Thing SEVEN

Thing seven was informative and interesting and about Web 2.0 and how the different applications can help in the area of communication in the library. It had some hints on email productivity, but none that I don't already do. The communication tool for allowing students to talk real-time to one of our librarians, is already in place in our college. We have a link for students to find us by way of a chat line. I don't believe this is as popular as it was originally thought it would be. But it is the option that we have out there for a communication tool.

Among our staff, we have Groupwise Messenger, which is a very good instant messaging system. It lists who of the registered users is online right up to the minute they are logged in and out. It is good since you are pinged there if you have a message. You know that if someone is online, they will be responding to you real soon...

We also use our students' cell phone numbers to get in contact with them about things that are overdue, or to let them know that something is in and waiting to be picked up. I have been an avid believer in text messaging since my kids got text message option on their cell phones. It's a great way to get their attention when I need to get in contact with them.

The MINITEX webinar list of helpful, extremely relevant web sessions, has been just wonderful. I have participated in many this year already, the latest one being Macros for Beginners, which was presented in their usual easy-to-follow-and-understand format. It's the BEST thing to happen to librarians who live in outstate Minnesota! I had never heard of OPAL, and will be checking in on that in the future to see what's being presented there.