Assignment 1

Blog URL: http://ugamandy.blogspot.com

Blog RSS Feed: http://ugamandy.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Standalone RSS feed:
http://feeds.rapidfeeds.com/36635/

I really like that Google Reader allows me to have one site to go to in order to follow all the blogs I have subscribed to for this course.

This week I have learned that a standalone RSS feed is similar to one generated by a blog. They are different in how they are created and what they include. A blog's RSS feed automatically generates a new item whenever a new posting is made to the blog. The blogger only has to set up this feature one-time. To generate feeds from a standalone RSS, the creator types each item and posts it, or schedules it to be posted, to aggregators and such. The advantages and disadvantages of the two types of RSS feeds really depend on what you are looking for. I like the RSS Feeds best because they seem easier and more convenient.
The Okefenokee Regional Library System serves Ware, Appling, Bacon, Clinch, and Pierce Counties. It is a PINES Participating Library. I am more familiar with the Blackshear Public Library which is a branch of the ORLS. Blackshear has a population of about 4,000 people. The library has not expanded its technology a great deal but does offer a small computer lab with Internet access. The goal of the wiki I feel would meet the library’s requirements would help to create a sense of community and would contain upcoming event information, book reviews, book discussions online, an Index of what is available at the library, children’s programs information, a resource of library and community history, and a way for suggestions or comments to be submitted to the library. It would need to be visually appealing and easy to use for library patrons. Library employees could use it to communicate with staff in house and in surrounding areas.
I visited WikiMatrix.org to decide which type of Wiki would be best for the library’s needs. I am new to the Wiki World and explored for awhile and thought it was interesting to see the different choices. I ended up choosing Wikispaces due to its affordability and because it seemed like it had a lot to offer.