About me: Introductory Blog

I am currently a part-time student in my third semester at fims.  I am working at IBM for the summer and returning to school in the fall term.  I have to admit I have little experience with the concept of social software.  However, on a daily basis I access blogs, social networks and community intranets.  Last semester I was able to take 520, digital libraries.  Though much different, this course gave me a great introduction to HTML, digital formats in the library and the creation of community based libraries.  

 Working at IBM, though only in my first week has also given me a chance to explore social software.  For example, in my department they have a shared communication tool called Sametime, which is basically MSN.  It allows people within the department to give notifications to only one person or can alert the entire department if the printer is down.  Its very interactive as well as comfortable, less intimidating and user friendly.   I can see just from this one example how social software can act as a part of the community.  

 In the context of the library, I hope to finish this course with a better understanding of how social software programs can enhance a community, bringing people and organizations together to share ideas, knowledge and perceptions, all of which have the ability to change a community for the better.  Growing up in the age where technology is a given, I think it is important to understand how social software is used and how I can teach and promote its qualities to all generations.   I think I will enjoy learning about how we as the users can define the digital rather than let it define us.