Blogs

What are they?

Web log
An informal, frequently updated Web site that allows visitors to leave comments about what they read (comments can be moderated).
The semi-recent introduction of free, easy-to-use Web site content management software (e.g. WordPress, which was used to create this site) has led to an explosion of blogs.
The line between Web site and blog [...]

RSS

What is it?

Really Simple Syndication
Instead of surfing to each and every one of your favourite Web sites to check out the latest headlines, you can subscribe to the sites using RSS.  A piece of software on your computer (called an 'aggregator'), scans all the sites for the latest headlines and posts the first few lines for [...]

Digitization

Why digitize library materials (e.g. historical photos)?

Preservation
Accessibility (especially if photos can be searched by keyword)
Expectations from the public
Potential Revenue
Advertisement for other library services

Example Web Sites

Vancouver Public Library's Special Collections

RFID

What is it?

Radio Frequency Identification
Tags stuck inside books electronically store information about the book (e.g. barcode).
Information can be detected by a reader that's simply within a certain distance of the book (e.g. doesn't need to be scanned like a barcode) – multiple items can be checked out at the same time (reduces injuries and in [...]

Library 2.0

What is it?

See Stephen Abram's (of SirsiDynix) article Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World

Wikis

What are they?

Web sites that allows visitors to add, edit, or delete existing content.
Content management tools make editing simple – no need for users to have anything more than basic MS Word skills.
Wikipedia is a popular online, collaborative encyclopedia.

Sounds crazy…

Yes, anyone can post anything, including spam and malicious content.  To counter this, wikis rely on [...]