Library Stuff

Isn’t every day Blog Day?

Suggestica got hammered in the comments and on other blogs. Oh well.

Mita (a very cool librarian in Canada) then wrote:

“[W]hen it comes to my next reading selection, I already know what I like to read. What I want a system that will tell me what I should read.”

“Sometimes we should be reading books that challenge the ideas and personal beliefs that we hold dear. Sometimes we should be reading books on topics that don’t interest us much. Sometimes we should be reading books because they will help us understand other books. And sometimes we should be reading works because our professor has assigned them for us to read.”

It may make us feel funky, but I believe that we learn more when we are uncomfortable. That’s why I watch FOX and not CNN. I already know why I have certain political beliefs and I need to understand the other side of the same issues.

Mita is dead-on with her post.

Why am I subscribing to Library Spring? Because of the first post. An excerpt:

“Why Library Spring? The world of libraries is hardly blossoming. Another name could just as well have been Identity Crisis. But it is all too easy to be cynical, an protective mode to slip into.”

Love. That. Quote.

“I have been blogging personally for a long time now (available with a quick google) but mostly avoided work. At the start of this experiment, these barriers will stay up, let’s see how it goes.”

Break down those barriers Driek and show your true self. Your honest self. Your personal self.

Let’s start blurring the lines between professional and personal blogs. Not easy, but true colors will shine through.

This is interesting

Suggestica provides book recommendations from experts in certain fields (Deepak Chopra is in there!). According to Suggestica, there are 4 types of book buyers.

“+ Browsers: These people go to a bookstore and start browsing the sections of their interest. They buy one or more books based on several factors – including but not limited to author, endorsements, information on the jacket, first impressions based on what they pick up.

+ Seekers: These people go to recognized experts (Trusted Authorities) and ask for their suggestions on what books to read to take care of their concerns.”

Suggestica is relying on the fourth one to bring them users. Interesting concept. No RSS though for new books from experts, which would be suweeeeet! (via)