Feeds Impressions

I have used feeds for awhile, and they are incredibly productive. They can push a great deal of information instantaneously. They can save on resources, such as on mailings and event announcements. They save so much time; I do not need to revisit the same sites repeatedly and remember to bookmark numerous sites. With the massive volume of information channeled by feeds, I do find myself being highly selective in reading articles, posts, etc. I spend some time in managing and monitoring them. I have tended to focus on more specific topics and to narrow the parameters of the feeds to which I subscribe.

I liked the cool advanced features of LibWorm. The subject lists and tagging formations are especially helpful in navigating huge topic areas.

Depending on my specific goals, I would use feeds for the purposes detailed in the syllabus and readings. As an adult services librarian, I would utilize feeds to inform patrons of acquisitions of new materials with reviews or recommendations and new databases with guidance on their effective use. Feeds could provide reminders or refreshers on how to take advantage of library resources, services, and programs. I might start a sort of reference column which reports on a research scenario, the steps the patron and I took to find the materials they needed, and further techniques for continuing and expanding the search. This could be a jumping-off point for introducing or re-introducing research methodologies and promote library resources. I would also include suggestions of other institutions in the community to tap into and new technologies and developments that patrons might find effective in their work.