Chronicle of Higher Education

"Via Paul Kedrosky: 'Even slow-moving academics get RSS. The Chronicle of Higher Education, the trade rag of the academic set, has gone RSS. They are making their ‘career’ pages available through the obligatory bright orange XML button.' " [Lockergnome's RSS Resource]

Now if we could just get some keyword filtering going for this kind of feed....

JIWIRE Launches

"Find Wi-Fi hotspots around the world using our search, browse, and interactive map tools. Get maps and driving directions to Wi-Fi hotspots and find hotspots next to locations that interest you. Learn more about 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, Bluetooth, AirPort, and Centrino in our reviews, guides, project articles, and terms glossary."

Today I was able to participate in a conference call to launch this site to bloggers, the details of which you can read at Alan Reiter's site (and make sure you read the details to really understand the scope of the project). Watch Glenn Fleishman's site for more details, too, since he is editor in chief for JIWIRE, which I think bodes well for the venture.

I'm just thrilled to have a single place to turn to for finding wireless hotspots. The directory is starting with 11,000 listings which the editors are actually verifying on a regular basis. Even better for libraries is that the site will offer how-to guides for connecting to wireless networks for various operating systems (Windows, Mac, Palm, etc.), as well as advice for how to identify networks in the first place. Obviously the next step is for us to get libraries listed.

We do need to keep in mind that this is a commercial site, but just getting listed in the directory won't cost anything. However, I think this is a positive step for wireless in general. One to watch.

Update: you can listen to the conference call here (MP3 format).