Week 14: Best Practices

Although some libraries are already making use of social software tools, their numbers are low. There is huge potential out there. Social software can revolutionize libraries and demonstrate the relevance of these institutions to users.

 Almost all these technologies seem relatively easy to implement. Which ones have the greatest impact? If I had to choose one technology, I would have to say RSS feeds for a couple of reasons. People use tools that benefit them personally. RSS feeds allow users to stay current, no easy feat in an age of information overload. Just as importantly, these feeds allow patrons to personalize the information they want. Two of the most impressive uses of RSS feeds in libraries are The University of Oklahoma Libraries and Tacoma Library. The former organizes newly purchased books by the LC fields, the latter by general subject categories. This is a fantastic service for patrons.

Libraries that use blogs to review recent books are also providing another valuable service for users. Sure, blogs are great for promoting library news and events, but I think blogs have more potential than that. Patrons tend to tune out blogs that just advertise their events. People are used to ignoring advertising and self-promotion. But blogs that serve a useful purpose for patrons are something different. The best blogs are personal and insightful, providing readers with stimulating, thought-provoking commentary. I have read a number of such book review blogs by librarians but many of them are posted independently. (See for example The Hip Librarians Book Blog or Ricklibrarian.) Why not attach such blogs to library catalogues and attract patrons? Certainly there are a host of qualified librarians who could write really engaging blogs.

Wikis that are used internally for group projects and externally for pathfinders/research guides are practical applications of this tool. Because research guides need constant updating, they are a natural fit for wikis. Librarians can create them and have users add to them.

Social bookmarking and subject guides are also perfect partners. The physics guide in the Buley Library is a great example of a best practice. Libraries can attract readers by bookmarking some of the best and most current sites in various fields. Users love information that is relevant to their interests, but finding such information is becoming increasingly harder to do. Like book displays in a library or bookstore, social bookmarking sites can highlight interesting material and narrow the focus for those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there.

Libraries that are using LibraryThing are the way of the future. Tagging gives users more ways to access material. Let’s face it. How many patrons actually find what they want with LC subject headings? LibraryThing lets users have their cake and eat it too. They can search for material by using controlled vocabulary or tags, access points that can compensate for each others’ weaknesses.

Why should any material collect dust in Rare Books departments? Libraries that digitize their special collections material can increase their audience by uploading it to Flickr as has the University of Michigan library. Another useful practice with media sharing is to create YouTube tutorials for bibliographic instruction. We already know that that many users prefer online instruction. Reaching them through YouTube is a great way for libraries to connect with patrons who are reluctant to ask questions. Libraries such as Georgia Tech that have created a video clip on finding journal articles are the way of the future.