Social Software in Libraries...

Where to begin?

I am a firm believer that Social Softwares should be used in Libraries, however, in order to use them, the libraries (librarians/techs/or who ever else is monitoring/setting-up, etc) has to be aware of its community and how the tools can be and should be set-up for their community. There seemed to be so many examples of "botched" social software being used in libraries. I believe that a lot of libraries are disconnected with their communities (however, some have really good social software tools, and do a great job!). Having a tool, and not being able to use it, is a very big handicap. It's the same concept as a construction worker who doesn't know how to hit a nail with a hammer, if the librarian doesn't know how to appeal to it's users, it simply won't work. To make it work I believe that the library has to look at certain things, and find what suits them best. By looking I mean:

1. Take the initiative!
   
2. Have focus groups, find out what the community wants, what is appealing to them!
3. Keep on top of the literature, stay ahead of the game, stay informed.
4. Keep reviewing and updating what you do. In today's society, things change in the blink of an eye, so be prepared to change, and re-adapt!
5. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.

The last point is a bit corny, but sometimes you have to explore different avenues, and start the process again, as times change, and there are more than one type of group in the community. Try to reach and help as many people as possible.

my 2cents!

This week's readings

Freita’s article is interesting, and foreshadows an attractive idea, and to my surprise the use of gaming in the UK was impressive. I was surprised to see it in so much use. Also, her comment about schools having to acquire the video cards that can play the newer games is also a valid comment. In the end, it seems to come back to the old idea that there needs to be more money invested in schools. It doesn’t matter if it’s related to acquiring gaming consoles or whatever else, times have in a sense changed, and the school system has to look at the new generation differently, and address their needs and prepare them for the ever changing environment.

The Squire and Steinkuehler article is quite informative. I was surprised and impressed to see what some libraries have done with regards to gaming. I remember hearing in some classes that some libraries were having gaming nights/activities, but I really had no idea to what extent, and how could the library take a constructive role in this. After reading this article, I can really see how it can work. I also liked the link between the games and taking out books on the topic. It is a new twist on learning and promoting the library. I like it! I definitely think there is room for this in public libraries, and librarians should push to include programs like these in their libraries.

The Doshi article presents an interesting learning curve in information literacy. I liked the idea of bringing in new ideas, joining with faculty and students. Making students more aware, and using their work to better the library is a great idea. In a sense, libraries have to collaborate more with external groups and resources. Why not bridge some of those gaps, and attempt to make the services better. The times are changing, and the librarians have to make the change, and find out what is more appealing to their community.

Oblinger’s article is interesting, and proposes some appealing possibilities. However, as she does conclude, presently games are not constructed for an educational environment, yet there may still be hope. Who knows what the future will hold. I can sympathize with what she is saying, and yes some games could maybe be included in the curriculum, but I would definitely not have it over a course. It could be added material, and I agree that it could lead to good educational discussions, and possibly even some good student papers, critiquing, or commenting on the games.

Cases for this week...

Again I know I'm a bit behind the schedule, but here goes...

I looked at the cases in reverse order, the first one was the UWO community live journal. I think that it is a great idea. It's a good place for students/people to communicate activities, questions, and interests about UWO. Now this is sort of going on a side point, but I'm going somewhere with this. A few of the posts were from incoming students, looking for apartments, student cards/bus pass, etc. Now when I was playing on Facebook, there's a whole section dedicated to people going to a new school (university)...now I wonder how this is being delt on that site. I looked up the community size on the Live Journal and it was a decent size, but I wonder how active is it? Facebook, it would seem that it would be easier to note the activity levels, etc. I am just making a comparison, and wondering how effective, each one is. I haven't gone or joined the Facebook/UWO new students, so I don't know, but I wonder how that network works.

The MySpace and Teens list on the wiki...I scrolled through the list and picked Pickering Public Library, figuring it might possibly be Canadian. I then looked at their site, and it seemed really outdated, and not very used. I am not sure what I can say about it. Some of the content seemed to date back to January of 2007. This makes me wonder, did they just give up, or not try to improve their site, etc. So many questions, but what to do, where to go? The idea of regrouping a list on a Wiki is a great idea. Makes me wonder if the people behind the Pickering Space, know about their presence on the Wiki. If so, why not look at other libraries that seem to have a Space that works. It is good to sometimes see what other people or groups are doing.

Jer

This Week's readings...

I know this posting is a bit late..but figured I'd still put up my thoughts...

Starting the articles off with Farkas was a great introduction, on good and bad practices, and how libraries can creatively use social networks, and be effective within the community. Most of the focus is on youth, which makes a lot of sense, and connecting with these people is crucial. Also, as Schmidt says, we should concentrate on educating, being role models. The library has to realize it's role and have a positive presence within the community. Abram's thoughts on the whole topic are interesting, he states "Why am I looking at this kiddy stuff, you ask? What can it possibly teach me about providing excellent service to my users/colleagues/students that have serious needs in our community and schools? Good question. And like all good questions, it generates more questions." This point is very valid. We need to sometimes step back and look at our surroundings and see how we can improve.

The Harris article is also interesting, I like the way he presents three possible areas where social networks can be used in the classroom. It's all about being productive, using new technology and appealing to the new generation.

Jer


P.S. I finally have aFacebook account. It's kind of interesting, not really sure what I want out of it yet, but true I have found a lot of friends on here, but what do I do after I've found them. I am not really sure of the possibilities/potential, and well I hope to figure some of this out in the near future. And to be honest, this week's readings made more sense on the role of social networks in libraries, so now I am trying to think about it, in a different manner.

Week 10 readings...

Social networking...hmmm my personal thoughts: I still haven't created an account on Facebook or MySpace, and have been hesitant to do it. I haven't bridged into the "wanting to be found/getting into the large networks" yet. I have a lot of networks, friends everywhere, but for me it's always been more of a personable/person to person thing, rather than technology thing. I know, call me old fashion, but it's just a personal thing.

The Matthew Williams article was interesting, and made me wonder if it is really going somewhere, his thoughts on where schooling is off, and that the system is archaic and that it is shown by how students are tapping out! I agree partly with this, as I often feel that what we do in classrooms could be improved. However, allowing students to listen to their Ipods in class is a bit pushing it. I for one know that I surf the net while I'm in class, but I blend my attention with what the prof is saying. If I think the information is really important, I usually tune out off of my laptop and concentrate on the prof. Also, often when I "surf" the net, I don't do facebook/Myspace, etc...often I'll be checking up on stuff that the prof is talking about, looking at more information. And I will admit that check emails and other stuff to, but I wonder how could teaching really include more technology, or a more suitable approach that would make students more aware/or more "into" the lecture.

The whole DOPA thing is shocking. I didn't realize there was so much policing in the U.S. However, it's not too surprising when I think about it, cause it is the U.S. On the other hand, I am surprised that Libraries/ALA haven't put up a larger stink about it, as they are usually the ones that want to make the library a place of freedom/free thought. I like how the Roush article commented on how it deprives Social Networking for youths, and suggests that it is an important cultural thing for youths today.

Coming back to my second paragraph, I just finished reading the Henry Jenkins article, and he finally found ways to integrate teaching and technology. His blogoshpere with the classroom is quite an interesting idea. I really like the sounds of it, and the potential that it has in the classroom.

My comments on this week's readings.

Jer

Week 8 readings..

Folksonomies....still not a fan. I have yet to be grabbed and very implicated in this folksonomy world. I know that I have to tag things for this course, but honestly, I get the advantages/disatvantages, but I think I might still be traditional and like the word to mouth and the good ole' reading up on stuff to find what I need. After going over the readings, I can see the problems of having misdirected groupings, which may mislead, and for a librarian to suggest that patrons might classify, or develop a better taxonomy. I know sometimes things get done, discovered, and sometimes the majority can change how things are done, but in the end it could just become an anarchy, there needs to be some order in things, and the cataloguer follows strict rules that keep things in order.

taking a blog holiday...

taking a blog holiday...check back next week :)