If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the brand new, online, Library Student Journal.  I haven’t had the chance to read through the articles yet, but it definitely looks interesting. 

First of all, I think it’s great that there is a journal dedicated to library student writing.  When I was in school, I thought about trying to get a couple of my papers published.  But I had no idea where to begin and the process seemed a bit intimidating as a “lowly” library student.  (By the way, the author of one of the articles attends my MLIS alma mater!)

Second, the publication is continuing the trend of peer-reviewed articles that are available for free (to both the readers and the authors) online. 

Finally, readers can comment on each article, providing a forum of discussion on each topic.

I would love to see more publications of this type in the library and information sciences field (and if anyone knows of any, please let me know!)

For those who might want some more information on the Deleting Online Predators Act, which would prevent schools and libraries from providing access to social networking sites…

The text of the proposed bill, HR 5319.

ALA’s reaction.

An interview with Henry Jenkins and Danah Boyd.

An LA Times article on the reality behind restricting access.

Keep in mind that these few links barely scratch the surface of what’s available on this topic.  But it’s a good start in understanding the issues involved.

I have spent the better part of two weeks attempting to come up with an eloquent essay on the 2.0 technology privacy concerns and Congress’ attempt at preventing students from using most of these 2.0 technologies.  Yet, as I sit here trying to write, I haven’t a single eloquent sentence.  Instead, I have a jumbled mess of thoughts on how social networking software can be used for good, not just evil. 

How I agree with one blogger’s metaphor of throwing out the baby, bathwater, and bathtub as a way to describe the legislation’s attempt to avoid the potential evil by also doing away with all of the good.  (And how frustrated I am that I didn’t copy the trackback url or note which specific blogger this was at the time I read it so that I can’t give said blogger credit.  Edited to add: I finally found the post!) 

How I applauded Karen’s manifesto.  In it, she states “If you block a tool the users want, users will go elsewhere to find it.” and I wish I could make Congress realize this.

How blocking the use of these technologies in the schools and libraries will create yet another digital divide between the “haves” and “have nots.”

How I feel that while Library 2.0 technology is a nice idea, I don’t think it’s a realistic path in this day and age of the PATRIOT ACT.

How Web 2.0 technology can be greatly utilized in the library, especially in outreach with the community.

How Web 2.0 is creating an information overload that is preventing me from writing an eloquent essay, but is also providing me with the social network I need to to develop an informed opinion.

Sometimes you can’t have good without evil.