I have finally gotten around to updating this blog with the latest version of WordPress. Everything ran pretty smoothly, although I did have some problems with my comments template. It turns out that my previous iteration of the comments template (which I have had since WP 1.0) needed to be tossed. I simply copied the... Continue Reading →
Spreading the word about RSS
I taught an RSS workshop about a month ago, and only recently did I think to blog about my experiences. I have been a little overwhelmed the last few weeks, so my blogging has suffered immensely. I have even been so busy that I had to ignore (gasp!!) my aggregator. This was the second workshop... Continue Reading →
Using IM to Lure Them IN
One of the arguments for using Instant Messaging as a reference tool is that the technology allows the librarian to go to where the users are. However, the tool can also be used to get the patrons to come to you. On Wednesday night I had a business student IM me. Wednesday is my usual... Continue Reading →
WordPress 1.5 Released
I am a little late with this, but WordPress 1.5 was released last week. I updated two of our library blogs on Sunday in about an hour. The directions offered by Podz made my upgrades a snap. I followed everything to a "T" and it worked flawlessly. Now I simply have to find time to... Continue Reading →
Repeat IM Customer
I had another IM reference interaction tonight. The really cool thing about this particular interaction is that it was someone who had IMed me about a month ago. While business is a little slow, it's nice to know that I am at least getting repeat customers. I first put my IM profiles on my contact... Continue Reading →
IM Usage Statistics
After delivering library instruction to several first-year business classes, I gave the students a short survey to fill out. Most of the questions were aimed to provide feedback about the instruction session. The last question was about instant messaging usage. I asked: If you use instant messaging (IM), which service do you use? If you... Continue Reading →
Inspirational IM Success Stories
Sarah at Librarian in Black and Michael at Tame The Web have both posted some updates on their libraries' Instant Messaging reference programs. Both services seem to be returning excellent numbers and are excellent examples of reaching out to the patrons. Both libraries are supporting the big three clients (AIM, Yahoo! IM, and MSN Messenger),... Continue Reading →
Blogs, Balrag, and the Wikipedia
There is no better way to describe this than to give a play by play. This is sort of how it happened as I have ad-libbed a little here and there to make it a little more intersting. And the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Jim, Bill, and I are having a... Continue Reading →
Business Blogging Tips
The folks over at Advanced Business Blogging are doing a series called 21 Applications of Business Blogs for Small Business Growth. Over the next 21 days they will be posting a new idea about how blogging can help your business. They are going to look at 13 external applications of blogs, as well as 8... Continue Reading →