With this blog I tried to explore how libraries are utilizing different mashups to enhance their user experience. From simple map applications, to totally re-envisioning the library catalogue, there are lots of places that mashups can be of use. That said, before implementing them it’s always important to consider the purpose they’re serving. Are they [...]
Archive for December, 2009
Some Final Thoughts…
Posted in Uncategorized on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The Ultimate Mashup? BiblioCommons
Posted in Catalogues, Public Library on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
BiblioCommons is one of the newest mashups to enter into the mix. While their website doesn’t reveal much, a brief write-up in the Library Journal explains a little bit more about the BiblioCommons system. Similar to LibraryThing, it compiles all user reviews/tag (from all libraries that utilize BilbioCommons) but additionally allows people to create and [...]
A Library What? A LibraryThing!
Posted in Catalogues, Public Library on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The time had come for me to investigate LibraryThing. Admittedly, although I’ve heard the name tossed around quite a bit in school, I wasn’t really sure what it was prior to this. The LibraryThing: For Libraries page does a good job of going over the basics. Essentially, it’s a way of integrating Amazon-like features to [...]
I Need a Computer, STAT!
Posted in Academic Library, Maps on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Moving away from the catalogue for second, I thought I might check out how libraries are using mashups in ways that helped patrons navigate the physical space of the library. I was originally at the University of Toronto at Mississauga’s library page checking out their chat service when I noticed an interesting box in the [...]
People who borrowed this item…
Posted in Academic Library, Catalogues on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
One of the great features of Amazon is that it provides suggestions on what other books might interest you. Wouldn’t it be great if libraries could harness their own circulation data and provide something similar? Something like, “people who borrowed this item, also borrowed…” Well thanks to Dave Pattern at “Self-Plagerism is Style” that feature [...]
The Scriblio Scramble
Posted in Academic Library, Catalogues on December 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
While the chat services I found were definitely helpful, I was left wanting something a little more colorful, something with more pizzaz. I didn’t have to look far before I found Scriblio, a free open source content management system that imports a library’s OPAC into a WordPress format (just like this blog). It sounded intriguing [...]
Chit Chat at the Library
Posted in Academic Library, Chat Services on December 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Another popular use of mashups, is to integrate some sort of chat application directly on the website so that patrons can directly communicate with library staff. This is different from other instant messaging chat programs (AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc.) in that it doesn’t require the individual to have any third-party software installed on [...]
Minnesota Mapping: The Hennepin County Library System
Posted in Maps, Public Library on December 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
For my first mashup quest, I figured I’d start looking for your standard library address/Google map mashup. I was actually surprised how hard it was to find! I figured any large library system, with multiple branches would have a google map. Such was not the case! Even here in Vancouver, the VPL system had a [...]
