Author Archives: Frank Norman

About Frank Norman

I am a retired librarian. I spent 40 years working in biomedical research libraries.

Research data – JISC and MRC

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Frank Norman

The annual JISC conference is a great jamboree of new technologies relevant to teaching, learning and research. It is an event I look forward to each year as there is sure to be something of interest, and every now and … Continue reading →

Posted in Research data | Comments Off on Research data – JISC and MRC

Getting to know early career researchers

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Frank Norman

There is a good deal of attention paid to so-called early career researchers (ECR) these days. At the recent JISC conference the session I enjoyed most was devoted to them and their information use patterns. The scene is set by … Continue reading →

Posted in Information skills | 1 Comment

Truthtelling

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Frank Norman

Last month I attended an interesting and lively discussion at the City University about science journalism. On my way home I opened the book I was reading at the time and saw the the following: In the world of financial … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogology, Writing | 1 Comment

Redefining what we expect of an ebook

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Frank Norman

I have for some time thought that ebooks will not oust print books until we have decent ebook reader devices. By “decent” I mean devices that are effective and affordable and are therefore in widespread use. For the last few … Continue reading →

Posted in E-books | 4 Comments

Talking about stories of science

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Frank Norman

I attended my first ever Fiction Lab last week. I’ve been meaning to get along to one of their meetings for ages – it has been going for two years, meeting monthly – so was glad to finally make it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading recommendations | Tagged | 14 Comments

More able type

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Frank Norman

I like to think of myself as a more able type of fellow – though with a growing tendency to be helpless, especially when it comes to hardware malfunctions. I reckon I should be able to figure out new versions … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogology, Books | 2 Comments

Thirty years of traditions

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Frank Norman

I’ve been a traditional librarian for 30 years Late last year I clocked up thirty years of working as a librarian. I think it is something to celebrate so I am going to inflict a little personal history on you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Libraries and librarians | 8 Comments

Digital Maoists

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Frank Norman

A nice review by Tara Brabazon in last week’s Times Higher of a new book: You are not a gadget by Jaron Lanier. Published by Allen Lane, 2010. ISBN 9781846143410 (See it on Amazon UK or Amazon US which also … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogology, Social networking | 4 Comments

Dissolving resolve

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Frank Norman

I know it’s a bit late to be talking about New Year’s resolutions but I was on holiday in January – the normal time for resolving – so my resolutions have only just kicked in. (Everyone knows that New Year … Continue reading →

Posted in Froth | 13 Comments

Online exhibition 2009 – quick overview

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Frank Norman

Early December is one of my favourite times of year. This is when the Online Information exhibition is held – the annual jamboree of information stuff for the digerati. It gives a snapshot of the information world and is always … Continue reading →

Posted in E-books, Journal publishing, Open Access | Comments Off on Online exhibition 2009 – quick overview