Presenters: Heather L. Moulaison, PhD Student, School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey & Edward M. Corrado, Head of Library Technology, Binghamton University
Presented at: Colloque Conjoint ASTED | CBPQ, Montreal, Quebec, 15 May 2008.
Description: By using Web 2.0 technologies, librarians can create innovative Web-based subject guides to support multiple learning styles. At The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Library, Ewing, NJ, USA, online Modern Language Department subject guides were created to embrace new media formats and Web 2.0 technologies. These library subject guides supplement in-class student learning through their use of RSS (Really Simple Syndication or RDF Site Summary) and other delivery methods to present text, audio, images, and video content from the Web. Modern Languages guides incorporate content from online newspapers, targeted podcasts, and relevant blogs, and take advantage of social tagging Web sites like del.icio.us. These guides also take advantage of RSS technology to incorporate listings of new library print and multimedia acquisitions automatically based on subject or topic. Additionally, commercial RSS feeds can be used to advertise journal tables of contents and subject -specific database alerts that will be of interest to students and instructors alike. These easy-to-maintain guides incorporate constantly evolving content to become a living document that is right at home in the Web 2.0 environment. More importantly, the online resources promoted via the Modern Languages guides are comprised of high-quality, easy-to-access multimedia content representing a viable and trustworthy alternative to Google. The technologies involved and the systems support necessary will be described in this interactive presentation.