LIBR 246-04/13 Web 2.0 (Fall 2010)

To be honest, I wasn't aware of how pervasive social software was until taking this course - I heard all about YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, but I didn't think much about them. How wrong I was. Once I became aware of them, I started paying attention to the news headlines in the technology and business section, and wow, social media do come up a lot as major topics of discussion and analysis!

How has your view of social software changed since starting the course?

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When I signed up for this course, I was looking for something to expose me to the latest 2.0 technology without having to delve into actual programming or anything scary like that. I am so glad I was able to sign up for this class! I have completely changed my perception of social software. I use to think it was trivial because of the “social” aspect of it, but in the course of the semester, I was able to see how applicable and relevant web 2.0 tools can be for libraries. Of course, as many of you know, my favorite technology is Twitter! I just love it!

I was familiar with social software to a reasonable extent at the beginning of the semester, but this class really focused my understanding of how social software can benefit libraries. I loved that each week I was able to learn about a particular social software and see examples of how libraries were using the tool.

Before coming into this class I had only thought of social software in terms of library-to-patron communications.  I learned quite a bit about the importance of patron interaction in effective use of social media.  I also learned the value of these tools for sharing ideas within and between libraries.

I really enjoyed this class, however it was really fast paced, so I look forward to exploring the tools we were exposed to in the class at my own leisure because there are quite a few that I think would be great to introduce to my supervisors and the librarians I work with.  I also enjoyed learning from my classmates, you were all wonderful and enthusiastic!

Drupal was great,( I had a class this summer on Drupal as well), I'm not really a big fan of Angel.

Before taking this course, I viewed many aspects of social software as tools that were primarily for individual use - like keeping in touch with old friends on Facebook, or writing a personal blog that might have a very small audience.  This course has not only taught me ways that these technologies can be used on a grander scale, but specifically the ways that they can be implemented in libraries, and I think this knowledge will help make us all very marketable when seeking library jobs.

How has your view of social software changed since starting the course?