February 3rd, 2010
As we all know, IE6 is on the way out. Even Microsoft has joined the anti-IE6 campaign, saying that while it can’t force users to abandon the browser, IE6 will only be supported until April 2014. It’s getting more and more difficult to create web pages that will accommodate it, there are security issues, and it’s certainly no longer standards compliant.
Please don’t wait till April 2014! Switch to a new browser as soon as possible.
Cool fact:
There is a petition urging the British government to dump IE6.
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January 27th, 2010
The Ohio Web Library uses a faceted search, meaning the user has the ability to enter keywords, then narrow down their topic by source or subject. Faceted search supports exploration, as opposed to specific keyword searching. For keyword searching, a search box to name specifically what’s needed is more in order. But for those who want to start with a general topic then explore the possible links it returns, faceted searching is helpful.
Amazon and other commercial sites already use it, and now the big search engines are playing with the faceted search idea, too.
Why does this matter to libraries? Because our customers are getting used to this type of site. They are familiar with this standard business practice. Let’s make it a seamless transition for them to use your site.
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January 20th, 2010
Location-based services are built into to many of our favorite online tools. For example, with our mobile apps or GPS, we can find nearby restaurants, theaters, gas stations, etc.
The value of shared location data will depend on the quantity of people sharing and the quality of the location-aware updates. Services such as Twitter, Loopt, Foursquare, Gowalla, Google and potentially Facebook will give everyone the opportunity to share what they know about their location so you can judge for yourself where you want to go next.
With that in mind, libraries will want to consider how this will impact them. Do you participate? Do you follow up on comments that were not in your favor? Do you give incentives for people to visit?
Cool fact:
Location-based software has been used for the greater good in locating disaster survivors, during the Iranian election/debacle and on World Aids Day.
One such open-source product, Ushahidi, is there for disasters. “The Ushahidi engine is there for ‘everyday’ people to let the world know what is happening in their area during a crisis, emergency or other situation.” It brings “awareness, linking those in need to those who can assist, and providing the framework for better visualization of information graphically.”
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January 14th, 2010
There are so many potential uses of Twitter for 
libraries, and your patrons are already using it, so it’s a great medium to add to your marketing efforts. It takes just a few sentences a day, so it doesn’t require much time to make a big impact.
The essence of Twitter is conversation. Libraries, unfortunately, seem to be using it as a broadcast system. Instead, encourage your followers to interact with the library staff — ask followers questions, share interesting links, re-tweet interesting posts, and reply when people message you directly. Learn from others’ Twitter posts. Follow people who know about your interests. Information sharing on Twitter is a two-way street.
The OPLIN staff was trying to come up with a list of Ohio public libraries that are on Facebook and Twitter this week.
Finding none, we created our own statewide directories. If you would like to have your library added, please e-mail
support@oplin.org all of the relevant details. Reminder: Check the link later to see who has been added.
Cool fact from the 4Cast:
There may be psychology behind Twitter. The Hierarchy Of Tweets – Analysing The Psychology of Twitter
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