Library Stuff

When I first started using RSS, I was so enthralled that I thought that it would replace e-mail. I still think something will replace e-mail as the most popular electronic communications method, but whether that something is RSS will be determined.

In my visions of RSS replacing e-mail, I thought the following:

1) I will be able to send messages to specific people/groups via RSS.
2) It will be password protected on both ends.
3) I will be able to send attachments.
4) I can subscribe to one feed where anyone will be able to send me messages.

Feed-Mail comes close. Real close. I only played with it for a little while (I’m Katrina-watching while I aggregate) and had trouble logging into my account after signing off (I used their password retrieval form, but they didn’t send my password along with the retrieval e-mail), but it seems to have everything I want. I’d love to send little notes to my friends who use their aggregator alot to test it out (that is, when I can log back in – HELP).

It has it’s issues (“beta is as beta does”) but the thoughts seem to be in the right place. More later when I’m able to get my arms around it. (link via del.icio.us)

I love clicking on an article on blogs that Aggie sends my way and seeing a picture of someone I know. This time, in an article on blogging as the people’s media outlet, Darlene Fichter takes the stage. Suweeeet!

BTW, I just noticed that Darlene is running a “Blog on the Side” on the lights.com site. (Feed here)

A few readers have pointed out to me that Watch That Page has been offline for a few weeks. I have noticed this myself and was wondering what happened. To take a phrase (kinda) from Forrest Gump, “Momma always says, Free is as free does.” Does anyone have any news on WTP?

An alternative alerting service, although not web-based is Web Site Watcher. It’s well worth the $30 licence fee.

If you are ever in the mood for a good laugh that fits into the context of your job, go over to Libraries for Dummies. From the first post:

“I’ve worked in a library for over thirteen years. When I say that I’ve pretty much seen it all, it’s not much of an exaggeration. From extraordinary acts of kindness and brilliance, to stunning feats of stupidity and cruelty, there isn’t much that would surprise me anymore. This blog is devoted to documenting some of the more memorable encounters I’ve had with patrons, because we, the staff, have always said we should write a book. Staff members, particularly bad managers, will not be immune to having their boneheaded acts and words documented herein. For anyone who has ever worked with the public, I know your pain.”

(link via Paper Addiction)

Have you noticed my 1991 REM theme this week (2 “Shiny Happy” mentions in so many days)? There’s a reason for my happiness: Education/Library blogs that are focused solely on syndication.

I mentioned RSS4Lib alot this month and Thomson Peterson’s–Syndication for Higher Ed once. Both are highly worthy of subscibing to if you want to read about amazing examples of syndication in educational settings.

Case in point: Today, RSS4Lib linked to the University of Alabama library catalog feeds and Syndication for Higher Ed mentioned the numerous feeds that were launched by the University of Sydney.

I think that we’re finally moving to the next step in RSS in education. More and more blogs are focusing primarily on resources and tools for the syndicated education/library community. Thus, I am a shiny happy librarian.