Month: April 2008

Any podcasts on YOUR iPod?

Karen and I were talking about this today…

What is on your iPod?

Do you subscribe to any podcasts? Do you download any library related content? Answer these questions and share your thoughts concerning podcasting and libraries by clicking on the Comments link just down there at the end of this post. Inquiring minds want to know! Really!
I must confess that at this point I am still an iPod novice user. I subscribe to a number of podcasts through iTunes and sync my cute little Nano weekly. Most of my subscriptions are for public radio programs, my current favorite being Selected Shorts. I’m just realizing that there is a whole new world out there with so much stuff that I can download. When collegian son comes home next week for the summer, I am going to have to ask him to show me how to download things into that amazing little toy without going through iTunes.
Even a quick search on iTunes leads one to much interesting library programming. Anyone out there subscribe to the MedlinePlus: NLM Director’s Comments? This week’s program features “Marijuana and Gum Disease.” I’m going to try the the University of Arizona SIRLS podcasts and Arizona State University’s Library Channel. Any other suggestions?
Are any of your libraries providing podcasts online?

No music on my iPod?

I love my Christmas present iPod, but I have yet to download any music. I subscribe to a number of podcasts and listen during my daily commute. Today, on my way to Columbus for a 2009 Midwest Chapter conference planning committee meeting, I listened to last week’s SirsiDynix Institute podcast Maximizing the Power of the Web: Pew Internet & American Life Project’s 2007 Findings. Lee Rainie, Director Pew Internet & American Life Project reviewed the results of a their 2007 survey on how people use the internet, libraries, and government agencies when they need help. The presentation was interesting, but the very poor technical quality of the audio made listening challenging.
Although the results pertained mostly to public library use, I found two items interesting in the results. I refer you to the presentation slides for supporting numerical details. First, young adults, ages 18-29, turn to libraries for problem solving (slide 32). In my hospital, folks in this age group are my library’s most frequent users — students, residents, younger nursing staff. They are used to using the library for school and continue to turn to the library for information assistance even after graduation. Second, people who have internet access at home still use the library (slide 25). “The internet isn’t your enemy, it’s your ally.” (slide 40)
What do you think?

Greetings Midwest Chapter Members!

Welcome to ConnectMidwest!
What is this blog all about? Take a look! It is so much more than announcements and news. Think of this blog as a CONVERSATION among the members of the chapter on any topic of interest. Think of the blog posts as conversation starters. Click on any of the Topics for Discussion over there on the right – there’s something for everyone!
How can YOU participate in the conversation?
Check out the “starter” posts then keep up with new posts by subscribing to the Recent Posts feed. And keep up with the continuing conversation by subscribing to the Recent Comments feed.
You can comment on any post by clicking on the Comments link at the end of any post. The comments are moderated and will be posted in a timely manner.
You can post an article on a news item or topic of interest. Just contact me and I’ll show you how! You don’t have to have your own blog to be a blogger. Become a Midwest Chapter blogger!
Join in the conversation!

Midwest Chapter now in Facebook!

Do you live in Facebook? Even if you only visit occasionally, join the all new Midwest Chapter Facebook group!
ChapterFacebook.JPG
If you read closely there on the top of the group page, you’ll see that one of the missions of the Midwest Chapter is “to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and the discussion of mutual problems and concerns.” The Facebook group and this blog join the chapter discussion list and newsletter as tools accutane pills online that chapter members can use to communicate with each other. Whichever medium you use most, the Midwest Chapter offers a great way to network with your fellow medical librarians! Join in the discussion!
PLEASE COMMENT! How can the chapter’s Facebook group page be improved? What information, widgets, or whatever can be added to make it a more useful communications tool? Click on that Comments link below and share your thoughts!

FREE Lunches at MLA

Roundtables.jpgThe deadline for applications for the chapter’s Chapter Sharing Roundtables “Free Lunch Award” is less than a week away! If you will be attending MLA, this is a no-brainer! Two chapter members will be able to participate in the discussion AND get a free lunch on May18th.
Here is the information you need to know to apply for the Free Lunch Award. All you have to do is submit paragraph or two describing “Why I deserve a free lunch.”
There is a Chapter Sharing Roundtable for every interest! There will be 30 topic tables this year:

  • Second Life and Health Care Information
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Changes in Technical Service in a Digital Environment
  • Clinical Decision Making Tools (Up-to-Date, MDConsult & others)
  • Communication Techniques for Library Patrons
  • Copyright Issues
  • Document Delivery Services and ILL
  • Electronic Libraries
  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Evidence Based Nursing
  • Expert Searching
  • Handheld Clinical Resources
  • How to Obtain Funds for Library Projects
  • How to Stay Current with New Technologies
  • Integrating You or the Library into the Curriculum
  • Issues in Hospital Librarianship
  • Liaisons Stepping Out of the Library
  • Librarian as a Consultant
  • Library Directors of the Future
  • Management of E-Resources
  • Managing Resources in Emergency/Disaster Situation
  • Multi-generations Working in the Same Library
  • New and Emerging Roles for Medical Librarians
  • Oral History
  • Point of Care Clinical Resources
  • Providing Virtual Reference Service
  • Strategies for Threatened Librarians/Libraries
  • Supporting Magnet Status Initiatives
  • Using New Technologies and Instructional Design for Teaching
  • Wikis in the Library