Weeks 13 & 14: Evaluating social software for libraries & best practices

After learning about all the tools in this course I would have to say that some tools would probably work better in a library than others. There are some tools that would probably be easy to implement without major disturbances. In mind would be rss, gaming, and blogs.

I think that each of these tools could easily complement a library OPAC and website. Rss feeds could easily be set up to notify patrons of new titles and events at the library, as Ottawa Public Library currently does. A feed could be set up to customize the types of material to be notified about.

I think that gaming certainly has a place in public libraries. With the right staff supporting and guiding the process, I think this would be a great way to reach younger members of the community.

As well, blogs that are created to assist patrons about library events and community happenings would be a great way to connect with patrons.  Making connections between the library and the surrounding community is always integral in keeping the library relevant.

I think that whatever social software a library may choose to implement, there needs to be consideration of why it should be done and what the benefits are of it. This leads me to some best practices:

• Simply implementing a social software tool in a library will not guarantee results. There has to be a reason to implement social software and staff need to buy-in to the idea also.
• Libraries should think long-term when utilizing social software. Although something may be cool and trendy right now, is this the direction that library budgets and resources will be aimed at in maintaining for the future?
• Justify the reason for implementing the software. There needs to be some indication that people want it and will use it if the library offers it.
• Librarians need to stay current of trends with software and be open-minded about adding these tools to the organization.

That's all for now.