learning library 2.0
by Kasia Grabowska
I have to admit, this class was pretty intense. I got way more involved in what I was doing in this course than any other class I have taken at Dominican. I read more, I wrote more, I participated more, and I communicated and collaborated with others in the class much more. At the same time, I wouldn’t say the class was harder or felt like more work, and it was probably because our assignments were thoughtful, made me think creatively and I enjoyed them.
As I mentioned in class today, I was torn between doing brand monitoring and writing a social media policy. I chose to do brand monitoring because I felt that I would learn a lot from the process, and I did. I still want to write a social media policy, just to get the experience and I think I will write one sometime this week for my company and see what my boss says.
I’m happy I got a chance to take this class and my goal now is to continue learning about library 2.0 and social networking technologies — and blogging about what I learn.
This has been, by far, my favorite group project — not only because of our super interesting topic, but also my wonderful group members. Our topic, the new digital divide, lead me to some great research articles and I really learned a lot about the issue. Our group worked very well together, sharing ideas and resources on our group blog, meeting to work on the project, set goals and make decisions.
I have worked on lots of group projects, but this time it actually felt like we were collaborating, and I think part of this was the variety of technologies we were using. All of us could communicate and share ideas easily; I was able to utilize delicious and our blog to organize my research and at the same time share it with my group members. And the best thing is — everyone did the same, so I was able to learn something new every time I visited our group blog.
This summer I was traumatized by a group project in another class. One of my group memebers “accidentally” deleted her entire presentation and 10 page paper on the day it was due. It was a nightmare to say the least. This time around, I got a little bit annoying by trying to keep us on track (sorry about that guys), I’m not sure if it did any good, but it did make me feel a little bit better to know we were headed in the right direction.
Thanks Sheila, Dan and Toni — it was great working with you!
Abstract for Successful Social Media Strategies for Libraries
It is not difficult to see why so many libraries today are struggling with incorporating library 2.0 technologies within their organizational strategies. The variety of tools and technologies is overwhelming and it is becoming more difficult to keep up with the current trends, changes and demands of our patrons.
This paper examines the difficulties and obstacles that many libraries have to deal with trying to provide adequate service for the next-generation of patrons. The paper also outlines some tips, best practices, and possible solutions to help libraries leverage social media technologies.
The main goal of this research paper is to share knowledge, spread awareness and encourage libraries to examine their library 2.0 efforts and ultimately make improvements. This paper discusses:
- Choosing which library 2.0 tools are right for your organization, which involves establishing library/community needs and dealing with tough decisions making;
- Finding appropriate resources for your social media efforts as far as staff, funds and time are concerned;
- Utilizing library 2.0 technologies at your library which entails planning, creating guidelines and maintaining good communication;
- Tips on promoting social media in your community, such as creating awareness in your community and keeping your audience engaged;
- Maintaining social media success is also discussed, and involves continually evaluating your efforts, improving and innovating.
The thoughts and ideas presented in this paper are an accumulation of what I have learned through reading and learning about online social media tools, as well as utilizing the tools myself at home and at work. Thus my first suggestion would be for librarians to stay informed and test different social media technologies themselves in order to gain awareness which is crucial to decision making, planning, implementing and ensuring long term success.
Related Posts:
- Social Media Best Practices for Libraries
- Literature Review
- Context Book: Blink
- Exploring heart, trust, decision making and change
After doing brand monitoring research for the past few weeks, looking closely at Skokie Public Library (and not so closely at several other libraries), I decided to put together a list of “do’s and don’ts” for librarians on successfully utilizing social media.
This is what I learned from doing brand monitoring and what I personally would recommend to libraries that are getting started with social media.
Tip #1: Learn how to monitor your brand
Join the RIGHT conversations at the RIGHT time. In other words, stay on top of what people are saying about you and make sure to respond, to let people know that you are listening and willing to join the conversation.
Tools to utilize for brand monitoring include RSS feeds, Google Alerts, Technorati, and staying on top of your Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts. This is definitely the number 1 lesson I learned from this assignment.
Tip #2: Learn from your brand community
You’re already engaging in conversations, why not ask people for some feedback? There are plenty of quick and easy ways to get good information that will help you keep learning from what you’re doing and improving the process as you go along. Just make sure not to overdo it; remember to always engage in conversations as a person.
Tip #3: Have a game plan
Set goals, measure and iterate your social media efforts in order to continue to grow and improve your efforts. Make sure everyone who is involved in your social media strategy clearly understands the role and goals of this initiative. There’s nothing worse than joining a social network with no purpose, plan or a way to measure what you’re doing.
By using trackable links (like bit.ly or su.pr) to help track what your users are responding to, you will be able to measure your efforts and make improvements.
Tip #4: Promote, promote, promote
I noticed a lot of libraries who do wonderful things on Facebook, Twitter or Flickr yet they don’t include links to their social networks on their websites. Or libraries that use Twitter often but don’t follow anyone; that’s not a good way to start a conversation.
A library website should be an entry point to social media; you need to create awareness. People should not have to search for you on Facebook, or Twitter, you should reach out to every member of your community first.
Tip #5: Allow open, yet governed access for your employees
This is where a social media policy comes in. By making sure everyone who is involved in your efforts understands what to do (what they’re allowed to say, how they should respond in different situations, etc) you won’t have to monitor what each person does. Instead, you will be able to focus on making improvements.
One tip about your social media policy — make sure it’s succinct and to the point, otherwise no one will want to read it.
Tip #6: Stay relevant and be helpful
Use social media to build trust, credibility and awareness in your community. Instead of broadcasting information, try creating conversations. Remember, speaking doesn’t always result in being heard.
Be helpful, stay relevant and focus on your community’s needs. It’s also important to humanize your efforts; don’t hide behind your library’s logo, allow your users to get to know you as a person.
Tip #7: Give your community room to grow
Focus on small, consistent and ongoing change. Let your members decide how they want to use “their” online community. Listen to what they have to say and change your goals and objectives based on how your community wants to utilize social media.
Tip #8: Remember, you’re not alone
By building relationships with key people within your community who also utilize social media you can leverage your efforts and obtain better reach. People who are influencers, those who are natural communicators or leaders in your community can help your social media efforts immensely. Identify these people and ask for help. Word of mouth can be very powerful.
Tip #9: Go where your users are
Remember, you don’t have to be an early adopter. It is much better to wait for your community to start utilizing the technology before adding it to your social media arsenal. In short, go where your users are. It’s much easier for someone to join you on Facebook or Twitter if the person actually uses the technology.
Tip #10: Lead change
This is important, especially for libraries that can be very resistant to change at times: if you want to lead change, find one thing you said no to in the past and give it a try.
This is actually something I heard at a digital marketing conference I got a chance to attend last month, but I think it applies great to libraries and social media.
In the first half of next year, Microsoft will release a Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 — which is an operating system, like Windows Server or Windows 7. Except this operating system utilizes something called “shared resource computing” which enables multiple users to simultaneously use the same computer on individual accounts. You know how you can have multiple user accounts on your PC, one for your yourself, and for everyone else in the house? Well, with MultiPoint Server 2010 everyone in the house will be able to use their accounts at the same time, sharing one PC.
How is this possible? Here’s a 4 minute video that explains how Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 works.
MultiPoint Server 2010 for the Classroom
The MultiPoint Server was created with schools in mind, designed to provide a cost-effective solution for the classroom, thereby providing teachers and students with increased access to technology. Students will be more likely to develop their 21st century literacy and social media skills by having the access to a PC and the internet.
Teachers are also benefiting by being able to manage the computer system easily, since MultiPoint Server 2010 is designed for non-technical people.
How Libraries Can Take Advantage of MultiPoint Server 2010
But the new technology has potential for more than just the classroom. Libraries are perfect candidates for the MultiPoint Server.
By creating easy access and more opportunities for users to utilize computers and the internet, libraries can be better equipped to help their communities develop important technology skills.
Multipoint Server allows up to 10 users to use one PC simultaneously, each with his/her own monitor, keyboard and mouse — this is huge! I’m looking forward to seeing how libraries will be utilizing the MultiPoint Server 2010 when it comes out next year.
Further Reading:
I first found out about the Poken at a digital marketing conference I got a chance to attend a couple of weeks ago. I immediately thought about the possibilities this small gadget holds for libraries and how libraries and users can benefit from this tool. I got even more excited about it when I realized that this little thing called Poken (that kind of looks like a toy) ties into my research paper for the class.
But first, let me explain what a Poken can do.
What’s a Poken?
A Poken is a small USB tool that allows you to exchange your social networking information with other people who have a Poken. So when you meet someone new, instead of exchanging business cards, email addresses, or other information, you simply touch your Pokens together to get connected. Once you “poken” you still have the option to accept and deny the new connection. The Poken also allows you to share only the information you choose in your “digital business card.”
To put it briefly, it’s the easiest and fastest way to share online social networking information with others. And that’s where libraries and library users can benefit from this simple, little tool.
Poken in the Library
By placing a Library Poken at a central place (maybe near circulation? the reference desk? maybe all librarians should carry them around?) users can easily get the library’s social networking details like the library’s Facebook page, Twitter account, Flickr account, etc. and vice versa; the library can get information about their users and see which social networking sites they’re using, which can be very useful for the library in terms of planning and implementing new social networking technologies.
Library users benefit from the ease, simplicity and speed of the device. Libraries also benefit by being able to easily connect with patrons, but they gain even more by being able to learn about users and their social networking preferences. We all know how difficult it can be to choose the right social networking technologies to implement at the library and then promote them to patrons. The Poken can play a key role in both of these areas.
The Problem with the Poken
At the moment, one problem with the Poken is that it’s not very popular. Yet. At only $20 a piece, I think it has the potential to become widespread.
Another problem is with the privacy of the device. When you add your social networks to your Poken account you’re asked to enter your password to verify that the account is really yours; the Poken website states that passwords are not stored and that they’re only used to confirm your accounts, but I still don’t think that’s very safe. On the other hand, many applications and websites ask for both usernames and passwords to your social networking accounts in order to verify that you own them.
I guess only time will tell if the Poken will be the next essential little gadget that everyone will one day have.
I did find one library that started using a Poken, and as you might have guessed the library is in the Netherlands.
Further Reading:
My research is focused on my learnings from Blink and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. More specifically, I’m trying to find out how libraries can identify the right library 2.0 technologies that will work best for their own communities. So the first part of my research really involves decision making.
Making Library 2.0 Decisions
What steps should libraries take to find out what works best? Is it better to spend more time planning and discussing or make simple snap judgments? What are the best ways to ask patrons what they want?
To find possible answers to these questions, I’m going to rely on two books with totally opposing viewpoints:
- Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
- Think: Why Crucial Decisions Can’t Be Made in the Blink of an Eye by Michael R. LeGault
In addition, I started reading a couple of other books on decision making to get a better perspective on the whole issue:
- Why We Make Mistakes: How We Look Without Seeing, Forget Things in Seconds, and Are All Pretty Sure We Are Way Above Average by Joseph T. Hallinan
- How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
- Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious by. Timothy D. Wilson
There are also a few relevant blog posts that pertain to this subject:
- Researching Your Library Tech Decisions
- Strategic Decision Making …
- Making Good Technology Decisions
Promoting Library 2.0
The second part of my research, will focus on how we can successfully implement library 2.0 technologies. So once we make the decision to use a particular product or service, what are some of the things we can do to ensure that the technology is being utilized by the community.
For this part of the research, I decided to start with these three books:
- The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference: by Malcolm Gladwell
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking by Andy Sernovitz
And a couple of links (blog post & presentation) I stumbled upon:
- Join the Conversation–Promoting Library 2.0 Tools on Public Library Webpages
- Give Them Something to Talk About: Infusing Library 2.0 Into Your Library Instruction and Web Presence
And of course, I will refer to our text Library 2.0: A Guide to Participatory Library Service and anything else I can get my hands on that’s relevant.
Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell, is a book about decision making. More specifically, it is about snap judgments — the decisions we make in the blink of an eye, without thinking. What Gladwell shows is that there is a lot more to that split second of decision making than we might think.
Gladwell explores the concept of “thin-slicing” which he defines as “a critical part of rapid cognition” and “the ability of our unconscious to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience” (23). He also explains how all of us use thin-slicing in every day situations and how this is particularly important in how we interact with others.
One interesting section of the book titled “Listening to Doctors” (39) focused on how we talk to people, and proved that when people feel “rushed or ignored or treated poorly” (40) the quality of care, or the information that they’re given doesn’t matter as much. Although the book referred to Doctors, I think we can learn a lot from this; the quality of our interactions with patrons can mean so much. It’s not just about what we say to people, it’s how we say it.
Another concept in Blink that intrigued me, is the process of finding out how others make decisions. Gladwell states that there is a right and a wrong way to ask people what they want, and points out that simply asking people what they want, more than likely will not work. And it’s not because people are lying, it’s just that truly knowing what you want is more difficult than it seems. What you think you like might not actually be true. Therefore, finding out which Library 2.0 services our patrons really want is a more difficult task than we might think.
Blink Animoto
p.s. If you haven’t it already, check out animoto — I had a lot of fun making this video :)
Over the summer I signed up for both Shelfari and LibraryThing. On June 10th, I created my accounts and spent about 5 minutes on each site, after which I decided to use Shelfari. I’m not sure what exactly made me choose Shelfari over LibraryThing. What I remember is being a bit overwhelmed by LibraryThing, and thinking Shelfari was easy to use and had everything I needed at the moment. I’ve been using Shelfari ever since, logging in about once a week to add new books and catch up with friends.
After spending a bit more time examining LibraryThing, I found that my first impressions were mostly right … but there is more to LibraryThing than what I saw at first glance.
LibraryThing
I like LibraryThing, even though it’s not as intuitive and user friendly as Shelfari. It has a ton of options, which can be good and bad, depending on what you’re planning to use the site for.
I love the edit book option, because it allows me to add as much or as little detail about each book as I want to. For instance, I can add the exact reading dates, or the date I acquired the book, I can add a summary, comments, a review — you name it. And of course, any librarian will love the cataloging options that are available.
I also really like the Local Events link on the home page and the Early Reviewers section where you can score advance copies of books (how cool is that!).
What I found frustrating is the collections manager; to be honest, I still haven’t figured out how to add the books to currently reading, to read, favorites, and the other collections. I’m trying not to search the forums for this info, because there has to be a way for me to figure this out on my own, but sadly I still haven’t found it (maybe this comes with the paid option? I don’t know). I also can’t figure out how to add friends or contacts, or even if that’s possible.
This is what I mean when I say LibraryThing is not as intuitive; I should be able to figure these things about without having to Google them.
Shelfari
Shelfari on the other hand is much more simplistic; I almost want to call it the dummy version of LibraryThing. I can see more library users, rather than librarians or serious bibliophiles liking it, especially teens (although I have made a couple of friends that are librarians).
Instead of a collection, you add your books to a shelf, and you can organize your books by currently reading, plan to read, read, favorites, books you own and books on your wish list. Of course this option is available on LibraryThing, but on Shelfari it is just so easy to use.
I also think Shelfari is much more visual, there are more images being utilized and the text is much larger, which makes the site more user friendly. I don’t feel lost in Shelfari because it is more limited; there are only so many things you can do and you get a sense of that as soon as you start exploring your account.
With LibraryThing I get the feeling that the options are unlimited, that there’s so much more you can do, which as I mentioned before, can be both good and bad.
Shelfari vs. LibraryThing: Which Social Networking Book Site is Better?
I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, simply that each has something different to offer.
Here are a few closing comments:
- Shelfari uses ads; although they’re not overly intrusive and they are book related, they’re there. LibraryThing seems to be entirely ad free, which is a plus.
- LibraryThing has a ton of options and I’m positive that I could spend my entire day on the site without getting bored for a minute. However, it can be a bit frustrating and you might have to spend more time figuring out how things work. Shelfari is simple, really easy to use, but has less options.
- You will get emails from Shelfari with reminders and notifications, probably to make sure you don’t forget to use it on a regular basis. You don’t need an email address to sign up for LibraryThing.
The choice is yours — sign up for both Shelfari & LibraryThing and see which one you like more. Just make sure to give both a fair chance.
I’ll definitely use LibraryThing more often, now that I know more about it.
Let’s Be Friends!
- My Shelfari Profile: http://www.shelfari.com/thehiddenrock
- My LibraryThing Profile: http://www.librarything.com/profile/kasia0303
There are a couple of topics I’m considering for my research paper.
heart & trust
The first is what intrigued me during our first weekend in class; the importance of positive human interaction in libraries.
How we can encourage kindness and trust through library 2.0 technologies.
How social networking can be the vehicle for creating closeness and connecting library users with each other and the library staff.
How an online community for library users can create excitement and passion for services, programs, library materials and the library itself.
This topic would also lead to an analysis of how libraries can create a positive presence on the web; and how the physical and virtual spaces can remain consistent and interconnected, one being the extension of the other.
I’m thinking this would be more of a list of best practices that libraries can use to evolve their online presence and start utilizing library 2.0 technologies with their users in mind.
decisions & change
The second idea that I’m considering was inspired by my recent readings of Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink and The Tipping Point (two great reads, by the way).
There are a lot of ideas in the two books, but what I found particularly interesting, and what I think would be extremely useful to libraries, is understanding the process of finding out what people really want before deciding on making a change (Blink) and then how to make that change really happen (The Tipping Point).
In reading Blink I learned that in order to find out what people really want, asking them is not the way to go because usually people don’t know what they want. This seems counterintuitive at first, but the truth is that people are not always good at explaining what they want, and more often than not, they really, truly don’t know what they want. This is why it’s so difficult for libraries to find out what technologies or services their patrons would like see implemented; asking them simply doesn’t work.
The second part of this is change; in The Tipping Point, Gladwell shows why some ideas take off and become popular and others don’t. There are some really important and practical lessons that libraries can learn on how ideas spread. So that once you find out what your users really want you’re able to implement that change in the right way and ensure its success.
So the questions I would be dealing with are:
- how can libraries identify which library 2.0 technologies should be implemented, or simply what’s the best way to find out what patrons really want
- how can library 2.0 technologies be implemented with success; how will patrons find out about them and learn how to use them
Wow, I guess writing this out really helped me decide which topic I should go with; I could go on and on about each, but at the moment I’m leaning towards my second choice :)