OLJ Task: Select 5 letters from the list [http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/2010/01/22/a-to-z-of-social-networking-for-libraries] and consider how these may be applied to a library to help it embrace a library 2.0 ethos.
D- Direction- What are you planning to accomplish for your library with social networking?
F-Facebook, having a presence on facebook with a fan page or a group is a must. Facebook is so popular now that it is expected.
J-Joomla- an open source web design program that can make editing your library website and adding in social networking features much easier.
T-Text messaging- Is your library using it yet?
Y- Youth- using social networking allows you to connect on a deeper level with young people.
The five letters I have chosen form what I consider to be the foundation of building a library 2.0 ethos.
Firstly, Direction, because without planning there will be no goals or evaluation, making any attempt to introduce Web 2.0 concepts haphazard at best. Direction will give something to aim towards, and grow upon. It will also help the library identify not only the most cost effective methods of web 2.0 for the library, but, importantly, what methods are right for them (Bryson, 2006, p.84).
Facebook will help to strengthen the online presence of the library and give it a great platform to connect with users. Online platforms such as Facebook give libraries an opportunity to meet users where they are (Keith in Topper, 2007, p.380)
Joomla might be an option for the library to upgrade their website. The current website is restricted due to the layout and functionality of council’s website, so an open source program would add flexibility without the cost (Helinsky, 2008, p.71). It has been said that in today’s world it is the customers that set the rules (Stone & Jacobs, 2008, p.339). An attractive site would more easily engage users and educate them about the services the library offers, with the aim of drawing them into the library. A bonus would be if the site was easy for staff to update and add to it when necessary.
The library is connected to the ‘library elf’ platform for reminders and has recently introduced the capability to email patrons. Enabling the system to text message patrons will be the next step. It connects the library to users in a simple way, and it creates an excellent and cost effective platform for marketing (Circle, 2009, p.28).
Youth are a big topic of conversation around my public library at the moment. It is expected that if the library can build up a rapport with youth based on a mutual respect that the young adult population will begin to utilise the library’s resources more regularly. According to Agosto and Abbas (2009, p.34), there are three major benefits to getting involved in social networking with youth. Firstly, it broadens the outreach for youth services and programs. Secondly, it enables the library to be actively involved in promoting healthy social development (self expression, self directed learning and technical literacy are all included here). And, finally, it creates opportunities to become involved in teaching youth how to interact safely online.
References
Agosto, D. & Abbas, J. (2009). Teens and social networking: how public libraries are responding to the latest online trend. Public Libraries, 48(3), 32-37. Retrieved from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.
Bryson, J. (2006). Managing Information Services: a transformational approach (2nd ed.).
Circle, A. (2009). Marketing trends to watch. Library Journal, 1 October. Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6698259.html.
Helinsky, Z. (2008). A Short-cut to Marketing the Library.
Stone, B. & Jacobs, R. (2008). Successful Direct Marketing Methods (8th ed.).
Topper, E.F. (2007). Social networking in libraries. New Library World, 108 (7/8), 378-380.
doi: 10.1108/03074800710763662.
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