CiL 2008

One of the more interesting presentations I attended at Computers in Libraries was Library Web Presence: Engaging the Audience. In the first presentation, entitled Penn State Libraries Research JumpStart: A Fully "Widgetized" Interface, PSU librarians demonstrated how library widgets (small, portable versions of library tools) allow undergraduates to take their favorite pieces from CAT, the PSU library catalog, and move them to other websites such as Facebook, iGoogle, or to any website they want them. The widgets in CAT were designed for use primarily by undergraduates and provide a clean and simple access to catalog searches, including Proquest, as well as quick links to university services. In the second presentation, entitled LibGuides, Temple University librarians described a subject guide management system known as LibGuides which was used to enhance Temple's subject guides. LibGuides incorporates dynamic content such as RSS feeds, widgets, audio, video, search forms, and user comments. Furthermore, LibGuides moved Temple from a Web 1.0 to a Web 2.0 platform, providing ease of use and editing, instant results, flexibility, modular content, and interactivity. Both presentations demonstrated how the use of widgets and interactive subject guides can greatly improve library web services and simplify user interface.