Google, Ken Burns and Fractal Cognitive Engagement

This little movie caught my attention because of the juxtaposition of Google and Ken Burns. For those who havent seen them, Ken Burns made my favourite documentary series about The West and the American Civil War. As anyone who has been to any of my presentations knows, I am a Western freak and cowboys have a habit of sneaking into all my Powerpoints! So what is all this movie about?
When users search Google and type in the words they are likely to be doing more cognitive activity than we librarians thought. The Central Jersey Academic Reference Librarians (who made the movie) reckon that users are in fact using the zooming in and out of photo effect of Ken Burns. Therefore we should take this into account in design of web pages. Perhaps something like Quintura would go down well with many students? Give the movie a chance : it's an interesting prompt for discussion.

Librarian video

Thanks to Phil Bradley for bringing my attention to this little movie on YouTube from Dunedin Public Library. I'm just dying to try it out with a group of first year students to see how many misbehaviours they can spot and which they think is the most serious. It might be a better way of getting across library rules and encourage a discussion rather than the librarian just keep telling them what they should and should not do. Anyhow I did enjoy the moving stack. Reminded me of the days when I used to shelve in moving stacks back at the UL in Cambridge and the fun we used to have.

What's a mashup and would you want one?

Darlene Fichter of University of Sascatchewan Library has given an excellent presentation on mashups. The slides give a good indication of many interesting sites, made up of two web applications mashed together. Its the best and most entertaining introduction that I have come across. Best of all is the opening title slide with the singing monster : this you have got to check out!