JP's Page

-And by "them" I mean online library catalogs.

Libraries are constantly trying new ways to provide easy, efficient service for their customers through online applications like the library catalog.

Years ago, searching for books in a library was a real headache. It meant messing around with index cards in a dusty card catalog or approaching the intimidating 50-year-old lady with blue hair and cat glasses for help. Today, the process of searching for a book has been digitized. However, depending… Continue

Library 2.0

Public libraries recognized the groundswell and librarians are fast becoming some of the most informed users and educated facilitators in the great Web 2.0 revolution.

Porter's (2008) ideas about how information… Continue

Miller's (2006) Five Rules for Building a Successful Online Community fell flat for me. While Miller's (2006) observations are helpful, they remain incomplete and offer little but technical advice. Miller's (2006) rules are as follows:

(1) Have threaded/nested discussions.
(2) Be humble- let your fellow community members be the critics and analysts that they are.
Use their help. It's an opportunity for all to learn.
(3) Don't pass judgm… Continue

Our identities are wrapped up in brands and causes. We have made assertions about who we are and will do whatever it takes to maintain that image. In order to support our identity we immerse ourselves in the appropriate media, join the right groups, and acquire the suitable technologies that fit the genre of life we've chosen. We are, indeed, what we buy.

Robert Walker, acclaimed blogger, columnist… Continue

There is a significant difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is simply the ability to physically preceive sound waves, while listening is a skill in which we not only hear a message, but we take the time to actively analyze and evaluate its contents.

Li and Bernoff (2008) emphasized the need for companies to listen to their customers. It's easy to assume what your brand is when you're the one spending the money creating the image. The truth of the matter is "your brand is whatever y… Continue