LIBR 246-12: Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools (Fall 2008)

The biggest change to my view of social software over the course of the semester is that I can now envision a number of useful applications for library environments.  Prior to the class, I had thought some of the social software tools were interesting, but I didn’t necessarily see how they helped librarians serve their communities.
 

I use a Mac, so I created a brief screencast demonstrating how to find more friends in Facebook using Jing.  Bliptv was not an option for me, so I hosted my tutorial at screencast.com.  
 

I thought that the Westmont Public Library’s Flickr photostream was excellent.  It contained photos of their remodeling, so community members can track the progress to their renovations.  It had photos from community cultural events hosted at the library.  This makes the library look welcoming and engaged in the community.
 

Michael Stephens provides a list of 16 Ways to Use Flickr @ Your Library in his Tame the Web:  Libraries and Technology blog.  Many of these were covered in our resources this week but there were a few that I found intriguing. 
 

I really like what The Alden Library at Ohio University is doing with their podcasts.  The audio tour is a good idea.  It is available in a number of languages and the time necessary to complete the tour is clearly outlined.  I am very curious how many students download this podcast and in what language.