Social Networking Tools Libraries

Social Networking Tools in Libraries

What Social Networking Tools/Applications do you think could enhance library services or operations by their adoption.

Librarians need to plug into today's interactive world. Public Libraries need to adapt interactive technology if they want to survive in the age of the Internet.(Abram, 2007). Library 2.0 is the application of now a Mashup of Web 2.0 and traditional Librarian services. An individualized OPAC with plug-ins such as blogs, streaming media, podcasts, VoIP, RSS, tagging, customizable online radio stations, uploadable and downloadable video websites, IMs, online storage of pictures,3d Interactive worlds, ability to customize to user who logs in, so that books checked out or preferences can be viewed by others if user wants to share.(Maness, 2006) Social Networking for Libraries. Libraries can also join other social Networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook encouraging others to link to them and increase their presence online (Vavrek, 2001). Essentially the question that the library should ask is "How can I plug in my greatest asset, our Librarian?" Any tool or app that a Library can utilize to increase interaction between themselves and their communities. The Librarian 2.0 application with VoIP such as Skype, a blog such as Blogger, an IM such as Trillian, and a picture storage site such as Flickr should be the goal of every public library. Keeping an eye out in the future to add a 3D interactive site such as Second Life which could actually increase the wealth of a Library by its ability to sell virtual items.(Rosedale, 2007)

Social Networking software such as Librarian 2.0 increase the interactive experience of other library patrons, the ability to interact with other people utilizing the same system increases tacit knowledge sharing and dissemination (Taylor, 2004). "All that matters in our Libraries to end users is community, learning and interaction," says Stephen Abrams, President of SLA and Spokesman for interactivity by Libraries in a lecture (Abram, 2006)The problems faced by libraries is the ability of their staff to implement the new technology and spread it to patrons. "It's irresponsible of a library to put out computers for patrons but not provide any training on how to use those computers"p 46 says Rachel Singer Gordon, co-founder of Bibliotech consulting (Braun, 2002)

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a valuable resource that patrons can utilize, with this they can dialogue with people overseas, practice valuable language skills with a "native", and use a technology which could doom the telecommunication industry (Toffler, 2006). Blogs increase the social pool of libraries, allowing for interaction between patrons on a variety of subjects such as books, opinions, ideas. IMs bring the librarian immediately to the patron either inside or outside the library with questions asked and responded to in an interactively timely fashion.(Yalsa). Picture storage sites eliminate the concern of storing extraneous data that must be deleted after patron logs off, the images are stored at a separate site at no charge to the library, and allows patrons to use the images in their blogs, or ideally for a community to network and share images of libraries interacting with the public and providing new services to the public, this will increase public awareness with libraries and possibly help increase funding because of the added value (Vavrek, 2001). The Virtual World of 2^nd Life is challenging to the computers that a library has, the interface is primarily graphical and allows users to create virtual worlds or walk around in virtual worlds, how much a user would like to plug into a world by purchasing clothes, or real estate is how much the program costs to the consumer, A library could build a virtual Library inside of Second Life and offer book sponsorships for a price, that would work like a donation, and supply monies to the libraries(Rosedale)

Additional cost to the libraries in terms of increased patronage due to interactivity of libraries in their communities, in the form of extra employees, wear and tear on facilities, wear and tear on computer equipment, programs that require more processing speed to operate, possible kiosks for people using VoIP to go to in order to practice languages with others. The idea of conference rooms for people to game, or companies to pay a fee for access to the computers after hours to use for training employees. This is an exciting time for Libraries and Librarians, not since the fiction and paperbacks were added to Libraries in the early 20^th century (Maness, 2006)have libraries seen such great possibilities. Now is the time for Librarians to plug-in the age of Interactive Web is born.

Abram, S. (2006). Are we ready for Massive Library Innovation? Retrieved 9/7, 2007, from http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/events/lazerow/lazerow061103.htm

Abram, S. (2007). Web 2.0--Huh?! Library 2.0, Librarian 2.0. In J. A. Siess & J. Lorig (Eds.), Out Front with Stephan Abram, A Guide for Information Leaders (Vol. 9, pp. 4). Chicago: American Library Association.

Braun, L. W. (2002). New Roles: A Librarian by Any Name. Library Journal, 4.

Maness, J. M. (2006). Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries. Unpublished APA, Colorado, Boulder.

Rosedale, P. (2007, May 7). Alter Egos. Forbes.

Taylor, A. G. (2004). The Organization of Information. Westport, Connecticut/London: Libraries Unlimited.

Toffler, A. a. H. (2006). Revolutionary Wealth, how it will be created and how it will change our lives (1st ed.). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Vavrek, B. (2001). Wanted! Entertainment Director. When the Public Logs off online Reference in Search of R&R, Libraries will be there, 32(6), 3.

Yalsa. How Online Social Networking Facilitates Learning in Schools & Libraries. Retrieved 9/13, 2007, from www.ala.org/yalsa