New Year's Greetings from Archives*Open

The year 2009 starts and so resumes Archives*Open.

Over the holidays (which I hope you all enjoyed), I must admit I had very few opportunities to write or even draft any new blog posts. But, thankfully, I received a handful of interesting ideas from readers, ranging from content suggestions to community-building initiatives.

One suggestion was to create an online community on LinkedIn, which is a professional social networking website similar to the hugely popular Facebook but more focused on professionals connecting with other professionals. Registration is free, fast and simple; but, best of all, there are real opportunities to connect with others in your field.

For example, I opened a LinkedIn account a few months ago and have been adding new content, such as profile information, previous work experience and recommendations, and connecting with former colleagues as well as people who I have met online.

So, after some thought and preparation, I decided to start a LinkedIn Group called the Archives*Open Network. It is open to anyone interested in what Archives*Open is doing: Using Web technologies, current and emerging, to further improve and enhance public access to archival materials.

But more than attaining that supreme goal, I believe that in joining the Archives*Open Network, there will be many opportunities for members to share ideas on the discussion board and for members to connect with other members. Sounds like a good deal. Readers connecting with other readers.

Ready to join? Want to learn more? Visit LinkedIn and also visit the Archives*Open Network.

Upwards and onwards!