tumblr: why?!?!
I was having a conversation with some librarian friends the other week when we got on the topic of tumblr.
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I made my usual comment, which is something along the lines of “I don’t understand.”
The conversation reminded me that I started a tumblr a while back, and that maybe I should try to understand.
So if you’re interested, here’s where to find me on tumblr.
As of right now, the plan is to put stuff there that doesn’t really fit anywhere else – links, drawings, photos, etc.
And if you’re on tumblr, by all means let me know.
Filed under: Articles
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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Well, I’ve followed you there, but I must admit I have a similar opinion: I’ve been on Tumblr a year now I think and I still don’t get it. I ENJOY it passively, because it’s an easy way to scroll through a bunch of lovely pictures, but it’s terrible for actually having a conversation (in most cases you have to reblog to even comment), and my information-professional side hates that it’s nearly impossible to find out how old a post is and that so much of the time original sources aren’t cited. It’s frustrating.
I love Tumblr on a personal level and as a librarian. I love the interface, which is easy and clean. I also *like* the fact that there is little room for protracted discussion or comments. To me, it’s about viewing and examining information rather than engaging in a conversation of sorts. It’s a great platform for all kinds of content that don’t require a lot of stringent parameters, and yet there are Tumblrs with very distinct identities and themes. I would prefer all social networking take place on this platform, because I find many other Internet social networking platforms to be conducive to self-indulgent, banal rambling. Yes it is difficult to “source” material, but that’s irresponsible on the part of the blogger, and if a librarian were to use such a tool they could generate original content that is adequately sourced. Try it. I think you’ll get the hang of it. The Tumblr I manage for our library children’s department will follow you.