Crossing barriers with the help of the Blogosphere & Internet

I was pleasantly surprised to find Sybilla leaving a comment in my earlier post (which was linked to hers). Sybilla even posted a greeting at her blog. She says:

I’m a librarian (well… kind of) who blogs about all sorts of stuff relating to new technologies and developments in information and education.

Now I know her name, as well as what she blogs about! She also wrote:

Aldus Ivan Chew oftewel Rambling Librarian over een post op mijn weblog. Leuk dat Ivan mij ontdekt heeft!

I was curious what that meant in English. Thanks to the Internet, I looked up the words from two Dutch/ English dictionaries, and -- this was really cool -- two online text and web page language translation services!

[*Links are at the bottom of this post. I've since added the URLs of the online translation services under "Useful Links" at my blog sidebar.]

I think Sybilla wrote the following (please correct me if I'm wrong, Sybilla):

"Thus, Ivan Chew or RamblingLibrarian came across a post on my weblog. Nice that Ivan discovered me".

Just yesterday, I learnt about a blog (in English) from an Argentinean librarian, Edgardo (Log of a Librarian). Reading his first post reminds me -- once again -- that librarians world-wide share common interests and ponder over similar issues.

Before I blogged, the only way I met overseas librarians was from attending conferences (and I didn't attend that many). There were also the library-related listservs but you don't really get to know your counterpart from reading their listserv postings.

It's so much different with blogs, as any blogger can tell you.

For one, you get to know more people. Second, reading the blog posts gives you some insights into the values and thinking of that person. That's not to say you'd really know a person inside out. But you definitely get a better sense of whether you can identify with that person or not.

I think at present, the main barrier in the Blogosphere is Language. For instance, I'd like Sybilla to blog in English so that I understand what she writes, but that's like asking me to blog in say, Mandarin and Dutch and Malay etc.

However, even that barrier is slowly being crossed with the help of free online translation services. Not perfect translations but good enough for me to understand Sybilla's posts, and leave intelligent comments (at least I think they were intelligent).

We might see browsers incorporating them (like how Google search is incorporated into Firefox). And why not even library OPACs even, and e-book readers.

And maybe it's not too farfetched to think that we would soon see portable translation devices as ubiquitous as mobile phones, being carried and used when people travel.

============
* These were really useful to translate and cross-reference the words:

• Freedictionary - http://www.freedict.com/onldict/dut.html
  
• Interglot - http://www.interglot.com/ (Click on the country's flag to change the language)
• AltaVista Babel Fish Translation - http://world.altavista.com/
  
• ImTranslator.com - http://freetranslation.paralink.com/
  

All sites last accessed on 18 Jun 05.

Tag:liblogarians

Why bother to promote to those who don't want to use libraries?

A few years ago, a colleague asked me something to this effect -- "Why do we have to try so hard to promote the library, implement outreach activities, do loan promotions? Why spend all the effort trying to get those who aren't interested in reading to use libraries? Why don't we only serve those who want to read?"

I was reminded of that after reading Michael McGrorty's post, Moving Libraries (14 Jun 05).

The person whom Michael described in his post would be what the NLB defines as a "non-user", in the category of those who are more concerned about hand-to-mouth issues rather than think about "expanding one's learning capacity". As Michael puts it, these people "have their hands full just getting along".

Essentially, Michael is saying that opening libraries isn't enough on its own. He advocates outreach activities, as well as for libraries to consider other options to reach these people. I agree wholeheartedly with Michael. But I have no answers how to effectively do this.

It is very tough trying to reach out to these people who are just not inclined to use libraries (I mean, consider READ! Singapore. As it is, not all readers are participating).

Over the years, NLB have tired to target the non-users. And we're still trying, like the kidsREAD programme that targets at children from low-income families. There are successes, though it's never enough.

Trying to serve this group is extremely morale-draining. One can lose heart because the response from them just isn't forthcoming. I'll be bullshitting you if I said I'm never disheartened. Oh, many times especially at the beginning of my career.

Now, perhaps because of my current responsibilities, I take a more detached view to such things. But instead of feeling disheartened directly, it's more of dealing with issues of staff resenting you for, say, asking them to do outreach when the results have not been forthcoming. Reading an earlier post of mine, I realised I was actually expressing some of that frustration.

So as much as I want to say that "parents have to play their part", the reality is that if libraries don't do something, the vicious cycle continues.

If I was asked the same question again, I'd refer my colleague to Michael's post.

I could recall vague bits of my answer to my colleague. Frankly I don't think I was that convincing. Or maybe this colleague of mine didn't really want an answer. Or maybe, I tried too hard to give one.

Perhaps the only answer (at least one that I believe in) is that we public service librarians just have to do it, because no one else will.


Tag: library advocacy, librarianship, public librarianship, public service librarian, role of libraries, reading promotion

Hear/ See/ Speak no evil -- but no one said anything about blogging

I have no idea what's being posted at this blog, inter-net-viewer.nl (Dutch?). For some reason, I've subscribed to it.

But I understood this cartoon. At least I think I do.

Then it struck me -- the Hands. I've seen the Three Monkeys hundreds of times but I've never really noticed the hands. The hands have the power to make us deaf, blind and dumb.

And if I use this analogy in the context of blogs...
Hmm.

"Bookclub with Attitude": ConnectViaBooks.com

Received an email from Flemming Madsen (subject "Social Networks meet Books (ConnectViaBooks)"). Thought it was spam but lucky for Flemming (I don't know him personally) I decided to read rather than junk it.

So he says he's put up a site for people to make lists of books they like and then connect with others who enjoy the same or similar books. He also says he'd love to have his site listed on my blog, as well as receive my comments on his site. He also included a press release statement (dated 13 June 05).

Flemming, I'm flattered that you want me to blog about it. You must think I get thousands of hits. I don't :)

But anyway, I checked out your site and woah! You've got more than a site! I like what your press release says:

Book club with attitude
"Book clubs serve a slightly different need," says Madsen, "ConnectViaBooks isn't just about sharing the latest novels. People may have favourite books on cookery, dressmaking or something more esoteric like Japanese prints." Whatever your hobbies and interests, you can now find others who have been inspired by the same writers. It's a book club with attitude.

I'm going to use that name for a bookclub that I want to setup!

Ok folks, the site is at www.ConnectViaBooks.com

Step 1: Registration was a breeze, though I wish my date of birth age was not a compulsory field. Not that I mind publicising my age per se, but I do mind giving out my actual birthdate. Maybe it allows the system to connect to people of the same age. Or maybe sell the info. Anyway, I didn't put in my real age, so there.

Step 2: Created my first booklist. I had better luck keying in the ISBN than using the keyword search. I typed "To kill a mockingbird" and got spark notes (not want I wanted). Keying in the ISBN got the right title.

After adding to your list, you could rate the book (though it's not clear if a higher rating meant a better rating. I presumed it was so).

BTW, if you want to add "Lord of the Rings" to your list, you might be better off searching "J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings" to reduce the search results.

Suggestion for Flemming: It would be nice to limit my search to "Bookcover Image only", 'cos I prefer to have book cover images for my booklist. And while you're at it, maybe you could let users limit by formats (e.g. Books or DVD/ AV)

Here's my booklist (you gotta have an account to view it).


Step 3: "Tell about yourself" (shouldn't it be "Tell others about yourself" or "Write about yourself"? I selected "Singapore" and was puzzled to find another option for "Johor", "Riau" and "Other (No) Region". You blokes got us mixed up with Malaysia. :)

There's also a "I am interested in talking to people about the following":

• Job offers to me
• Contract or consulting
• Relevant ventures
• Discussing books I have read or their topic
• I will answer questions about books I have read

Really? Job offers? Did I mention that I'm a librarian? We don't get paid very much. Anyway, I checked off only the last 2 options.

Oh, I decided to upload a photo too. A nicer one... Hmm, I'm at the edit profile page and it says "Profiles with pictures are more likely to be contacted by others." Maybe in my case I'd want to take down my photo! Seems the site administrators review the pictures and About Me text. For filtering spam and porn, maybe?


Search for people: Once my registration was verified, I logged in and searched for people based on my booklist (under the "Search" Tab at the top). There were 5, but none in Singapore yet.

Suggestion -- instead of naming the tab as "Search", would it be better to call it "Search & Connect" or "People Search"? The word "Search" alone gave me the impression that it was to search for more books to add to my list, rather than search for people. Maybe it's just me.

Ok, Flemming. Hope this was useful, and good luck. If I do get to connect with people (in Singapore) who share the same reading interests, and we form a bookclub that way, then you can be assured I'll promote your site like mad!


More excerpts from the press release:

So how does it work?
Once you have registered, which is free for a basic membership, you can then draw on a huge database of 50 million books to create your own personal book lists. A book list may include books that you have read or would like to read. You can create multiple book lists to match particular interests or create lists consisting entirely of textbooks and other learned publications - thus making the site a practical tool for academics and researchers who may find it difficult to find others interested in their field.

And because it's possible to see if someone lives in your area, gardeners, clock restorers or academics for example, can arrange to meet.*

Having created your book lists, you then tell the system to track down members who have chosen the same titles. As a further refinement, members whose lists match the greatest number of your own choices are ranked highest in your list of potential correspondents. From that point on, it's down to individual members to pursue the dialogue. Membership is international though initially most interest is likely to come from Europe, North America
and Japan.

Hey Flemming, how come you didn't mention "librarians"? : )

Tip on disabling lost mobile phones (or "Channel 9" for Singapore company blogs?)

NTUC Income CEO shares a tip on disabling your lost mobile phone, to prevent the thief from using it even if they switch the SIM card.

BTW, I've been following his blog and noticed a distinct improvement in his blogging style. His posts are much more conversational, and he now gives direct replies to the comments (see previous post).

Perhaps seasoned bloggers might think, "That's Blogging 101 -- nothing significant". But one has to recognise that those new to blogging may not realise certain subtleties to blogging. In my experience, many don't.

Anyway, would his blog make people buy more products from NTUC Income? Hard to say. But it sure makes NTUC Income seem a lot more accessible. In Accounting, there's something called Goodwill:

...an accounting concept that describes the value of a business entity not directly attributable to its physical assets and liabilities (source: Wikipedia)

I'm sure blogging contributes positively to the company's Goodwill. If Mr Tan is reading this, here's a suggestion:

• Implement an NTUC Income blog (think Microsoft Channel 9)
• At an appropriate time, commission a survey to measure the Goodwill value.

On certain airlines, you can plug in a headset to the seat and listen to the"Channel 9" banter between traffic control, ground control, and the pilot. That's what inspired Microsoft (read it here and here). Their Channel 9 Doctrine is worth a read too.

I had a chance to listen to such a channel on a flight and well, it's quite boring after a while.

So the idea (for company blogs) is more of applying the principle of letting people take a peek into how the business is run, rather than listening in to everything. For potential customers to get an idea of how the people working in the company (rather than "The Company" itself) think. Potential customers can therefore infer certain values about the company.

Can such an organisation blog be "faked"? It could. But if it's found out (and it will be), the company would be quickly seen through and lose all credibility.

If NTUC Income does this, I think they might end up changing how insurance companies do business in Singapore.


[Tag:singapore business blog, ceo blog]

Endorsement for NLB libraries

Some days I question myself, "Why do I bother to work so hard? Is the library service making a difference in the lives of our users? What if all this is for nothing?"

Then I read a post like this, and self-doubt vanishes. I throw myself into work with confidence.

... I love love love the library...

There were a few times that I secretly cursed the library for being so fast and wished that I didn’t purchase a book on impulse.

Talking about delighting a customer. I think many other government organizations have a lot to learn from them.

Thanks, Mel!

Tag: customer service, libraries, perception of libraries, national library board singapore

Chinese Language Meetup participates in READ! Singapore

With permission from Preetam, who's also the organiser for the Singapore Chinese Language Meetup Group:

Meetup this Thursday May 19, 7 PM. The venue is Tea Chapter on Neil Road, the nearest landmark is Maxwell Food Court and the nearest MRT is Chinatown.

We will be introducing some starting books, some of the places where you can learn Chinese in Singapore and other learning resources. We will also be exchanging travel stories and travel tips.

Just so that we know how many are turning up, please RSVP on the meetup site.
http://chinese.meetup.co m/115/events/4684110/

At the time of this post, there were 10 people who have RSVPed. Preetam also agreed to participate in READ! Singapore by choosing books from Chinese book selection.

No one is forced to read the proposed books of course. But it would be good to count the meetup group as a participant. I have recommended these two books:


7-Eleven狂想曲: 函函青春小说
Love at the Convenience Store by Han Han
NLB Call No.: SING HNHN (Singapore Collection)
Click here to check item availability
Direct link to discussion guide


希尼尔微型小说
Short Stories of Xi Ni Er
NLB Call No.: SING XINE (Singapore Collection)
Click here for item availability.
Direct link to discussion guide

They are short stories, with each story averaging about 10 pages in relatively large font. Perfect for me 'cos I have to reply heavily on my Chinese-to-English dictionary to decipher almost every character.

I'm choosing "Love at the Convenience Store". It's written by a young lady, real name Chen Qiyun. She's currently an undergrad at NTU (if I read the blurb correctly). Wah, early 20s and published author. There's a picture of her behind the front cover.

I asked Preetam if the members of the Chinese Language Meetup were experts in the Chinese Language. He says most are "learners", which prompted me to join. What better way to improve my Mandarin than to discuss about books in the language, in an informal setting. Read Preetam's post about the group here.


Tag: readsingapore, meetup.com

Book vouchers to be won: READ! Singapore

In case you weren't aware:

READ! Singapore Book Quiz Contest
* 1st prize: $500 book voucher
* 2nd prize: $300 book voucher
* 3rd prize: $100 book voucher

How to participate

1. Borrow any FOUR books (need not be from the READ! Singapore selection)
   
2. Attach that loan receipt to the contest form (available at the libraries).
3. In the contest form, name any one book title from each of the four official languages -- English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil.
4. Deposit the form in the contest box in library.

Winners will be drawn and notified by 6 Aug 2005.

In case you missed the link above -- here's where you can check out the titles. Enough hints?

As you can tell, the NLB would like you to visit the READ! Singapore site (just check out the titles at the very least), and drop by the nearest library. The book vouchers will make a good gift, wouldn't they?

Tag: readsingapore

David Weinberger's re-explanation of KM

Updated: 8 Jun 05

David Weinberger puts it so succinctly:

The K stands for blogs.
The M stands for tags.
Put 'em together and you get "KM."*

*Knowledge Management

I just have one problem -- my Technorati tags don't always work with Blogger.com.

I created this My Technorati Tags post to list all the tags I've used, which is like an Index to retrieve my posts (by subjects, if you will). It also serves to remind me what tags I've used, so that I don't duplicate.

Unfortunately, the tags don't always work. For instance, I know I have several posts tagged rambling librarian interview. But Technorati tells me there are no posts with such tag, when I know I have this, this, this, this, this,and this.

Maybe I'm missing something here.

Anyway, I sometimes resort to using the Google search (provided by Blogger.com) with the same Technorati tag terms in quotation marks, like this -- "rambling librarian interview".


Tag: tags, tagging

Ask a librarian to help with a creative project

Came across this MacNN.com article "Apple brings "The Studio" to more retail stores" (31 May 05), and this made me sit up:

The Studio helps customers with creative projects, rather than technical questions. "It's a place where our team of Creatives -- filmmakers, musicians, photographers, and designers -- work one-on-one with you to make your creative projects a reality. Whether you're making a movie, a photo album, a song, or a logo, we can help you make it amazing."

I'm not a Mac user, less so an evangelist (not that there's any thing wrong in that). I took notice of the article because it articulated what I've been trying to tell my public librarian colleagues -- that in today's context, public librarians should act as (for want of a better term) "creative information consultants" to users rather than just "information technicians".

To me, using Google and even online databases are technical skills. Once you learn the basics, you don't need a librarian to help anymore, because you have access to those tools. Even navigating within the library has been made intuitive.

Basically, as a "technician", we're being made redundant.

But as "information consultants", we do more than provide answers or show users how to go about obtaining information. The information gathering part is just one aspect. There's also the thinking and planning. As consultants, we also leverage on personal networks to provide answers to the user.

I'm suggesting that librarians work one-on-one with users to make their "projects" or tasks better than they can do alone (within reasonable timeframes). And not just school projects. It could be "projects" like "Buying a Digital Camera" or "Renovating my apartment".

The technical part for those "projects" would be to cite magazines and books on the above subjects. The creative consultation part is really to offer suggestions, ask other people on the behalf of the enquirer (even via blogs and forums).

The idea is for public librarians to really make a difference in the user's entire information value-chain. And if I may even paraphrase: "To help you make it amazing."

OK, I know my views might not sit well with librarians. So fire away. :)


[Tag:librarianship, public librarianship, public service librarian, role of libraries]