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I’m finding the current continuance of Gormangate sorta funny, and I’m not planning to say much about it [gripping the keyboard with sweaty palms] “must … resist … urge … to … yip … and … yawp … !”

But I will comment on this: the tags and linkwords being generated around the current ALA president are simply to die for. I screengrabbed one of them for you - See Also uses the tags yipping, yawping, and sad old men. The Librarianinblack uses irrisponsible and alienating as linkwords that link to other posts. I have also seen Gormangate and blogpeople used as tags.

For some much-needed contrast, go to Technorati.com, click tags, and do a search on “leslie burger”. Here’s what you’ll get: first, some recent images from her Flickr account. Also one pic from the Shifted Librarian, titled “View of San Antonio from Leslie Burger’s suite.” How “suite” is that (sorry for the bad play on words…)?

Then (ok - seriously - scroll on down past the hamburger ads…) you’re greeted with four posts: two discussing her work on the Katrina Project, one titled “ALA to see changes,” and one titled “On Becoming the Change You Want to See.”

I think tags and linkwords for the ALA Presidency are about to change for the better…

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As of now, I have given two online webcasts, where I spoke into a phone or a microphone plugged into a PC, and clicked through a web version of a Powerpoint presentation. I’ve also listened to quite a few webcasts, either live or after-the-fact via podcasting.

Here are some pointers to think about when preparing for a live webcast:

I. Before the Webcast

Test EVERYTHING beforehand, preferably a day or two in advance, so you have time to make changes if needed. Here are some ideas of things you should check out:

• webcast software - there are many different types in use, and all have different features. Make sure to test the system being used beforehand, so you know how everything works.
• Your Powerpoint - if you plan to use a Powerpoint presentation, make sure to test it out within the webcast application. And remember - since there can be a lag between the time you click to the next screen and when the screen actually changes, you might want to cut back on the fancy animations and transitions - simple and functional is best.

Check, check, one two … test the microphone. You’ll either be speaking into a telephone or a microphone:

Telephone tips:

• If your phone has an earbud/mic input, use it - that way, your hands are freed up, you don’t fade in and out or make extra distracting noise when you move the phone around, and you’re less likely to accidentally hang up in the middle of your most important point by pressing a button with your cheek.
• Do you have access to a conference phone? If so, then use it for the same reasons as above.
• No cell phones! The sound quality isn’t as clear as a “normal” phone.

Microphone tips:

• Test the microphone beforehand to make sure it works. A good way to do that is to download Audacity (a free, open source sound editor), and record your voice through the microphone you plan to use, then listen back.
• If possible, get your hands on a better microphone. I’m not asking you to spend $5000 on a studio-quality microphone, but … if you plan to do more than a couple of webcasts or plan to create podcasts, you might benefit from a better mic - try one of the newer USB-equipped large diaphram condenser microphones on the market right now (check them out at musiciansfriend.com). Or, get one step geekier, and purchase a basic podcasting system, coplete with mic and soundboard.
• Make sure you’re not too close to the mic (icky distortion sound isn’t good) or too far away from the mic (echo and that “I’ve fallen into a well” sound aren’t good, either)..
• Don’t move your head around! You don’t want your voice to fade in and out, do you?

II. During the Webcast: just a few pointers…

• if you blog, send out your Powerpoint or handout BEFORE the presentation - like 10 minutes before. This gives attendees the option to print it out and take notes, if desired. It’s a nice touch.
• Stay focused - it’s harder to stay focused and not ramble when you feel like you’re speaking to yourself. Force yourself to stay on topic.
• Make sure you’re in a place with no distractions or interruptions - no pets, kids, or co-workers pounding on your door!
• Speaking pickiness: watch those “ummms” and “aaahhhhhs” - they are magnified when people are listening to your voice alone. Practice this - when you feel the urge to say “um” - instead, just be quiet. It sounds so much better.
• Interaction - most webcast applications incorporate some type of text chat. Make sure to use that to your advantage! Do you want to take a show of hands? Then do so - ask attendees to type 1 for no, 2 for yes, etc. It’s a good way to take a quick, informal poll.

III. After the webcast

• Question time - remember that there are voice questions and typed chat questions - address both.
• Provide your email, blog URL, etc for follow-up or more information.

Now - go out there and digitally WOW us!

Webcast

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Yes, THAT SXSW - the one in Austin with cool music. Did you know the annual conference also focuses on interactive technology? I didn’t until a few months ago.

If you want to learn more about building web 2.0 dealies for your websites - I’d suggest attending the conference next year. Take a peek at their speaker list for 2006 - pretty impressive!

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I just saw New Catalog Kiosk from the Library TechBytes blog. And it’s a great idea, too!

Helene mentions her library’s Catalog Kiosk - go take a peek at the image, then come right back. They have created an in-library web page “kiosk” that points to lots of library information - just in a user-friendly way. It includes:

• Access to the catalog, with a big, fat “Begin Search” button
• A My Account link
• A Find Articles search box
• Staff recommendations
• Upcoming programs
• News
• Button to the general library website

I find this a great way to integrate content for patrons inside the library. This allows staff to concentrate on “most wanted” information at the Public PCs (or “Kiosks”), while still maintaining a global website that brings together even more information.

Great job!

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Just saw the SIRSI RSS thing that Jenny Levine posted. Very cool on first glance! I hope it ends up to be what SIRSI is claiming it will be. If so, that’ll be one awesome product.

But for me, there are some questions I’ll need to answer to become completely satisfied with the product. Mainly, because the way I’m reading SIRSI’s PDF, to use the RSS feed part, you have to purchase SIRSI Rooms (a separate product from the Unicorn ILS system my library has).

So the first question is this: will you be able to use the RSS feeds mentioned without purchasing the separate SIRSI Rooms product?

Also, it sounds like the newest version of SIRSI Rooms is really trying to become a Content Management System (CMS), which is cool… unless your library system already has one in place. Then it’s not so cool - who wants to operate two CMS’s? That sorta defeats the purpose of content management, doesn’t it?

So my second question is this: how well wil it integrate with my present website? Can I hook up parts and pieces of the SIRSI product with my website as needed?

Or maybe I’m off my rocker, and still trying to do it the hard way (build it yourself, rather than piggybacking off someone else’s hard work)? Not sure.

Of course, first things first. I want to see some more info, and I want a DEMO!

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