviously, privacy is the biggest issue with RFID tags since they can be read from a distance. RFID may allow activities that compromise privacy and acts of digital vandalism. However, I don't think RFID would present a major privacy issue in libraries since no patron data would be stored on the RFID tag. By increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations, particularly circulation, RFID could impact customer access and get materials and information to people more quickly and easily.
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a device (called a tag) that is attached to an item which consists of a circuit or computer chip and an antenna. A reader, which is a radio transmitter sends a signal that activates the tag. The tag then sends out a response, usually a unique identifier, like a barcode, and the reader receives the identifier and processes it. It usually looks up the identifier in a database to see what the item is and in the case of a library material, if it can be checked out.
The most common RFID technology is to store a serial identification number and other information for a person, or object on the RFID tag or transponder. The antenna in the RFID tag enables the RFID tag to transmit the information to a reader. The reader then converts the radio waved received from the RFID tag into digital information and passes it to computers which process the information.
S
o what does this mean in terms of libraries? From what I can gather, libraries can use RFID for library materials and books instead of using barcodes. Some of the advantages of RFID are that the tag does not have to be on the outside of the book. The orientation doesn't matter, so if you scan the book at an angle the tag still registers. You can scan multiple books at once and the tag can work as a security device. RFID is very customer friendly for libraries as it enables faster checkout and check-in. It can reduce the time spent on circulation activities and allows for high speed inventory and automated materials handling. It also has a long tag life and can control losses and most importantly, improve customer access. Since RFID has the potential to streamline library operations through non-contact inventory management it kind of eliminates a middle man as it would help cut down on library tasks. RFID technology such as "smart shelves" the library shelving can tell a librarian or patron whether a book is on the shelf or not. Wasted time spent searching for a missing book would be gone!
The social impact of RFID varies from how it could be used. If RFID tags are used for human implants to track certain people, hmmm, major social impact, some scary Big Brother stuff going on and certain rights and freedoms would be limited. RFID also could infringe on privacy rights if it is used to tag items bought with credit or debit cards and people could then track others' credit card purchases. Obviously, privacy is the biggest issue with RFID tags since they can be read from a distance. RFID may allow activities that compromise privacy and acts of digital vandalism. However, I don't think RFID would present a major privacy issue in libraries since no patron data would be stored on the RFID tag. By increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations, particularly circulation, RFID could impact customer access and get materials and information to people more quickly and easily.
RSS
Okay, I have four major technologies to discuss that are commonly used in the library world. I chose to pick one I know quite a bit about since I participated in a group project on the topic and three others I am not as familiar with in the hopes that as I write about them they will become clearer for me as well!
First topic is RSS, or the commonly accepted name, Really Simple Syndication. Basically, in the simplest terms RSS keeps you up-to-date on your favorite websites. RSS files are an application of XML and are constructed with a set of standardized tags that allow an aggregator to subscribe to a syndicated feed. Whew, I didn't understand a word in that sentence, how about you? Let's see if I can make it easier for my poor little brain...
To view or read a RSS feed you need a feed "aggregator" or "reader". Its like needing a radio to interpret radio signals. The RSS feed reader translates the RSS feed from computer language into viewable text. RSS feed readers can be web-based like a customizable My Yahoo page or an account with Bloglines. They can also be downloaded software like RSS Bandit or FeedReader. Newer web browsers can also function as RSS feed readers letting you add feeds to your favorites list. So once you have a reader you can set up feeds from your favorite websites. New information added to those sites can be easily browsed by visiting a single web page, called the "news reader". For example, you can quickly skim headlines from your favorite news website and pick out items of interest or you can keep up-to-date on what is going on in the political races with RSS since it provides you with the latest news at one stop, rather than searching through multiple websites. RSS news readers also make it quick and easy to keep up with blog postings from your favorite blogs.
So how is RSS used in libraries? Well since I work in a public library I will mention some of the ways they use them. Many libraries are now offering free RSS feeds for patrons. For example, at the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota, patrons can subscribe to RSS feeds on library news and the latest goings-on at the Hennepin Library. There are also RSS feeds for news at local branches. Patrons can also set up personalized RSS feeds to their account to see what items they have out or when holds are available. There are RSS feeds for events and classes going at the Hennepin Library. There are RSS feeds available for booklists, subject guides and you can make any catalog search into an RSS feed. Nifty huh? I think so. The Phoenix Public Library offers RSS feeds on new fiction and nonfiction titles that come into the library. PPL also offers patrons secure notifications for their patron account such as courtesy reminders of when items are due. Patrons can search RSS feeds of their searches against the library catalog and be notified when an item is added to the catalog. In addition, at PPL patrons can use RSS to be notified when new events and programs are added to the calendar. So as you can see there are lots of fun ways libraries can use RSS to meet the needs of their patrons.
The social impact of this technology is that RSS is making it possible to get information to people quickly, efficiently and in a personalized manner. People want their news and information immediately and do not have time or the inclination to visit several websites a day to get what they want, RSS brings information right to their door! RSS also lets the library come to the patron instead of the other way around. It allows the library to meet the needs of the remote user. I think RSS can also have some negative consequences as well. While RSS provides immediate gratification it only gives the user a snapshot of information and they could be missing out on additional valuable information. But I still think RSS is way cool and I can't believe I have never used it before, I am going to go try and find one of these aggregators because I just found a feed for General Hospital fans! Don't judge me, yes, I have heard that soap operas kill brain cells and I don't care. I also just found a feed for People magazine headlines, you mean I can be informed when Britney Spears runs another red light or Lindsay Lohan heads back to rehab, or when JLo has the baby? This is too exciting....I swear I really am a intelligent woman who almost has her Masters, I can't help it I like celebrity gossip....
First topic is RSS, or the commonly accepted name, Really Simple Syndication. Basically, in the simplest terms RSS keeps you up-to-date on your favorite websites. RSS files are an application of XML and are constructed with a set of standardized tags that allow an aggregator to subscribe to a syndicated feed. Whew, I didn't understand a word in that sentence, how about you? Let's see if I can make it easier for my poor little brain...
To view or read a RSS feed you need a feed "aggregator" or "reader". Its like needing a radio to interpret radio signals. The RSS feed reader translates the RSS feed from computer language into viewable text. RSS feed readers can be web-based like a customizable My Yahoo page or an account with Bloglines. They can also be downloaded software like RSS Bandit or FeedReader. Newer web browsers can also function as RSS feed readers letting you add feeds to your favorites list. So once you have a reader you can set up feeds from your favorite websites. New information added to those sites can be easily browsed by visiting a single web page, called the "news reader". For example, you can quickly skim headlines from your favorite news website and pick out items of interest or you can keep up-to-date on what is going on in the political races with RSS since it provides you with the latest news at one stop, rather than searching through multiple websites. RSS news readers also make it quick and easy to keep up with blog postings from your favorite blogs.
So how is RSS used in libraries? Well since I work in a public library I will mention some of the ways they use them. Many libraries are now offering free RSS feeds for patrons. For example, at the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota, patrons can subscribe to RSS feeds on library news and the latest goings-on at the Hennepin Library. There are also RSS feeds for news at local branches. Patrons can also set up personalized RSS feeds to their account to see what items they have out or when holds are available. There are RSS feeds for events and classes going at the Hennepin Library. There are RSS feeds available for booklists, subject guides and you can make any catalog search into an RSS feed. Nifty huh? I think so. The Phoenix Public Library offers RSS feeds on new fiction and nonfiction titles that come into the library. PPL also offers patrons secure notifications for their patron account such as courtesy reminders of when items are due. Patrons can search RSS feeds of their searches against the library catalog and be notified when an item is added to the catalog. In addition, at PPL patrons can use RSS to be notified when new events and programs are added to the calendar. So as you can see there are lots of fun ways libraries can use RSS to meet the needs of their patrons.
The social impact of this technology is that RSS is making it possible to get information to people quickly, efficiently and in a personalized manner. People want their news and information immediately and do not have time or the inclination to visit several websites a day to get what they want, RSS brings information right to their door! RSS also lets the library come to the patron instead of the other way around. It allows the library to meet the needs of the remote user. I think RSS can also have some negative consequences as well. While RSS provides immediate gratification it only gives the user a snapshot of information and they could be missing out on additional valuable information. But I still think RSS is way cool and I can't believe I have never used it before, I am going to go try and find one of these aggregators because I just found a feed for General Hospital fans! Don't judge me, yes, I have heard that soap operas kill brain cells and I don't care. I also just found a feed for People magazine headlines, you mean I can be informed when Britney Spears runs another red light or Lindsay Lohan heads back to rehab, or when JLo has the baby? This is too exciting....I swear I really am a intelligent woman who almost has her Masters, I can't help it I like celebrity gossip....
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