Go now! My presentation is live…I’m not entirely happy with the presentation (I produced multiple screencasts resolutions, and they only linked to one) but overall, I think it’s pretty good.
If anyone needs other resolutions, or a stand alone download of the screencasts, I’m going to put links in the comments of the HigherEd BlogCon post.
Does anyone out there have any experience getting a small run of something manufactured? I’m talking small, plastic or foam, less than 1000 pieces. Could be easily formed, one piece, nothing complex…just an injection model of some sort.
I have another $1000000 idea, and am interested in seeing the cost of experimenting with it. Thoughts?
Just a reminder to anyone that cares: My presentation for HigherEd BlogCon goes live tomorrow! I’d love to hear from anyone who makes it through the whole thing…it took a ton of work to put together. I know that there are some problems with the timing on some of the screencast, but I don’t think anything actually effects the meaning behind the cast.
I’ll be available on the HigherEd BlogCon site tomorrow, answering questions in the comments section of the blog.
Today, Microsoft launched their answer to Google Scholar: Microsoft Academic Live Search. It’s an interesting product, but clearly young. Google Scholar is much larger (Academic Live currently only indexes a few scientific sources), and seems to have more integration with libraries. But the interface for Academic Live is much better, from a librarian’s point of view. Here’s a quick roundup of the important differences:
In all, it’s nice to see some competition, even if it is from the evil empire. Librarians will definitely have to keep an eye on this, and see how we can integrate it into our search strategies. Things I’d like to see:
Last thought: in the FAQ, Microsoft Academic Live suggests that if a library is interested in getting their OpenURL resolver attached to Academic Live, they contact their link resolver company. This strikes me as a completely unrealistic expectation. We’re supposed to drop our provider a line, and then expect them to provide Microsoft with our IP range? Seems easier to do it the Google way, and have each school contact Google if they want listing.
Just a heads up that the Library & Information Resources Section of HigherEd BlogCon is going on this week, with yours truly being featured on Friday. There’s more going on than I can keep up with, but the sheer amount of good stuff is going to keep me busy for weeks. That’s the amazing thing about a virtual conference…it’s all there, whenever you want to come back to it. Archival of the conference for future visitation, blog format for interactivity and feedback, no travel necessary…I’m beginning to think it might be superior to a traditional, live conference experience in a lot of ways.
…in pictures.
My view at Wrestlemania 22.
The UTC Reference Team on Beale St. in Memphis, TN.
Driving back from Memphis through the worst storm system in years. Over 40 tornadoes, winds over 60 MPH, hail in places the size of baseballs…and we were driving home. This was the scene during one part of our drive….a sudden hail storm left this in its wake.
And finally, fishing with Dad on Tim’s Ford and Guntersville Lakes.
I’m ready for some quiet time at home.
This week has been a complete blur. From my trip to Chicago, I was home for one day, and then me and the rest of the UTC reference crew headed off to Memphis to the Tennessee Library Association/Southeast Library Association joint conference. Thus far the conference has been less than useful…I’ll ruminate over the difficulties of legendarily introverted librarians giving presentations at some other time. For now, let me just say that the sessions have been not particularly informative.
Our presentation is tomorrow, and tonight there is a reception at the Memphis Rock and Soul museum. But first, there will be ribs!