Top 50 Librarian Blogs

Top 50 librarian blogs

Who came up with the stupid word...BLOG?

Answer via Wikipedia:

The term "weblog" was coined by Jorn Barger on 17 December 1997. The short form, "blog," was coined by Peter Merholz, who jokingly broke the word weblog into the phrase we blog in the sidebar of his blog Peterme.com in April or May 1999. Shortly thereafter, Evan Williams at Pyra Labs used "blog" as both a noun and verb ("to blog," meaning "to edit one's weblog or to post to one's weblog") and devised the term "blogger" in connection with Pyra Labs' Blogger product, leading to the popularization of the terms.

This isn't the first stupid thing to be blamed on Evan Williams!

Social Media and the Modern Student

Students.... how is social media effecting you? This is a question that I am interested in finding the answer to. I want to know so that I can push the Learning Commons in a direction that would help you and promote the social media that you are using everyday. I know that you use Facebook and Twitter to help stay connected with your friends and followers. So, where do you see the Library and Learning Commons using such social media as Twitter and Facebook? Would you use them to communicate with your faculty advisor in the same manner as your High School Sweetheart? Would you like Library updates sent to you via a twitt? Also, what type of updates are you looking for? I am waiting for your comments....

Is your password "abc123"? Prepare to be hacked.

"One out of 5 users leave the digital equivalent of a key under the doormat: they choose a simple, easily guessed password like “abc123,” “iloveyou” or even “password” to protect their data."

LISNews Librarian And Information Science News password security

Two Things....

First, I am leaning that a blog needs to be a group process because without interest from other participants, this blog will languish in its server, unused and unread. I am interested in the opinions, insights and information from Librarians, LCTs and LTAs. I also want all of your comments and questions because this will lead to conversations about what is going on at both the Library and the Learning Commons. This blog needs GROWTH.

Second, I want this blog to be TRANSPARENT. I want to let both the Staff and Patrons know the Learning Commons' comings and goings. For example.... the LCTs are developing guidelines for allowing students, staff, and faculty to use the computer classrooms as practice presentation rooms. We want patrons to be able to reserve classrooms on line, check out a Flip Camcorder and tripod from the fourth floor service desk, and record their presentations during Library hours. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

I am waiting on your two cents....

Primeval MUSC Library Learning Commons Video Series

These are to inform about the changes made to the MUSC Library Learning Commons.

From the Bridge I: MUSC Library Learning Commons

From the Bridge II: MUSC Library Learning Commons

From the Bridge III: MUSC Library Learning Commons

The Real LC guidelines

I found some blogging guidelines written by a Librarian by the name of Michael Stephens that I would like to incorporate into my blog.

1. Have Fun!

2. Write about things you love and feel strongly about.

3. BE real. Avoid jargon or library-speak.

4. Have an informal tone. It's not a scholarly essay.

5. Spell check!

6. Write often! Look for inspiration in your collection, the news, and events going on around you.

7. Don't spend too much time on reviews or commentary.

8. Write in complete sentences and use proper grammar. This is not Facebook!

9. Establish your own voice, but don't forget that you are a Library employee.

10. Be truthful.

11. In general, try not to be negative in your reviews. We are trying to promote library use.

12. Cite your sources and provide links to them when possible.

13. Respect the privacy of others. Don't post information on or the opinions of, other identifiable people without their permission.

To my fellow authors/bloggers.... please follow these guidelines, find your own voice, and through your voices we will create a voice for the Learning Commons.

A New Frontier......

I have started this blog to help the Medical University of South Carolina's Learning Commons get their message out. I do not know what I am really doing, but through our Pascal Delivery, MUSC's interlibrary loan service, I have found several books to guide me. I am open to any suggestions that anyone out in the blogosphere might have.

I do know that I want to help the Learning Commons promote services and new information of and about both the University and the Library. I want this blog to be cultural, academic, and scientific in content. I also would like to post possible tutorials on using the Library and the electronic services that we provide. Eventually I would like to post podcasts featuring short episodes highlighting Library tools, services, or skills that make a patron's life easier in both using the Library and navigating their life through academia. Finally, I want to post information about social media and how if effects your life.

The only thing left to do to do is start posting.....