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

My view of social software has evolved from a notion of software young people use to socialize, to amazing tools that libraries can use to service their users at low cost.  The technology is easy to use and it really can be effective.  Personally, I found pipes application the most useful.  Helping manage the flow of RSS feeds and delivering them where I wanted seemed to be the big one for me.  Professionally, I think the RSS feeds are the big one.  For example, in an academic setting I think it is extremly useful to have articles sent to professors on their chosen topics when they are publ

Jeremiah Owyang points out in Web Strategy some key points in assessing the success of a library's implementation of a social media program.  A key factor is setting a goal.  When setting up a social networking tool as part of a program, it is important to set a goal.  This goal can be an effective measuring tool.  It may be impossible to measure everything, so it is important to choose an aspect to measure.  Web analytics can be used such as technorati rankings and Google Analytics when measuring the popularity of a blog or how many times it has been accessed.  On the otherhand, customer s

This article by James Lewin of Podcasting News shows what we have been seeing in our class.  High numbers  of Baby Boomers are using these resources.  I had thought that it would be a stuggle to have this technology embraced by all levels of demographics since the younger the patron , the more likely they have used and are comfortable with podcasts adn the like.  Studies still point to  more people of all ages getting on board so good amounts of programming should be focused at people older than

I think my favorite podcast site for the library examples is the Sunnyvale Public library. There were interesting topics and provocative summaries of the podcasts.  I really liked the recording of events that a patron may have missed.  Recording them can show future visitors what events are like and drive people to them going foward.  Layout was nice and I could find what I needed.  I wanted to pick Seattle's library for its interesting content, but the podcasts were way to long for me.  many over 1 hour!  No way I am still for that long, my com

In exploring the readings this week, I chose to explore LibGuides to see what resources are available to make subject guides for school and academic libraries.  This site has useful templates that make creating a guide a snap.  Great intructions and examples are available.  The sky is the limit with these.

Do you think libraries should be providing services in MySpace and/or Facebook? Why or why not?

Parry, D. (2008).  Wikipedia and the new curriculum.  Science Progress.

In surfing the web this week , I read an article that suggested the collection of memories was a great way to help teach history.  Memory Archive is just such a site.  It can collect stories of what people recall about events such as the 2008 election or 9/11.  This can be great way to tell the story of the minority voice like Zinn's a People's History. Libraries can help this process by having classes on how to use this tool and create rich community culture.  How about having a day where people come in to reserved comput

There were many great wikis this week to look over.  I bookmarked several this week so I can use them for inspiration.  My favorite would have to be the Antioch U's Library staff training wiki.  This seems to be a very effective wiki because it has great information on how to run things.  It is a great idea.  Secondly, I love how it not only tells in words, but has screenshots of important things to know and photos.  I now know how to add a new user in their system!  I also lik