PLN - Staying current with Web 2.0 and other tools librarians use

Information Wants To Be Free by SJSU SLIS faculty member Meredith Farkas. I included this blog in my PLN because the writer offers some practical insight into both current trends in library land and the real world application of the those trends. Farkas' American Libraries article on screencasting inspired me to create theTalking Books Screencast.


American Libraries Columnist “Technology in Practice”

@librarianmer




The Scout Report is a weekly newsletter published by Computer Sciences Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Each issue has about 20 hyperlinked annotations arranged by topic (Research and Education, General Interest, Network Tools and In the News) for quality Internet resources.  

David Lee King offers thoughtful opinions and practical advice in his blog posts. Topics often focus on the social web, emerging trends and libraries.  My experience has been that many of the most active and interesting librarian bloggers come from an academic library background. I feel that King is one of a few quality bloggers to write from the public librarians' perspective.

 

Public libraries are often used by people with disabilities. Unfortunately many public library staffer are not trained in how to use assistive technology and software. This part of my PLN is to help supplement that gap in my on the job training. No Limits 2 Learning is written by an assistive technology specialist and trainer. Topics include how education theory, gadget reviews and opinion pieces about accessibility issues related to technology and the Internet.

The Thinking Stick author, Jeff Utecht wrote the book Web 2.0: How-To for Educators. Along with some great practical advice about using Web 2.0 tools for education, for me this blog is source of inspiration and encouragement.
 

Walking Paper author Aaron Schmidt blogs about libraries with a focus on the user experiences. His post often include photos that clearly demonstrate what works and needs improvement.  For example this post about confusing library sign posted on the book drop "Signs On Signs. Never Good"
 

American Library Magazine and American Libraries Direct weekly email. I basically skim these source for article and links that catch my eye.