MLIS 7505 Assignment 1
Part I:
Blog URL: http://margaretaswanson.blogspot.com/
Blog RSS: http://margaretaswanson.blogspot.com//feeds/posts/default
My Blog Experience:
I really enjoyed creating my blog. Blogger.com made it so easy and convenient. I didn’t have any trouble creating or designing my blog. I also appreciated all of the “Settings” that were available from Google to control your content, who can see it, and who can comment on it. This is my first blog and even though I never thought I would be interested in a blog I’m finding it a fun experience.
Part II:
Standalone RSS: http://feeds.rapidfeeds.com/23452/
My RSS Experience:
Creating my standalone RSS feed wasn’t quite as easy as creating the blog. It wasn’t necessarily difficult, per se, it just wasn’t as easy as the blog. The instructions from rapidfeeds were non-existent and I had a hard time understanding whether or not I was doing the right thing. Once I got on the right track, I was able to easily make posts--it just took a little longer than I anticipated.
Part III:
My Google Reader Experience:
I think the Google Reader is so cool. It is so great to be able to have all your RSS feeds aggregated in one space. Plus, Google Reader makes it so easy to sign up for feeds. I currently have 19 feeds and will undoubtedly add more as the Maymester continues.
Part IV:
1. Library Information:
The Athens Clarke County Public Library is the headquarters of the Athens Regional Library System, which has 8 libraries and 5 resource centers. The ARLS offers libraries services to 5 counties: Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Franklin, Madison, and Oglethorpe. Their website provides information on the library system as well as gives access to the various resources associated with the ACCPL. Resources include access to PINES, GALILEO, Interlibrary Loan, computer classes, and more.
2. Goal of the Wiki:
This Wiki will be used for the announcement and discussion of newly released and popular/featured library materials.
3. Library’s Requirements for the Wiki:
The Wiki must be free, as the library doesn’t have the funding to purchase any software. The wiki must be very easy to use for all ages, meaning that a WYSIWYG interface is best. The wiki must conform to ACCPL design standards, so it must have corporate branding. And ACCPL prefer a wiki that allows the library to have its own domain. The wiki must allow the library to keep up with page history, in order to control spam and inappropriate posts. The wiki must also allow an unlimited amount of users and work well for educational purposes.
4. Chosen Wiki:
Wikispaces.com
After narrowing the choices down to 4 wikis—Netcipia, Pbwiki, Seedwiki, and Wikispaces, I compared the four wikis using WikiMatrix. I decided on Wikispaces as the best wiki for the ACCPL because it both met the library’s fundamental needs and provided additional desired features such as 8 languages, discussion pages, conflict resolution, multiple linking options, strong usability settings, and commercial support. Wikispaces’s intended audience included interest groups, education, small companies, social groups, and individuals, which fits well with the ACCPL’s audience. Wikispaces also seemed to offer more all-around features than the other three wikis; it has a 10 second signup, is one of the largest wiki platforms, has RSS support, easy space backups, and complete linked HTML.
