Week 12 Reading Notes

The emergence of Web 2.0 has steamrolled new ways for librarians to interact with patrons, and created new innovations in the way that patrons gather and are exposed to information. Sometimes referred to as "participatory networks", Web 2.0 elements include social networking sites, blogs, and mashups, which are a combination of API's and data and result in new sources of information (like Google Maps for example). When looking at ways to utilize Web 2.0 capabilities to enhance interaction with patrons, I think social networking is an excellent choice. Almost everyone is utilizing at least one social networking site, if not all of them, and as a result the best way to reach out to a society that is becoming increasingly immersed in technology is to join them. Libraries need new ways to reach today's society and social networking sites are a great way to connect with patrons and showcase the services that the library offers. Social Networking sites can also be utilized for traditional library services, like introducing new books or authors. A simple post on Facebook can take the place of a display case in a library. Also posts on social networking sites would be cool because it allows patrons to interact with each other. Under the post about a bestselling new fiction book, patrons can post their individual thoughts on the work and suggest other reads to the community. Along those same lines is the idea of library blogging. Blogging also allows patrons to interact with each other and is an innovative way to encourage learning and sharing knowledge. I think the problem that UCLA addressed in their article is a common one, some social networking sites are better for exposure and interactions than others, but I also think it depends on what kind of audience a library is trying to reach. For example, UCLA was an academic library trying to reach college students, so it makes sense that they would utilize Instagram because the primary user demographic fits. However, a public library might be better off utilizing Facebook if they are trying to reach older clientele. Additionally, I think the specific purpose of a library's post on social networking sites needs to be taken into consideration. For example, what if a library wanted to post about an upcoming seminar on resume writing or computer skills? In that case I think it would be best to utilize social networking sites that are more career focused, like LinkedIn or a career blog or bulletin site. Libraries need to be strategic in their posts and specifically on what sites they post to, in order to have the greatest impact.