Evaluating Social Software

Carefully considering all the technologies we've reviewed this term, my ‘favourite' tools for libraries include the Blog and the RSS feed.

As a means of introducing patrons to the library and exposing them to the various events, promotions or online games and contests, blogs remain an important part of community connection and interaction. Whereas, previously -perhaps in another lifetime- individuals would have physically gone into the library to view a ‘what's new' bulletin board; today, patrons can peruse the goings-on's from a very comfortable spot in their living room or kitchen table.

I believe blogs are the ‘low hanging fruit' on the library tree. Today bloggers can choose from a variety of applications which provide creators with a template, instructions and easy step by step methods of uploading text, photos or media. For the internet savvy librarian, blogs present a home base for a multitude of more complicated technological -read ‘java script' possibilities. However, blogs remain a user friendly social software tool. Anyone can create and update a blog with ease, and the end product can be relatively snazzy.

Also, RSS feeds, while still relatively new, possess a great importance in library blogs and websites. Feeding into news releases, book releases, or scientific journal releases etc. while allowing the user to feed into your site and be constantly updated on what's new -provides current and interesting news on any library site. Libraries are important social spaces that not only provide information for the user; they also promote an atmosphere of intellectual exchange and thought. RSS feeds allow libraries to synthesize information online and plug into the ever changing web channels around them. While slightly less user friendly, I believe RSS feeds are an interesting and important social software addition to the library web.

Unfortunately, virtual worlds and YouTube have made my least potential list for library services. Not because they don't carry cultural and educational importance, but because I don't believe libraries have necessarily tapped into these two venues, already highly saturated by commercial and capitalistic ventures. When I think YouTube, I think music videos, news and general three minute humorous mental departures from homework. (In the same way that My Space, Facebook, and Halo don't generally bring library to mind when a user is online.)  While I do think virtual worlds can be manipulated and explored to interest varying age groups within a library setting, virtual worlds are the high hanging fruit, still sweet but difficult to pick.

Regardless of the level of difficulty, social software still holds a place in our library world. Without it, libraries would not have rich arenas to capture broad audiences or advertise and showcase their skills and services. The web is an important place not only for socializing, but also for advertising and capitalizing on what each institution has to offer. Having a web presence that does both these things is of utmost importance for libraries and their state within the new millennia.