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

How can libraries build community using the tools from this week?

As we've seen in the examples from this week's discussion, there are several ways that libraries can use a photo (and video) sharing site such as Flickr to build community.  One of the ways to do this is by posting pictures of events hosted in the library as a means of promoting library programs.  Those who participated (including library staff) in the event should then be invited to leave comments on the pictures.  This is a way to continue the conversation about the library event.  Unfortunately I didn't see many comments on the pictures posted by the libraries.  One way to encourage commetns on the pictures is to host a contest where patrons can submit captions for the pictures and then have the patrons vote for the best captions.  When the library hosts events, they can provide patrons with disposable cameras and invite them to take pictures.  This is a great way to feature varying perspectives of library events.