Friday, June 20, 2008

100 Useful Web Tools for Writers

As many ALA members, I receive e-mails from ALA on a weekly basis. This weekly update is used to provide librarians with information about what is happening in the world of libraries and books. I thoroughly enjoy these updates as it allows me to quickly browse the titles (if I do not have time) or find new websites that I have not heard about.

This week I wasn't disappointed with a blog talking about the 100 Useful Web Tools for Writers by Laura Milligan. If you have a chance, take a look at it. With sections entitled Getting Organized; Finding Inspiration; Getting Gigs; Communicating with Vendors, Editors and Partners; Networking and Marketing; Just for Writing; Getting Paid; and Fun Little Extras--this is worth a glance.

All kinds of writers, including poets, biographers, journalists, biz tech writers, bloggers and technical writers, take a unique approach to their jobs, mixing creativity with sustainability...Turn to this list for 100 useful Web tools that will help you with your career, your sanity and your creativity whenever your write.

http://www.collegedegrees.com/blog/2008/06/11/100-useful-web-tools-for-writers/

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Libraries on Facebook

I thought I would compile a list of libraries who are trying a different way to reach out to their patrons- through Facebook. The following is a list of libraries on Facebook. Click on their name to be redirected to Facebook or use the link below the name to see their professional site:

Baylor University Libraries
http://www.baylor.edu/lib/splash.php
British Library
http://www.bl.uk/
Dublin City Public Libraries
http://www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/libraries/Pages/DublinCityLibrary.aspx
Duke University Law Libraries
http://www.law.duke.edu/lib/
The European Library
http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/portal/index.html
Hennepin County Library
http://www.hclib.org/
MSU Libraries
http://www2.lib.msu.edu/
Penn State University Libraries
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/
Ryerson University Library
http://www.ryerson.ca/library/
Smithsonian Libraries
http://www.sil.si.edu/
http://smithsonianlibraries.si.edu/
Theodore M. Hesburgh Libraries of Notre Dame
http://www.library.nd.edu/
UIUC Library
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign)
University of Kentucky Libraries
http://www.uky.edu/Libraries/
University of Liverpool
http://www.liv.ac.uk/library/
University of Michigan Library
http://www.lib.umich.edu/
University of Oregon Libraries
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/
University of Washington
http://www.lib.washington.edu/
Warwick University Library
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library
University of Wolverhampton Learning Centres
http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib
Yale Science Libraries
http://www.library.yale.edu/science/

*This is not a complete list but a selection (applications or fan pages).

Facebook- The Newest Place to Advertise

I am one of millions that have found themselves onto Facebook. Most join because of a friend who already has an account or join out of curiosity. What's with all the buzz? Facebook allows you to talk with friends, network, join organizations, become "fans" of those who are famous, create your own groups, and any other way to put yourself online for all to see. And people are noticing.

Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, is one of the youngest billionaires (no that's right, billions) after he sold his rights . Forbes.com quotes:

We think Zuckerberg's stake is worth $1.5 billion. Regardless, Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire on earth and possibly the youngest self-made billionaire ever.

So, why am I stating what everyone knows? What about a new way at having surveys from willing participants? Mountain Dew has found a way to get personal feedback from their fan base. By having spot sponsored on Facebook and creating an application. Click here to see this application. It's called DEWmocracy and is filled with Mountain Dew fans voting on a new flavor.

DEWmocracy invites you to participate in an online journey across a mythical world where you take control over creating the next Mountain Dew. Three nominees will result from these creations, with each vying in a national online election to become the next Mountain Dew.

The DEWmocracy application allows you to exhibit your drink preferences, compare your compatibility to friends, and stay connected to the DEWmocracy community.

I think this is a creative way to see if there is a market for a product. However, I am a little weary to have a corporation know what my tastes are for beverages.

Warning:
Facebook does not delete your account if you try to close it out. It will save ALL your information in case you wish to open the account again. MySpace does not have that policy. So, before you start an account or put something you probably shouldn't--consider what you are about to do.

Forbes article

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Tale of the Kindle and the Future of the e-paper

I heard about Kindle from a professor at LSU when she brought it to class. When I came across this article I knew I should post it. The title of the article is "The future of e-paper: The Kindle is only the beginning."

June 6, 2008 (Computerworld) Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle has turned a long underperforming category of tech gadget -- e-book readers -- into an overnight hit, and in the process has boosted interest in electronic paper display (EPD) technology. The Kindle and its rival, the Sony Reader 505, both boast e-paper displays that look unnervingly like printed pages and consume next to no power. However, today's EPDs -- and today's e-book readers -- are only the beginning.


Computer World Article: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9091118&source=NLT_AM&nlid=1