Blogging & RSS: Applications & Technology

:: Yesterday I was a panel member at the session, Blogging & RSS: Applications & Technology. The description from the program:

This session starts with a solid grounding in the technology and applications of Web logs. It uses real world examples from a variety of libraries to illustrate applications and best practices in the information community. It discusses the tools and software necessary to get started, some advanced tools, like RSS (Really Simple Syndication), to improve production and delivery for Web logs/blogs, and highlights tips and tricks from experienced practitioners.

Speakers: Darlene Fichter, Data Library Co-ordinator, University of Saskatchewan & President, Northern Lights Internet Solutions; Randy Reichardt, Information Services Librarian (Engineering), Science & Technology, University of Alberta; Aaron Schmidt, Reference Librarian, Thomas Ford Memorial Public Library; Steven Cohen, Librarian, PubSub Concepts Inc. and Editor, LibraryStuff.Net

It was a lively session, which began with some technical difficulties, including two BSoDs and no 'net connectivity. Darlene, unable to display her slides, was a trooper as she spoke to the audience of the basics and benefits of blogging. Aaron followed, with a short presentation covering Nine Reasons To Go Blog, including zero costs, great learning tool, the workload can be distributed, and more. I was next, and presented the first half of my slides, up to the section on RSS. I highlighted examples from an academic library perspective, including working with design engineering students, assisting them in creating blogs for project management. I stopped at the RSS portion of my presentation, as RSS was introduced and discussed next by Darlene, who then introduced Steven.

Steven created a blog to highlight examples of good sites, including LIS blogs and directories, examples of libraries using RSS, Canadian specific sites (excellent idea!), and sites which allow you to customize. Steven used unique Canadian examples, including an Environment Canada hurricane watch feed, and an example of a feed created to follow one Canadian Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.

With five minutes left, we took as many questions as we could, and spent another 10-15 minutes afterwards visiting with audience members who wanted more feedback. It was a good session, well attended and organized. Thanks to Darlene, Aaron and Steven, who were great co-panelists! Another account of the session is available at the Country Librarian's site.