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I love this magazine style WordPress theme and think it would be terrific for libraries looking to use WordPress as a content management system for their web site. I particularly like how it lets you have the latest story from each of your ‘categories’ show up on the main page. Create categories corresponding to library departments, service areas, branches… and the latest news from each will be on the main page. A lot less “bloggy” than many WordPress themes.
Branford Magazine WordPress Theme

And you can keep a main feature story at the top of the page, regardless of how many other stories are flowing into other parts of the page.

I haven’t tested it out yet though. The next library that wants me to help them with their web site is going to have to look at this one! I also plan to use it as an example in a class I’m putting together on using WordPress to replace ‘traditional’ web sites.

• Branford Magazine Theme Demo
• Branford Magazine Theme Download

Laura Cohen and Trudi Jacobson (U of Albany Libraries) have put together a terrific new guide to Evaluating Web Content, with particular attention being paid to blogs, wikis, social networking, multimedia sources and more.

10 years ago, Trudi and Laura collaborated on what I’ve always considered the definitive guide to evaluating web content. Their new guide is equally invaluable.

From Laura’s blog post Evaluating Web Content in the 2.0 Era:

“In a way, it’s fair to say that evaluative criteria don’t really change based on the type of site or material encountered. While this may be true, it’s also the case that students need help with looking for cues in different types of environments. In fact, some students aren’t even sure what they’re looking at.”

Want to see what other educators are doing with wikis, blogs, social networking, video, virtual worlds and more? Check out the finalists for the annual Edublogs Awards or “Eddies”. Tons of great ideas there. And while you’re there, VOTE!

Book Blizzard - What at terrific project at Stillwater Free Library (NY) - a reading challenge to the whole town and a fund raiser to boot. The funds will go towards making their wonderful old building handicapped accessible.

The Book Blizzard blog has lots of fun stuff going on: Santa reading “The Night Before Christmas”, holiday music, video of holiday lights, patrons comments on what they’re reading and more. Nice job!

feevy lets you put updates from other blogs on your sidebar. Instead of a static list of links to other blogs (or in addition to), readers will see the latest entries from your selection of blogs. See sidebar for an example.

After signing up for an account, you add each blog address and select a generic icon for each blog or upload an image/avatar for each blog.

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