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!