Semantic Web

Semantic Web is an extension of the present web, in which information is given well defined meaning that enables people and computers to work together more effevtively.

Sematic Web has the potential to enhance digital libraries enabling interoperability; the ability to access similar types of digital objects and services distributed across a number of repositories.

Semantic Web has potential for improving reference services in that it could:

1. anticipate client needs
2. improve accuracy and breadth of information provided in response to a specific request.
through being able to serach a wide source of information and analyse its relevance.
3. be able to accurately promote and publicize the scope and availablity of library services.
4. survey the information needs of the local community and create appropriate local information products.
5. evaluate the effectiveness of information services offered.

It also has the potential for collection development and building through being able to analyse current and future collection needs and sources of information.

Voyage RSS Feed Reader

This is an attempt at a three dimensional feed reader. Headlines float in space in varying layers of clarity. The ones closest to you are easier to read and are more up to date, the layers behind being older. Up and down arrows on your keyboard will take you back and forward through these layers. The lack of clarity of the distant headings is frustrating.
I personally did not find it very usable or attractive to use, and the navigation is quite difficult. It is necesseary to enter the URL of the feed you wish to access, there is no bulk upload facility, feeds must be entered one at a time, and it is not possible to create an individual account on this site.

Kart00

Kart00 is one of a number of search engines that uses pictures rather than text to display the relationships between retrieved internet sites. The search results are displayed visually using “peaks’- the bolder ones indicating the relative importance of the results retrieved. The mapped sites and topics are also listed in the navigation bar on the left hand side of the screen. A red triangular marker also appears on the screen allowing you to search on the site or pull up related sites. Contour lines also establish links between topics. The intention of Kart00 is to combine the power of both the logical and creative aspects of the brain. Using this search approach appears to take longer, and tends to bring to prominence unusual and peripheral aspects of a search topic.
Since serious research is approached through rational, logical analysis, a search engine that logically ranks results according to relevance would appear to be more beneficial. Kart00 however offers more entertainment value.

VuFind

VuFind enables users to search and browse through all of a library's resources by replacing the traditional approach of an OPAC. It brings up a multiplicity of materials in different formats.
Features include the ability to refine search results, a tagging system, the ability to add reviews and notes, and a capacity to find similar items. A search of the National Library of Australia suggests that it has a clean inteface and is user friendly.

LinkedIn

I have joined LinkedIn. It is the prefect tool to make business connections, make new professional contacts, share knowledge and hire staff.

Reference Staff 1984

Reference Staff 1984

Back Row: Gordon Turnbull, Helen Hazard, Ian Douglas, Barbara Camfield, Peter Simmenauer, Colin Bates

Middle Row: Lynne Murdoch, Barbara Nichol, Bea Donkin, Julie Ager, Jan Lindner

Reclining: Colleen Skinner

24 Hour Megaswim

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system affecting more young adult Australians than any other neurological condition. Your donation will help to minimise the impact of multiple sclerosis on all individuals affected by the disease by allowing us to offer a wide range of assistance, in the form of Scholarships and Financial assistance for home improvements, vehicle modifications and equipment.
So, here's how we went.
After 24 hours we had swum a total of 83km, soundly beating the other 30 teams (the next closest was 1.1km behind) and guaranteeing we'd require physiotherapy for the next four weeks.
My personal distance was 6.3km.
It was, of course, worth it. Over $160,000 was raised by the teams, a brilliant effort, all very proud. Thanks so much for your contribution.
Now, as for next year...
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gordon