Web 2.0 has been defined as 'transforming the web into a space that allows anyone to create and share information online - a space for collaboration, conversation and interaction; a space that is highly dynamic, flexible and adaptable' (Karen Coombs). The key to this comment is that the space has to be flexible and adaptable. Social software definitely does have a place in library service provision as has been explored throughout this course. Obviously some aspects of social software lend themselves more efficiently and effectively to library service provision such as blogs which are adaptable to whatever information the library is communicating to the community. They can be set up for a purpose, or for a specific duration or as an ongoing part of the library webpages. I think that blogs are probably the low fruit on the tree, be it an apple, pear or cherry tree as they can be that adaptable.
I see wikis as being set up for a specific purpose and of more use internally to a library system than by inviting the community to participate. Wikis are used to amagamate ideas and present them in one place which is accesssible for anyone with the password.
Information organisations can harness the capabilities of tagging and folksonomies. Information can be organised by subject and tagged and be accessible to anyone interested to search for it.
The tagging of websites and information can be done by library staff and then be made accessible to anyone. In this way different aspects of the information is kept in one place with associated subjects and tags.
Online social networks such as MySpace and Facebook do not seem to me to so adaptable for library communities. These are not webspaces that anyone expects library information to appear and I think that they should remain as social networking sites aimed primarily at connecting individuals or specific groups without the parameters such as a library. Some libraries have been using Facebook as promotion for events but I see that these could best be communicated by way of a blog instead. This is clearly libraries using the social software networking sites just because they can.
I like the idea of Second Life and the library community that has been established there. However I am not sure how much of this is 'playing' or 'educational' or both (which is fine) but it must take a considerable amount of time to participate in this to the extent whereby something is gained..and how much of the virtual world translates into the real world? or is that an irrelevant and not a very important question or concern? This type of software will only be accessed by a small minority of those that know how, have time to and feel there is a benefit to doing so.
My votes for social software and libraries goes to blogs primarily as being an online extensions of newsletters to the community which allow immediate feedback, can be continually updated and can communicate any kind of information and be accessed by a larger number of patrons.
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3 comments:
Hi Jane,
While I agree with many of your comments on different social software tools, I have to disagree with you in terms of Facebook. Your comment that librarians can use blogs instead only works to a certain extent. It relies on the user choosing to access the blog, an action that is not guaranteed. On Facebook, librarians can choose to advertise events to all members of a given network (e.g., LPL can post a message to everyone in the London, Ontario network about upcoming events or new features) or more specifically to all individuals who have indicated their program of study or a particular course they are taking.
While not all librarians will choose to go to the effort of tracking people down in this way, the opportunity is there, and the ability for the librarian to reach a new audience cannot be replicated with a blog.
my 2 cents.
Hi Jane
I did my final paper on MySpace and libraries, and some libraries are doing amazing things with their profile on MySpace. Users can access and search the catalogue, sign up for a library card, join online book clubs, stay informed on events and programs,and do all of this from MySpace. Not all libraries are using the tool in such an effective or efficient manner, but take a look at Denver Public Library's profile called eVolver. It's pretty amazing and an example of best practice!
http://myspace.com/denver_evolver
Gerry
Hi Jane! I think your post really nailed one of the key differences about the application of blogs and wikis. That is not to say they cannot be used in other ways, but I agree that different social softwares are better suited for different tasks. Also as the number of social tools and other tools increase, I foresee organization/ tagging of these sites as becoming a really hot issue!
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