sociaLISe

(Having a bit of a crisis – this post will likely be updated in the coming days with more thoughts)

I think I’ve experimented with most of the tools we’ve talked about and they were all fairly easy to use. Except for my attempts at mashups with Yahoo! Pipes – that was just frustrating.

Oh wait, I have yet to tweet… I’m coming around though. Baby steps, people, baby steps.

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Distance ed has been do-able but not entirely enjoyable. My days are eaten up by working for the man and commuting* so I get about three to four hours a night to myself that I’ve invested in trying to get work done for the class. Some nights have been better than others but it’s been draining. Giant kudos to those who are juggling a lot more than I am and are still able to stay on top of things. Gold stars for you.

*I love Toronto but I can’t get over the fact that it takes me an hour to travel from one section of North York to another!

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The course material was most interesting for me when I was able to talk to someone else in the class about the readings and our ideas/thoughts/reactions. I understand the logic behind the blog posts and the commenting but for me blogging wasn’t able to compete with the experience of an actual conversation. Perhaps students could have the option of coordinating small chat groups instead of blogging to try and more actively engage with the readings. These chats could then be posted in a wiki or some forum where anyone else in the class could read and comment on the conversation topics. Posting the chats for the class to see would also act as quality control so that conversations remain (mostly) on topic. Just a thought…

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Summing up my experience? I’ve learned something new every week and that’s more than I can say for some of the other classes I’ve taken. So all in all, a thumbs up for LIS 9763.

What would I pack into a social media toolkit for libraries?

- A good definition of ‘social media’ (I’ve mentioned this course by title to a few library-type people and most reactions have been: “Oh, so, you’re learning about Facebook?”)

- Some sort of (online) activity workbook – along the lines of 23 things *

- Library 2.0 : a guide to participatory library service – I’m reading this right now (when I have the time) and it’s really accessible and not jargon-y so some people may find it useful… (I can’t vouch for this title but it seems like it’d be worth reading as well.)

- Links to some of our case studies as examples of libraries testing (or treading) the new waters. And examples of other corporations/organizations who are using 2.0 technologies effectively. I’d also want to include a few case studies about social media gone wrong because these serve as teachable moments.

* Here’s a (fictional) take on 23 things that my RA group came up with last term: RARARA

So I thought I’d spice up my blog this week by giving Yahoo! Pipes a shot and dazzling everyone (and myself) with my pipe building skills.

No such luck.

It’s a fair bit more difficult than I anticipated (though Amanda did warn us of that) AND as it turns out most of my ideas weren’t as original as I thought.

Idea 1:

A pipe that aggregates LIS job postings in Canada. So easy, I thought. Well, it’s not so easy when most of the sites that list the postings don’t have RSS feeds (and, yes, this includes the FIMS site). And it seems that there are ways around this but I’m not pro enough to figure that out, and my attempts to clone and edit other pipes was just disastrous.

Some pipes to have a peek at:

Library Jobs
Job LibSearch
Canadian Library Jobs
UofT LIS Student Career Services

Idea 2:

A pipe that combines a number of the feeds from Library Journal. But then that seemed too boring so I didn’t pursue it…

Pipes to peek:

Reviews from Library Journal
Budget stories from Library Journal
LJ Feeds

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The following ideas may or may not be mashup-able…

Idea 3:

I haven’t checked out Zip.ca in a while so I don’t know if Zip lists have RSS feeds, but if they did, I’d like to be able to have corresponding links to Amazon.ca to see how much the film ‘retails’ for, or maybe even links to the TPL’s OPAC so I can see if the film is available locally (and for free!).

Idea 4:

IMDB meets TPL’s OPAC! I know that some libraries are now including film synopses in the bibliographic details but if they aren’t wouldn’t it be nice to have a link to the IMDB summary (and additional info) right there?!

Truth: I had no idea what cloud computing was before this week’s readings.

I cloud compute everyday!
I compute everyday!
I do this everyday!

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So, normally I can come up with some points to counter some of the arguments made in the articles. This week? Not so much. Why? Because the articles try to provide a balanced outlook of mobile browsing and cloud computing in libraries and have left me with little to say.

Fear not, I still have something to say…

While watching the lecture and reading the articles I have to admit that I was feeling a little left out. I don’t have an iPhone; I don’t access the Internet through my pretty cool cell phone (because I’m cheap); and I hadn’t heard of a QR Code ’til Monday. So I was feeling (technologically) out of the loop. Then I find out that libraries are trying to incorporate QR Codes in all these interesting ways but I can’t participate in the experience because I don’t have the means. I felt technologically excluded :\

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Neat ideas

QR Codes as Call Numbers

My first thought when I heard/read about this was, “How lazy can you get?!” But I can empathize with the person who can’t seem to find a pen/cil or scrap of paper when it comes time to jot down the call number. Luckily, I have a fairly decent memory and at least two pens in my bag at all times. So now you’re thinking, “But what if you need to jot down 10 call numbers?” Then I guess I’d be in trouble if I had no paper and no writing implements – highly unlikely, particularly if I’ve headed to the library to do some research. But enough about me and back to the user. Yes, as a user I would think the QR Codes are cool provided I have the technology. But how does snapping a picture of the code differ from just taking a picture of the call number on the monitor? Snapping the pic doesn’t require going online via your mobile device, but it sounds like reading a QR Code does require web access…

Audio Tours

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that some users would like access to library audio tours. I really like the idea of an independent tour of the library because not everyone is able to attend an orientation, and sometimes staffing issues can have an effect on whether or not tours are conducted (or conducted well). Personally, I would prefer a video tour because audio tours can fall flat sometimes if the tone isn’t just right. And if the videos are accessible on the library’s site I may watch some of the video at home to get a sense of where I’m going before I visit the library – I know that if I hadn’t gone on the tour of Robarts in my first year I would have definitely watched a video tour of the building.

I had my reservations when I began reading Reaching Students with Facebook: Data and Best Practices – my first thought was, ‘Oh no, not another lame page to follow on FB.’ I was a fan of the TPL on Facebook (when I was still on FB) and as much as I heart the library system they weren’t winning me over with their sad page with minimal updates and activity*. But it soon became apparent that the authors were promoting a more personalized approach on Facebook as opposed to the ‘corporate’ approach. Again, reservations – probably because I’m thinking of the librarian in the public library system. Should he/she seriously consider inviting patrons to view his/her profile and then add them? The readings that we’ve looked at are aimed at academic librarians who are dealing with a different target user group and it definitely makes sense for them to have a FB presence. I’m not suggesting that public librarians shouldn’t be on FB, they might just have to participate in a different manner, ie. by monitoring and updating the (fan) page. Basically, we’re back to the point about what works for one library (or target group) doesn’t necessarily work for another, or works differently for another library/target group.

Role-playing time:
I’m an academic librarian and I’ve already got my personal profile on FB. Like most people I’ve put up pictures taken while traveling; pictures of my family,friends, and pets; and pictures taken during social (and sometimes slightly debaucherous) events. I’ve been reading articles that suggest I reach out to students using FB and I think it’s a great idea. Except now I’m a little self-conscious of what’s up on my profile. Do I try and be “authentic” and not change a thing? Or do I dive in and do some editing before adding students? Or do I set up a new account (using my work email address) and create a more polished profile presenting the good, clean, wholesome librarian (with friends who promise to only write smart and witty things on my wall)? Hmmm…

Connecting co-op and coursework (sort of):
Yes, at first I wasn’t for the idea of librarians being all librarian-y on Facebook (or the SNC of your choice). But I started to wonder if my co-op experience would be any different if I was on FB, or maybe an internal SNC, and able to network/communicate with** other people at my organization. And I think it would make a difference. I’ve only been at this library for two months and I know most of the regulars by sight – I only know a handful of names. And there are some clients (that’s what we’re supposed to call them) who come in everyday but probably have no idea who I am because they never make any eye contact. Will Facebook solve my problems and allow me to buddy-buddy up to everyone? Not likely. But it may help create a sense of familiarity and get my name and face out there. So maybe if Scientist B sees my response to a quick reference question on Scientist A’s wall, he/she might message me to ask for some help, or maybe even come by the library to SEE me! (And it would probably make me feel less removed from the organization.)

And I’m always amazed by how many students at my school are completely incapable of finding the library Web site. No, it’s not on the front page of the University’s Web site, but it’s not that difficult to find! However, I bet they’d have a heck of a lot more luck finding our library’s profile in MySpace or Facebook (if we had one).
- Farkas

I hear that! There have been server changes and website issues at work and as a result the library’s “site” is no longer external and is only available via our Intranet. Are people able to find our catalogue? Of course not. Many think they have to come into the library to access the catalogue and our e-resources when it’s actually accessible via their desktops. (I’d say slap a button on the Intranet homepage linking to the catalogue but then I met someone who hadn’t accessed the Intranet even once.) Clearly, we’re in need of portals.

*This may have changed – and I hope it has.
**ie. Facebook stalk

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Links:

LiveJournal – Toronto Student Community – An online community at it’s best (and worst); it’s super active and often incredibly helpful despite the trolls.

MySpace – London Public Library – Though there don’t seem to be any/many comments I like the fact that the blogs and content are updated regularly. And apparently after being mentioned on the library’s MySpace, the band Harry and the Potters offered to do a free show at LPL. So even if your patrons aren’t checking you out, someone else might be…

Lamebook – Where FaceBook fails are rightfully mocked

After doing the readings and having worked on our group project here are a couple of (random) thoughts:

- This isn’t specific to social bookmarking; it’s more of a social software observation: tech skills matter. Take a look at our group blog post, in particular our issues with making our social bookmarking site, well, social. And if you haven’t had the chance to look at the Corrado and Fredrick article then check it out. It’s full of great tips but at the same time it’s a little daunting when MySQL and PHP and CSS keep coming up. There’s no rule that says that we’ve got to be familiar with various platforms and software, but wouldn’t it be helpful if we were? Web 2.0 has helped make things easier for the less technically inclined (*points at self*) and has helped level the playing field (to some extent) but I don’t want to get complacent when it comes to the techy part of techological things…

- I’m no cataloguer but I’ve got a secret love for controlled vocabulary. At times this made the project more challenging, and maybe even a little frustrating, so it was important to keep re-reading Mercado’s words:

This gives you an opportunity to observe a user-based classification, and learn what your users think your data is about, and possibly using that to your advantage to, say, improve your classification, or study how the patron mind works.

Searching by tags is really not that different from keyword searching. I love keyword searches, and natural language search functions – so why am I poo poohing user created tags? Probably because I’m still green enough to be snooty about such things. But we’ve got to keep reminding ourselves that it’s all about the user; if they can’t find or access information on their terms then what’s the point of all the work that we’re doing?

Even after doing the readings and playing around with a wiki I still don’t quite “get” them. In theory, I understand them and think that they’re pretty awesome. And Wikipedia is, for the most part, the ultimate example of a wiki in practice and I use it and admire it. But deep down I can’t get off my “information specialist’s” (to be) high horse – the thought of any and every one editing information is a bit of a nightmare to me.

Schiff’s article in The New Yorker stoked the fires of my raging doubts, so when I got to Farkas’ post I could barely handle her optimism. I can imagine her ideas being implemented and working in certain libraries, mainly academic, but my imagination hits pause when I think about wikis on public library websites – particularly the “community wiki.” Is the library website supposed to take over the roles of forums and other methods of communication? Can patrons trust the information included in such a wiki? I don’t think the website is going to become a “true community resource” just by including wikis. In order to be a true resource the website needs marketing behind it.

I know that wikis don’t have to be open to the public at large and that the role of editor is often undertaken by the librarian/library staff, but a community wiki would require the community to have access. In certain case examples, and in the course test wiki, users have to either request permission or have a certain status to be an editor. Does this extra step just serve to maintain quality control? Or does it act as a deterrent? Maybe it’s a little from column A and a little from column B… (Personally, when/if I have to wait for approval to post or comment online I usually lose interest and move on, but that’s just me.)

I’m not writing wikis off; I’m just wondering how relevant they are in public libraries. And in this era where social software usually involves instant contact/communication/results/gratification/publishing, are regulated wikis really 2.0/social?

I do, however, see wikis as productive tools for content management within an organization. Why? The goals and motivations of the users are often explicit or more clear – and in most cases, staff members are working towards a common (and defined) goal. But of course, a wiki won’t solve all problems and won’t always be the best tool; and I liked Suarez’s article for pointing that out. We need to keep reminding ourselves: the right tool for the right time/people etc.

Thoughts this week:

The 1:9:90 rule

I’m not sure if it applies to all online communities* but I think it applies to blogging communities. And I know that it applies to me – I’m a lurker at heart. I wouldn’t say that I have a fear of commenting but my initial reactions to a post are often, “Right on!” or “Whatever!” and since these ‘comments’ lack any substance I don’t bother with posting them. So what does it take to get me to comment and participate? Ask me a question. I’m more likely to contribute when the interaction has some semblance to a conversation. “Stirring the pot,” as Dreyer and Grant suggest, isn’t always the best method because if it’s out of character or controversial for the sake of being controversial then I’m often turned off and I’ll ditch a blog that seems to be trying too hard. I can’t speak for all users but if 90% of users are lurkers, and I’m a lurker, then…

*Contributions can be made in communities in a more passive way now – click ‘like’ in Facebook and you’ve contributed without having to type a word or compose a semi-coherent thought.  Add a page, accept a request – these are ways of contributing through mere clicks.

Blog Success

I’ll be honest – I’ve judged books by their covers, and I still do. The same goes for blogs. If your blog isn’t pretty/cute/tidy then chances are that I won’t be sucked in even if you are charming and witty. Of course content matters (too) but I think that aesthetics shouldn’t be overlooked.

Of the blogs listed as case studies for the week I liked MADreads and Shelf Talk* the most. Both blogs have THE look of the moment (the soft coloured background, simple banner, centred text box, links on the right look). Simply put, they don’t look dated like some of the other blogs did. These blogs also incorporated images into most posts and helped liven up each entry – if they had a few relevant video clips to throw in it’d round out the multimedia experience.

(* Hello! It’s Seattle Public Library’s blog – of course it’s a winner.)

Put On a Happy Face

I hadn’t considered the act of blogging as ‘performance’ until reading Jill Walker’s article. But she has a point, we’re often writing for an audience (or a perceived audience). So what effect does this have on your blog’s “voice?” We’re supposed to be honest but still portray the organization in a positive light; not sound like a corporate robot but still remain professional; have a unique voice but still represent the organization. I’m not sure what sort of relationship this writer is supposed to cultivate with his/her readers but I’d be a little wary of someone who is able to perform so well.

Writing a corporate blog is sounding more and more like a chore and less like a fun and creative outlet. But, hey, it’s a job so I guess it can’t be all fun and candy floss.

Dear Blog,

Having read the articles for this week I’m feeling a little shameful and guilty – I haven’t been a very good blog parent.

People have kindly taken the time to comment on my posts and I have yet to respond. And I know that I’ve got to listen to Dreyer and Grant and be more active on here.

I think about you often, honestly, I do. I promise that I’m not like Steven Krause’s or Jill Walker’s students: I would just write, if given the opportunity (read: time). Time just manages to get away from me and that chore known as my job is quite the time-stealer as well.

I can’t promise that things will change immediately, but I can promise to try and take better care of you.

Love,

Amena

I’ll admit that the terms Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 were not a part of my vocabulary until October of 2009. When Rosanne (Greene) asked me, ‘Why is there no mention of Web 2.0 on your resume?’ all I could do was furrow my brow and look like I’d forgotten to turn off my flat iron. Two point what now?

So of course I looked it up and felt silly for not knowing the latest buzzwords. And to some extent that’s what they are: buzzwords. Until recently some of us were likely throwing the terms around without a complete understanding of the origins of definitions. I used it as my safety net during co-op interviews – when in doubt my stock response was, “Web 2.0 technologies” and that got me the smiles and nods.

Enter LIS9763.

Having read a few of the articles for this week (and skimming through the rest), I’ve chosen Sarah Houghton’s defintion, quoted in Blyberg’s post, as my favourite because it’s straightforward, resonates with my idea of Library 2.0, and addresses the physical space:

“Library 2.0 simply means making your library’s space (virtual and physical) more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs. Examples of where to start include blogs, gaming nights for teens, and collaborative photo sites. The basic drive is to get people back into the library by making the library relevant to what they want and need in their daily lives…to make the library a destination and not an afterthought.”

This definition and Blyberg’s posting both speak to the fact that 2.0 is a shift towards a more user-based and user-friendly system – and this does not necessarily mean that we’ve got to turn into tech wizards overnight to keep up. Yes, technology plays a significant role but our responsibility is still towards the user/community and this means being aware of the trends but placing the needs of our users over the desire to jump on the social media bandwagon.

“L2 is not about technology, but technology is an important component of it…Remember, L2 is about being relevant. If your constituents, by and large, do not have PCs at home, then maybe a major goal should be to provide access at your facilities.” - Blyberg