Tweet Tweet

I never thought of Twitter as a microblog until I did this week in web 2.1. I always aligned it with Facebook and considered it a 'status' update-which in my mind was different to a blog, although now I see where the lines are crossing.

I have signed up for twitter, but I don't think it is something I will use because I don't like the character restrictions. Also in relation to the character restriction; I found it difficult to understand what some messages were saying. So far... not a fan of microblogging!

I can see libraries making use of twitter for events updates, new book release notifications and public announcements but I think the character restriction could make relaying information difficult to understand for some library user groups.

Blogging since 2.0

Since completing 2.0 I have to admit I still am not a regular blogger nor do I mass blog.
This isn't because I do not like blogging, it is more that I find I do not have the time to commit to entering my thoughts online.

I enjoy reading brand blogs and piggyback blogs on current topics and this is something I do quite frequently. Since I don't do much blogging myself starting web 2.1 is very exciting because it will get me back into blogging things!

Everyone I know is online...

The concept of online communities has jumped forward in leaps and bounds and everyone I know is 'on' one or more online communities.

Online communities are not only a way to stay in touch or to find new people but it is being used as a distribution tool for things such as activities and events or spaces where you can voice your political, environmental (just about any issue you like!) perspectives.

I think Libraries could use online communities as a 'step up' from email alerts. Imagine having all available borrowers signed up as the libraries 'friend' online. You could directly message people about notices and events; or people could post FAQ's on the libraries 'wall' so that not only will they be able to see the response, but others will have access to these FAQ's and so time could be saved by not repeating information!

Messages could also be posted by Authors soon to be doing a talk at the library (or they could even become friends if they wanted allowing greater access to themselves). Spaces detailing Staff Picks, book reviews could be available, as well as peer reviews on new books and upcoming new book orders!

If borrowers caught onto the idea, i think the possibilities could be endless.

Google Docs

Having been a gmail and google user long before web 2.0 I was surprised I hadn't thought to use this application before!

I think it is great in terms of not needing to carry a portable storage device in order to save work!

If the library had a publicly accessible account they could post items there for viewing. Or, simply create items in google docs and use the email database in order to share these documents with our borrowers!

Mash me up!

This concept of Mashups is very new to me! But I like the concept.

In terms of how this application can be used in the library, the first thing i thought of was Children and Youth Services.

These age groups respond much better if information is presented in an interesting way. Using my jigsaw mashup as an example, information such as new books, new authors or activities could be presented in a format that is attractive and interesting to a young mind which may help them retain the information better.

Something like this could be used in the library in general for promotions or competitions.

Podcast

I believe that podcasts are the way of the future. Nearly every member of Gen Y has an ipod or similar device. And, as Gen Y is our next generation of leaders and decision makers it is this group who we want to appeal too!

Podcasts could be used in library as a distribution tool for local community services. Or for information for how to use the library and the services it offers which can be made available in multi-lingual formats, helping to achieve effective communication where a language barrier may have been prohibitive. In this sense podcasts can also allow librarians to provide better services as they would be less time poor in borrower queries as some could be simply solved by lending an ipod or similar with the information in a step-by-step format for that borrower to use. An example may be providing information and navigation in the use of the online databases.

And this would be just the beginning!

Answer Board Librarians

I think many of our borrowers don't realise the amount of information a librarian can offer. I think we are viewed as cataloguers and shelvers! I think many of our borrowers would enjoys answering surveys or get involved in a discussion group to not only find out what our librarians have to offer but what our collection (in particular reference) can offer and than rate what we do well, what we can do better or even, what we should start doing.