This page was developed with the intent to explore the relationships between libraries and the online social networking sites available in today’s culture. Social Networks can include sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Flickr and many others; the basis of a social network is for individuals, groups and organizations to be able to share and connect to one another. With online social networks and sharing tools this has become easier and more popular than ever and it’s only natural that libraries explore the advantages that these sites have to offer and the benefits that they provide both their patrons and themselves. If it hasn’t yet occurred to you, you have now entered yet another form of a social network…a blog. The members of Group 3 in LIS 6010 welcome you and encourage your thoughts and comments.
Advantages and Disadvantages
•November 19, 2008 • 7 Commentsby Andrea Dickson
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking for Libraries
There are a multitude of social networking opportunities available for use today. Social networking sites can be used to connect with patrons and to connect with other librarians (Breeding, 2007). This post will focus primarily on the advantages and disadvantages of social networking for libraries themselves, as the following post will discuss the different types of use. Individual libraries must decide whether they want to utilize this new technology and, if so, which networking opportunities are best for their library. Social networking technologies include sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Delicious, Flickr, Twitter, blogs, wikis and many more. Many librarians advocate using these sites to benefit the library, as they present another avenue to reach out to patrons. However, there are both disadvantages and advantages to using social networking in libraries.
The greatest advantage to using social networking sites in libraries is the ability to connect with patrons. These sites allow patrons to stay updated on library events and to plan events they wish to attend without having to physically go to the library. A library can post images of books for discussion groups, post news about the library, and post pictures and videos of the library and library events. They also allow libraries to interact with patrons through discussion boards and walls, image tagging, and comments. Ultimately, social networking sites allow libraries to promote their services in a different venue.
Social networking sites not only allow libraries to reach out to patrons, but they also allow patrons to reach out to libraries. Patrons can leave feedback for libraries and can make suggestions to improve services in a setting that is comfortable for the patron (Farkas, 2007). Social networking sites also allow library users to find information about the library in an interface with which they are already familiar (Landis, 2007). As users of a particular site, patrons are familiar with its features and therefore do not have to worry if they are using the library’s site properly. Essentially, social networking allows libraries to reach out to patrons and to market services outside of traditional methods, providing increased opportunities to connect with current and potential library users.
Yet, social networking does not come without disadvantages. Social networking sites generally appeal to a younger demographic. Thus, many populations, particularly elderly users, will not be reached by such efforts. Some libraries also face problems using social networking sites because library filters can block them. This is a problem largely experienced in public and school libraries, limiting the impact of use of social sites by libraries (Stephens & Gordon, 2006). In addition, some users of social networking sites are resistant to connect with institutions. For example, many college Facebook users would not be interested in “friending” the university library system as there may be content on their own pages that they do not wish university faculty to view. A survey about MySpace and Facebook usage by academic libraries found that “67% of MySpace/Facebook users reported they discuss school and professors in their discussions in MySpace/Facebook” (Chu & Meulemans, 2008, p. 77). This reveals potential limitations for libraries using social networking tools. Ultimately, any library looking at using social networking tools must weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on the unique situation of that library.
Discussion Questions:
1. What other advantages and disadvantages do you see for libraries using social networking sites?
2. Are there certain types of libraries that you believe would benefit more from social networking than others?
Sources:
Breeding, M. (2007). “Librarians Face Online Social Networks.” Computers in Libraries, 27(8). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Chu, M. & Meulemans, Y.N. (2008). “The Problems and Potential of MySpace and Facebook Usage in Academic Libraries.” Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 13(1).
Farkas, M. (2007). “Going Where Patrons Are.” American Libraries, 38(4). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Landis, C. (2007). “Connecting to Users with Facebook.” Georgia Library Quarterly, 43(4). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Stephens, M. & Gordon, R.S. (2006). “Priceless Images: Getting Started with Flickr.” Computers in Libraries, 26(10). Retrieved November 16, 2007, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Using Social Networks to Connect Professionally
•November 19, 2008 • 2 Commentsby Katrina Demongey
When we think of social networking when applied to libraries, most assume that it is to improve relations with our patrons. While this is very much a primary objective for library professionals it is not the only one. Networking with other professionals within your field is also incredibly important for making contacts and gaining information and ideas, which can then be applied to your own library. The previous post looked at some of the advantages and disadvantages that these networks provide to library patrons, while this post will provide some examples of online social networks available to library professionals.
Library Professional Social Networks:
Facebook Examples*:
American Library Association Members
Special Libraries Association Members on Facebook
Association of College & Research Libraries – Distance Learning Section
*If the above links do not take you directly to the organizations page, it may require you to first sign into your account. Once signed in type the name of the organization in the search box for groups.
MySpace Examples:
Young Adult Library Services Association
Flickr Examples:
Informational Professionals in Action
Technology of today makes connecting with fellow librarians and information professionals easier than ever. So, while you’re exploring the possibility of providing your patrons with the convenience of social networks, why not explore your options as well?
Discussion Questions:
After looking at some of the examples of library professional social networks (provided above), what are some of your thoughts about the type of use that librarians and other professionals are using to connect with one another? What could be some negative aspects of this type of networking? Explain.
Do you suppose that professional use of social networks is as or more important than the patron aspect of it? Explain.
MySpace
•November 19, 2008 • 3 Commentsby Katherine O’Malley
In recent years libraries have undergone a major change due to the advent of computers and the Internet. Libraries have adapted to this change and now computers are a fixture. With the Internet came social networking sites. The largest of these sites is MySpace. MySpace is populated by people of every age, religion, and ethnicity. MySpace is used, however, primarily by people under 25 (Farkas 2007). “Yet, even in January 2006, when its profile population hovered around 47 million, MySpace was still receiving more daily hits than Google” (Evans 2006). Since 2006 MySpace has only grown. Libraries have begun to realize the opportunities MySpace has provided to reach out to patrons, especially the younger set. Libraries’ creating their own MySpace page has been met with differing opinions. Some librarians have embraced the new medium while others have rejected it.
The libraries that have embraced MySpace have found it has increased their communication with the elusive tween, teenage, and college groups. Stepping into the world of MySpace has put libraries within easy reach for these patrons who generally spend a large amount of time on MySpace. The idea is to have library materials available where students are most likely to look. “Despite the wealth of library resources, students often use nonacademic search engines when doing coursework. If these same students browse MySpace while they are doing their homework, then the library functioning in that space might be just the reminder they need to use library resources in their next paper” (Farkas 2007). The goal is go make these students aware of the resources offered by the library. Libraries are always looking for methods to reach out to their patrons and make it more visible in the community. Just like a traveling library was innovated in the past, a MySpace page is today’s library innovation.
Creating a MySpace page for a library is not enough to reach out to the younger patrons. The library has to put in work to make the students aware of the page and be an effective librarian. Mathews (2007), “… warns librarians that if we venture into student territory like Second Life, or MySpace, we can’t be tourists. We can’t use these exciting new places to deliver the same tired message. Instead, we need to adapt to the culture of the country”. If librarians give information over MySpace willingly and in a manner acceptable to the students, then the students will be likely to give feedback to the library. This feedback can be used to further improve the libraries presence on MySpace and therefore their ability to help the students find information. Evans (2006) says,
Investing some time in this new social network can really pay dividends. In traditional or even some newer reference environments, such as at the physical reference desk, or in chat session, we tend to learn little about our patrons, the students we find on MySpace, on the other hand, have much to say about who they are in all areas of their lives, from what their favorite books are to telling all who care to hear about their future career aspirations. Reading student profiles allows us to be a little playful with students and in some cases teach them about the library without their even asking for such information.
MySpace allows librarians more information about who they are helping so they are better able to produce the information the patron desires. MySpace may not be the traditional method used to help patrons find information but, it is nonetheless effective.
As many positives as MySpace has provided libraries’ ability to reach out to students in a new medium, there are those who are concerned with MySpace. Most of these concerns are a result of children being taken advantage of on MySpace. Aiken (2006) writes, “The target of censorship at my library has been the social networking site MySpace (www.myspace.com). A central concern is the fear of adults using MySpace to prey on young people.” Even though this is a possibility, MySpace is not the only place children are susceptible to predators. Children, sadly, can become victims anywhere at anytime. In addition to the possibility of children becoming victims, adults have traditionally reacted negatively against practices they do not understand. It has happened in the past with television, jazz, and rock and roll (Aiken 2006). MySpace is today’s rock and roll and adults think it is dangerous because they don’t understand it or use it. These concerns extend to librarians. Many librarians have no experience with MySpace and therefore, are apt to think it will not improve their job or their library. As a librarian, however, it is their job to provide the best information necessary and ensure the library is a valuable part of the community. By using MySpace, libraries can reach out to many patrons who previously would not have taken advantage of the libraries’ resources.
Although there are dangers to students using MySpace, it is a valuable tool libraries can employ to reach a larger clientele. An example of the effectiveness of MySpace is when Evans (2007) states, “…when the library posted a job ad using traditional methods, not a single student applies. When Evans posted it on MySpace, she got 25 applications within 48 Hours.” MySpace has become a source of information on many areas including music, people, jobs, and businesses and organizations. It is a librarian’s job to know how and where people get their information. By becoming a part of MySpace libraries can help ensure patrons find reliable information. It may not be the traditional method of communicating with patrons but it allows the library to reach more people with a new method. Reaching out in new ways is vital to the survival of libraries. According to Miller (2006),
If libraries are going to be places where patrons can come to get up-to-date on these new sites, librarians have to get over any anxiety they feel about them. If more of us in Libraryland, and I mean everyone from students to directors, considered MySpace and the like of our places, we’d use them to influence the public’s perception of libraries, pick up trends, sense the needs of patrons, and participate in communities beyond our walls in yet another way.
MySpace is a useful tool that more libraries should consider adding to their ways to reach out to the community. Libraries see results when they use MySpace. If libraries and librarians are going to continue to be relevant, embracing MySpace and other social networking tools allows them to reach a new generation and expose them to the services provided by the library.
Address:
www.myspace.com
Sample of Michigan Libraries with a MySpace Account:
- Lansing, MI Public Library
- Ann Arbor, MI District Library
- Royal Oak, MI Public Library
- Grand Rapids Public Library’s Teen MySpace
- Benton Harbor Library Teen
- River Rouge Public Library
- Ypsilanti Public Library
- Blair Memorial Library in Clawson, MI
- Lapeer District Public Library
- Harbor Beach Library
Discussion Questions:
1) Do you agree or disagree that MySpace should be censored at libraries?
2) Do you think MySpace improves a librarian’s ability to connect to patrons?
3) Is using social networks like MySpace a good way for libraries to reach more patrons?
Sources:
Aiken, Jilian. (2006). Hands Off MySpace. American Libraries, 37(7), 33.
Evans, Beth. (2007). MySpace=MyOpportuntiy. Library Journal, 132(5).
Evans, Beth. (2006). Your Space or MySpace?. Library Journal. Available through Net Connect.
Farkas, Meredith. (2007). Going Where Patrons Are. American Libraries, 38(4), 27.
Mathews, Brain. (2007). “NowGen” Instinct. Library Journal, 132(5).
Miller, Rebecca. (2006). The MySpace Gap. Library Journal, 131(15), 8.
by Katrina Demongey
Facebook began as a small network at Harvard University to emulate the school’s yearbook by creators Mark Zuckerman, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes in 2004. By year’s end Facebook had opened up their site to users at all universities; high schools in 2005 and to the public in 2006 (Jennings, 2007).
MySpace may be the “king” of the social networking world but if that is true than Facebook might be considered the “prince” of that same world. Hot on the heels of MySpace, Facebook is gaining popularity with generations of users. Perhaps part of the reason for their success is their “constant development” (Breeding, 2007). By allowing applications, updating design and adding new features Facebook has been keeping the attention of its users and making a more relaxed and fun environment, though sometimes considered controversial. (Breeding, 2007) It is true that business’ that change with the times seem to fare better than those who can’t or are unwilling to adapt. And so must libraries adapt to this online environment.
According to the National School Boards Association 50% of children and young adults between the ages of nine and seventeen use a social network while doing homework (Powers, 2008). If students are spending a significant amount of time on these networks and significantly less on their libraries homepage, what good are those resources you have to offer if they’re not being used? Bringing your resources to these users is an opportunity to expand your services and expertise and Facebook is one option you have to consider.
By creating a Facebook account you have the ability to reach users of all ages because it allows for a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere. And since Facebook allows third party applications you can create an “Ask a Librarian” feature for your profile or add links to your webpage and other popular databases. Some libraries have even created catalogs of their collections that are accessible using Facebook (Jennings, 2007). Having your library on Facebook allows users to use your services in an interface that they are familiar with and more likely to already be using (Landis, 2007).
There are vast opportunities available on Facebook and other social networking sites that all libraries should consider. Explore the examples below of some libraries already using Facebook.
Libraries on Facebook*:
University at Buffalo Libraries
Mississippi State University Libraries
*To access these pages on Facebook either click on the links above or sign into your account and enter the library’s name in the search box.
Discussion Questions:
Do you believe that it is the environment of Facebook or other social networks that patrons find inviting or simply the ease of finding everything on one site? Or both? Or Neither? Explain.
In the sources used for this post it kept saying how social networking was no longer just a young generation phenomenon but that other generations were increasingly using these services. What do you suppose has caused this declining generational gap with the use of these online networks? Explain.
Sources:
Breeding, M. (2007). “Librarians Face Online Social Networks.” Computers in Libraries, 27(8). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Jennings, S. & Price, J. (2008) “By My Friend: Using Facebook in Libraries.” Tennessee Libraries (Online), 58(2). Retrieved November 18, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Landis, C. (2007). “Connecting to Users with Facebook.” Georgia Library Quarterly, 43(4). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Powers, A.C., Schmidt, J. & Hill, C. (2008). “Why Can’t We Be Friends? The MSU Libraries Find Friends on Facebook.” Mississippi Libraries, 72(1). Retrieved November 18, 2008, from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Flickr
•November 19, 2008 • 2 Commentsby Andrea Dickson
Flickr is a popular online photo-sharing site that allows users to create individual accounts, upload photos and video, form and join groups, make contacts with other users, participate in discussion boards, and tag photos (Chase, 2007). In terms of its use within the library world, both libraries and librarians can utilize it. For libraries, it is predominantly used to market library services to patrons in a visual manner. Libraries can post photos and videos of the physical library as a virtual tour. They can also post photos of events to show patrons enjoying library services as a method of promoting future events. Another marketing tool available on Flickr is the ability for libraries to post book covers prior to book discussions. Libraries can also use Flickr to highlight local history and culture (Stephens & Gordon, 2006). Essentially, libraries can use Flickr to introduce patrons to the library and to promote services.
In one of the best uses of Flickr by a library, the Library of Congress has created an amazing Flickr account. LOC has posted thousands of photographs from the 1930’s and 1940’s taken by the Farm Security Administration that feature color photographs of rural America and of World War II mobilization (LC Teams with Flickr, 2008). They also have a collection of news photographs from the 1910’s and 1920’s found in the George Grantham Bain Collection (LC Teams with Flickr, 2008). The photos are placed in what is referred to the Commons and the project only includes photos with no copyright restrictions (LC Teams with Flickr, 2008). It allows users to discuss the photos, which provides the LOC with information they may be lacking. Additionally, users can tag photos based on subject so that searches become more effective. The LOC Flickr page is an amazing site that allows citizens to view photographs they would not otherwise see and to do so in an interactive manner.
Librarians are also using Flickr to connect with fellow librarians. There are numerous groups devoted to librarians with common interests. A large group called Libraries and Librarians encourages librarians to post which libraries have pages on Flickr, allowing librarians to view how other libraries are utilizing the site. Additionally, Flickr is being used to challenge librarian stereotypes in a light and fun manner. There are groups such as Librarians in Showercaps, Librarian Trading Cards and Librarian Shoes that feature librarians outside of the actual library setting. Overall, Flickr is being used by librarians to connect with fellow librarians and by libraries to connect with patrons.
Discussion Questions:
1. After visiting Library of Congress photostream, what are your thoughts about this use of Flickr?
2. Do a search for library or librarian on Flickr . What examples you found most interesting?
Sources:
LC Teams with Flickr (2008). American Libraries, 39(3). Retrieved November 16, 2007,
from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Stephens, M. & Gordon, R.S. (2006). “Priceless Images: Getting Started with Flickr.”
Computers in Libraries, 26(10). Retrieved November 16, 2007, from Library
Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Chase, D. (2007). “Transformative Sharing with Instant Messaging, Wikis, Interactive Maps,
and Flickr.” Computers in Libraries, 27(1). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from Library
Literature & Information Science Full Text.
Librarians and Blogging
•November 19, 2008 • Leave a Commentby Melissa Armstrong
Many librarians are finding that blogging is a useful social networking tool that they want to use within their institutions. Blogging started around 1997 when James Barger came up with the term weblog (Martin, 2007). As one librarian states “Blogs are a simple and efficient way for libraries to stay informed and for libraries to disseminate information in a timely manner” (Gilman, 2008). Academic libraries, public libraries, and school libraries find blogging an interesting way to share and receive information. Blogging builds more of a web presence, adds a sense of community, shares knowledge, and gives patrons an opportunity to get to know the librarians within the system in a different way. A blog can either be personal or professional, and is usually in journal format, which is displayed in reverse chronological order (Martin, 2007). As one scholar urges “blogging is a tool for what we’ve always done: collect, categorize, and make information accessible (Carver, 2003).
Usually librarians use blogs for two functions. The first is the professional blog, where other librarians will share thoughts, concepts, suggestions, and knowledge (Gilman, 2008). A blog then gives librarians timely and immediate responses from other librarians about crucial information on such particulars like new technology, staffing, and customer service (Gilman, 2008). Librarians could also use this form of blogging for internal use between librarians and staff in each library. Librarians, who write scholarly works, can also share with others, who may research the same things, and give valuable insight quicker than ever before. Unlike peer reviews that take plenty of time to get back, blogging is more immediate.
The other reason that librarians may create blogs is to use for outreach. A blog on the library’s website would allow patron and librarian interactions. Patrons are given the chance to communicate with the library like never before. Librarians could create blogs that aim at a certain group, like a teen blog or a news blog (Gilman, 2008).The Ann Arbor District Library website looks at though they only have one blog but the library uses so many tags that they have over 100 blogs (Brookover, 2007). Those who read these blogs are receiving fresh and diverse information that is shared in a new way. They also have a variety of blogs like teen literature, electronic games, local news, and updates from the director (Brookover, 2007). Academic libraries could have subject blogs for certain areas of study like history, engineering, literature, or psychology.
Another plus that blogging has on libraries is that there is plenty of software out there for adding blogs to library websites. Creating a blog to a library’s website is usually free and easy (Carver, 32). The library system at Louisiana State University set up a blog by using the free service blogger (Panki, 2006). Those at LSU agree that it is easy to use with an automatic RSS feed, customable templates, and plenty of search capabilities. There are also several other blog software options that are free, like wordpress, blogspot, and blogger. One scholar encourages librarians who have the knowledge, time, and drive to write their own codes for blogging; he urges that one could write an effortless blog script in just a few short hours (Carver, 2003).
Librarians need to constantly update blogs and keep up with current technology, so this must be maintained consistently or an organization could lose patron and librarian’s interest if the blog site has complications. According to Carver’s article “Its Time to Get Blogging” he argues that blogs need to be maintained, but the software is easy to use, and is much like a word processor (Carver, 2003). Libraries that have blogging services must also set up guidelines. For example, Susan Merkle, a librarian who works at White Hills Public Library, clearly showed her frustration when no one set up any rules for internal blogging at the library she works at (Rogers, 2008). Merkle added a blog about the summer book club and before anyone could read it, another coworker blogged shortly after her questioning the fact that librarians have never been on American Idol (Rogers, 2008). Merkle states that she did not think anyone would read her blog since it did not appear as the last blog and one would have to scroll down to find it. She wanted something done about this since the coworker was notorious for writing blogs of this nature. But since the library never established guidelines, Merkle had no ground to stand on, and the silly blogging could continue.
Lastly, blogging is a good way for social networks to develop. Blogging creates a community where the reader can contribute to the blog his or her own ideas (Carver, 2003). Librarians have more advantages than disadvantages when blogging is concerned. The field of librarianship is constantly changing and so are new and emerging technologies. Librarians must grow and develop with these concepts and blogging is just another tool for this growth to occur. Blogging gives patrons and librarians a chance to connect and share ideas and information in an advanced way.
Some interesting blog sites and library blog sites:
www.waterboro.lib.me.us/blog.htm
Discussion Questions:
When thinking about public libraries, academic libraries, and school media centers, what are some differences between the different blogs that each particular librarian would have to deal with?
What other problems could arise for libraries and blogging? Are there any privacy issues?
Sources:
Brookover, Sophie (2007) “Why We Blog” Library Journal, 28 (2).
Carver, Blake (2003) “Is It Time to Get Blogging” Library Journal Net Connections, 31 (3).
Gilman, Isaac (2008) “We’re Content Creators, Too: Libraries and Blogging” OLA Quarterly, 16 (3).
Panki, Elisabeth and Ryan, Jenna (2006) “Shhh! Librarians Blogging” Louisiana Libraries, 8 (5).
Rogers, Michael (2005) “Ann Arbor’s Web Site Maximizes Blogging Software” Library Journal, 27 (1).
Rogers, Michael (2008) “The Blog Hog” Library Journal, 58 (2).
Martin, Helen (2007) “Libraries, Blogs, and Relevant Information: An Overview” Infotrend, 45 (4).
Alternative Social Networking
•November 19, 2008 • Leave a Commentby Megan O’Neill
Alternative social networking programs are for our purposes those less popular than Facebook, MySpace, blogs, or wikis. Those listed here are a bit off the beaten track, but very useful both for business and for pleasure. There are programs for keeping track of your (and of others’) favorite websites; for keeping track of friends, acquaintences, business contacts, and companies; and for interactively searching library catalogs. While these may have different implications for librarians, and for different types of librarians, all are potentially useful tools.
Del.icio.us
Otherwise known as “delicious,” this is a social network bookmarking program. The way it works is by giving each user an online profile, sort of like Facebook. After logging in, users can access all of the bookmarks they have saved to their delicious profile—from any device with internet capability, in any web browser. Users can tag their bookmarks so that they can search “library” within their boookmarks to bring up any tagged with “library.” Users can make their bookmarks with their tags public or private, so that others searching for “library” might find a really cool site that someone else has tagged. Finally, the delicious homepage shows some of the most popular sites at any given time, with their most common tags, as a point of interest to users.
The applications of this program are many. First, it enables users to be flexible with their web browser, so they don’t have to attempt to recreate their bookmarks list in each browser they use. Second, it gives users the freedom to access their own bookmarks on others’ computers or on mobile internet devices—incredibly useful for group projects, both for students and those in the workforce. Third, the tagging feature allows users to search websites that others have found useful by “tag” subject. Additionally, the tagging feature eliminates the need for extensive folders within one’s bookmarks list. There are other applications of delicious, but these are the most obvious. The freedom granted by this program is a major improvement from the web-browser-based bookmark list.
Try it yourself at http://delicious.com/
Delicious can be a great tool for mobile librarians, for example School Library/Media Specialists who move between multiple buildings, or for academic librarians moving between classrooms. It could also be useful for ‘information management’ librarians who might be moving from meetings with clients to their office to home and don’t wish to maintain three seperate-nearly-identical lists of bookmarks. It could be useful to any librarian who wishes to find a website that others have found useful on a particular subject, but which might not turn up under that subject in a Google search.
Twitter is another social networking feature with both business and personal applications. Twitter allows users to set up an account, then post messages that are no longer than 140 characters. Messages can be posted as often as the user desires. Users can “follow” other users; their posts will show up on the user’s page, as well as the user’s own comments. Users can likewise be followed by others. There is an online program with a complementary search process to Twitter’s search function that enable users to search the content of posts, otherwise known as “tweets.” Twitter’s search function used to be fairly skimpy, but they acquired a company called Summize that had developed.
Here is a search program for Tweets:
http://www.tweetscan.com/alerts.php
You can also use this cool program to see what Twitter users are posting worldwide. However, some users opt out of this function, so it’s not totally representative. Still, it’s fun:
Since Twitter limits users to only 140 characters, there is also a program which will shorten urls for the purpose of creating links. Here’s a link to that too:
A word of caution here: since this program effectively makes it impossible for those clicking on a url to “see” where they’re going, it can be dangerous. Some Twitter users (or bloggers) will use TinyURL to link to pornographic, politically-, racially/ethnically-charged sites, or otherwise to places the clicking party did not want to go. Some users therefore avoid clicking on these urls to avoid that altogether.
Twitter’s usefulness as a social function is fairly straightforward—a user can follow their friends, keeping up on some of the day-to-day minutiae without having to pick up the phone and call as often. However, some businesses use Twitter as a way of interacting with customers by asking them for feedback, building their brand, or responding to complaints. According to an article in the New York Times blog Shifting Careers, by Sarah Milstein, such companies include Zappos, JetBlue, Wesabe, and Comcast (Milstein, 2008). There are plenty of others that do this too.
Similarly, libraries/librarians could use Twitter as a form of outreach, posting tweets about their favorite books, doing small-scale readers’ advisory, and answering reference questions. Of course, a librarian would have to be checking their Twitter page quite frequently for reference to be reasonable, but the library could have an account and each librarian could indicate their identity by starting with initials. Then whoever is working the reference desk could be in charge of checking Twitter, assuming they weren’t already swamped with email/phone/im/chat reference. Librarians could also use it as a tool to inform Twittering patrons about upcoming library events, new arrivals of books, and anything else noteworthy. There are many tips to note for those who are using Twitter professionally, but one of the most standout of these is to allow the personal to come through. After all, Twitter was created in part as a way to help individuals communicate about things that are important to them. It is more engaging to follow a Twitter user who comes across like a real person. For more tips on how to use Twitter for business, see these articles:
http://www.socializedpr.com/twitter-seven-rules/
http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/
Encore
Encore, as many of you know, is a library catalog search tool. It allows users to search for both periodicals and books simultaneously. According to an article by Susan Marcin and Peter Morris in Computers in Libraries, Encore also provides a “tag cloud” with the results of each search as opposed to a subject heading field, and a way for users to “rate, tag, or review materials”(Marcin & Morris, 2008) Marcin and Morris were impressed by the user-friendly interface and encouraged by the promises of Encore’s development team to continue adding features.
The Wayne State University Library System just added Encore. A quick trial of Encore shows what an asset program can be, both for students/patrons researching at an advanced level, and for those who have little experience doing substantial research. It is easy to use; a search for “Jane Austen” came up with 470 hits. On the first page of hits books, videos, and electronic come up, along with an entry for each non-electronic resource telling users whether that resource is checked in. For electronic resources (mostly articles), there is a link provided to help users obtain that resource.
A possible drawback of Encore is that it may be difficult to use for students or patrons who do not understand, or who fail to take into account, the differences between books and journal articles. A patron who needs books by a certain author or on a certain topic may be frustrated to find that all the resources that student finds most applicable are actually journal articles. Another possible drawback is that Encore may not be especially useful for libraries that do not maintain much in the way of electronic/periodical resources; many school or public libraries might not find the extra expense worthwhile. However, for libraries that do contain a large number of both print/physical and periodical/electronic resources, Encore could be a great tool. Medical and corporate/special libraries in particular could benefit from a one-search-finds-all approach to the catalog.
Discussion Questions:
1) Do you think any of these social networking programs would make it too easy for librarians (yourself or others you work with) to become distracted at work, catching up with friends rather than attending to library business?
2) What do you think is the greatest strength of Twitter for libraries?
3) Do you think Delicious provides more benefits for librarians or library patrons?
4) Is it ethical to recommend these services to patrons? Although Twitter and Delicious are free at present, they may not be in the future, or more of their space may get taken up with advertising. Would that change anything?
5) These sources are not authoritative; does implementing or recommending these services go against our mission of providing authoritative information to patrons?
6) Do you think Encore would be more or less helpful to the patrons with which you anticipate working?
Sources:
Milstein, S. (2008, November 5). How Twitter Can Help at Work. Message posted to http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/ (2008, September 7). Shifting Careers: Smart Thinking at Work.
Marcin, S., & Morris, P. (2008). OPAC: the next generation: placing an encore front end onto a SirsiDynix ILS. Computers in Libraries, 28(5), 6-9, 62-64
Videos
•November 19, 2008 • Leave a CommentThese videos explain the basics of each of the topics. Enjoy!
Social Networking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o (Twitter)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPU4awtuTsk (Photo Sharing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2I1pWXjXI (Blogs)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x66lV7GOcNU (Social Bookmarking)
For Fun:
http://www.unshelved.com/ (Comics)
