Speaker: Jenny Levine
Computers and the Internet will not save the world (Clifford Stoll, from 1995) – what’s missing is human contact. This is also true in libraryland.
We know how to do this in our buildings:
– Delft Public Library (DOK)
– they have electronic based contextual digital signage (run off a Wii, of all things)
– they integrate games, etc so it’s clear everything is content
– iTunes booths
– Gaming is a social event – the social aspect happens around the games – not the games themselves
Our jobs – connecting people in these spaces
It’s not the tech – it’s the touch
Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody – another mention of that book. I need to read it.
***”We don’t own this but… We Can Get it For You” (linked to ILL) – much better than a normal ILL link.
Database of the week via SlideShare idea…
Human presence is important – showing that (IM “I’m online” button)
Tampa – having kids make videos advertising the ask a librarian service
ACRL is using the Meebo Chat room to bring people together. 65 people appeared…
Creating Serendipity for Users:
technology is making it easier to connect with people
LibraryThing for Libraries – extends the catalog via people (tagging, related books, etc)
BiblioCommons –
Very social opac – stuff like coverflow visual viewing, saved items and viewing other save item lists, people connections via in-boxes, etc. They’re focusing on the people parts
Tagging – they prompt for adjectives so you get the tone of a book
You can add trusted sources (what other people like)