I haven’t played very much with Google Spreadsheets, yet, but I did share a test sheet with my co-workers, and it seems that I’ve given them automatic access to the beta test. So if anyone wants to have a peek, email me or leave me a comment (only gmail accounts work, though, so be sure you have one of those first [Update: I can get you one of those gmail accounts, too, if you need one. Just drop me a line or a comment]).
Comments closedI did it. I signed up for Google Spreadsheets, and I just got my acceptance letter.
I don’t know why I feel a little sheepish about adding to the Google mania, but I can’t really justify not playing with something simply because the company comes out with a new product every two or three weeks. I always was a stubborn one, though. If everybody says I have to see a movie, I don’t see the movie… One of my less-admirable traits, I suppose.
Ah well. It’s only a little feeling of sheepishness, easily ignored, easily dismissed. Let the playing begin!
2 CommentsYesterday Eric Morgan wrote to the Web4lib listserv wondering about starting up a new listserv exploring the catalog of the future (a topic that is becoming one of my de facto research areas because, well, I’m interested). Today it’s up and running and I’ve subscribed. You can join, too, by going here.
One of the interesting discussions that came up while deciding on the name of the list (ngo4lib for “next gen opac” was nixed because it sounds like a government agency… but I’m glad it’s gone because I HATE the acronym “OPAC.” It just smacks of everything that’s wrong with our current discovery system. It’s incomprehensible to non-librarians. It specifies that this system is online, which only makes sense if you’re differentiating between this and the card version. And by specifying “public access” it makes it sound like there’s a whole bunch of other good stuff out there that we just don’t let the riff raff see. But I digress… a lot.) Anyway, the question came up whether a listserv was really the best format for this discussion, and the answer was very quickly and decisively “yes.” Hmmm. Really? Someone pointed out that email is integrated into our lives while checking blogs isn’t. But my aggregator is now a part of my day, from beginning to end, just like my email.
Oh well, I don’t really care that it’s email. I was just interested in the speed with which other formats were dismissed. And I guess this way it’s more apparent that anyone can post, so that should help foster interaction.
Anyway, I’m signed up and look forward to a lively discussion. I wonder if any of the major vendors will sign on. Innovative Interfaces? SirsiDynix? Listening in could be not only a great source of ideas, but also a great PR move.
6 CommentsI learned (via LawLibrary Blog) that DOPA, H.R. 5319, has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. So far DUCAS hasn’t even been mentioned on Thomas… which must be some kind of oversight on Congress’ part.
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