For anyone interested in learning more about Wiki’s, a SirsiDynix Institue was held July 13th titled Wiki: The Ultimate Tool for Online Collaboration.  This presentation has been archived and is now available for viewing.

Leading the program was Meredith Farkas. The 1-hour presentation description is:

Don’t miss ut on this important institute presented by the queen of Wikis,

On Wednesday afternoon of the Evolving Library Services for Digital Natives program, participants were presented with the “expert panel.” The panel included Aaron Schmidt, Sarah Houghton, and Stephen Abram. They were facilitated by Alane Wilson from OCLC. Each panelist was provided a few minutes to talk about what they believe are the most pressing issues facing librarians in serving digital natives.

Aaron

The technology is not separating us from other people. The technology is social in nature. Even when people are playing video games, they are likely playing games with someone; possibly someone who is physically near them. Even though they email and IM, teens have most interaction face to face.

I have been using IM (instant messaging) for a number of years. I’d like to be able to identify when I started, but I don’t recall; it’s simply been a part of how I interact with people for a long time. Who do I chat with? And why?

I chat with colleagues, family, friends, and sometimes representatives from companies with whom I’m doing business. I IM with my mom, who was inspired when I moved away from the town where she lives and she didn’t want her long distance phone bills to grow too larege. I IM with my sister late in the evenings when we want to catch up. IM is quieter than chatting on the phone and it doesn’t wake the kids. I have IM’d with a representative of my DSL provider when I needed technical support. I have IM’d with other libraries with whom I am working on committees through ALA. I IM with friends if I see them online.

Over 100 people gathered Tuesday evening to hear Stephen Abram talk about the “Information Tornado.” The group included the 90 participants registered for the full conference, a Representative from the Idaho Legislature, and about 11 others that were interested in hear what Mr. Abram had to say about the future of library services.

After a brief delay due to a technical difficulty (the microphone wasn’t functioning), we were well under way. State Librarian Ann Joslin provided an overview of how we got to this point. From the 1998 Futures Conference to the 2020 Vision Think Tank held in August of 2005, the Idaho Commission for the Libraries (ICFL) is now working with the 2020 Vision that provides a number of strategies to help the Idaho library community achieve that Vision. After a brief introduction, Stephen Abram took the stage.

Thanks to A Wandering Eyre for pointing me in the direction of Blog about Libraries, who came up with this great list of 20 points on excellent library customer service.

Just to get you started:

1. Get the patrons what they want, how they want it, on time and with a smile.
2. Having a good attitude is not