Well I started this subject in November 2012 and now it time to finish the unit and post my evaluative statement. Please read and feel free to comment on any thing I posted during the semester.
(1)
an evaluative statement using three (3) experiences documented in your
OLJ as evidence of meeting the learning objectives of the subject (@750
words)
a) An understanding of social networking technologies.
I
developed an understanding of social networking technologies as I
progressed through the learning activities in the subject. I began to
see that out of the static web [Web 1.0] grew people’s desire to not
just consume information but to share it as well. Innovations created
Web 2.0 where people began to make content, publish, discuss, broadcast
multimedia, participate in gaming and virtual worlds. This evolution is
continuing as newer tools segment the social media landscape to
service niche needs. No one tool is a be all and end all in fact
audiences are fickle as they leave one tool to use another such as in
Friendster’s case with a desertion over to Facebook. [1] However, some
developments point towards an immersive environments as being the
future. I participated in a Second Life Training Session we my distance
education class meet together and explored how to use avatars and
interact in ways not normally possible off campus. It does have
possibilities if you are separated by geography as it allows you to
interact and co-create with one another. This is in contrast to my
earlier opinion see - What are gaming and virtual worlds: http://aroundthewebin100clicks.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/web-20-
technologies-and-social-software.html
b) An understanding of concepts, theory and practices of Library 2.0 and participatory library service.
As
I progressed through the Library 2.0 unit my understanding of the
concepts on which it is based and the reasons for participatory library
services grew. The need for change has become apparent as social
networking continues shape how customers interact with service
organizations. Customers now expect to collaborate, have conversations
with these organizations, feel a part of a community and create content
just as they do on any social networking site. Libraries need to meet
the challenges of the four “C’s” by adopting a user centered approach to
providing services.[2] Use of web 2.0 tools such as Twitter, Facebook
and Spark IM make it possible for libraries to engage with customers,
seek feedback, create customer driven change and innovate services.
Thus the customers identifying as owning and being in partnership with
the library service. As a result I now can appreciate why libraries
must evolve and adopt Library 2.0 strategies.
c) Be able to examine the functionality and features of various social networking tools to meet the information needs of users.
There
are many social media tools being used to discuss, share, publish,
network, play games, provide geographic guides and information on
events, critically review services and act as commerce portals. All
these tools place the customer at the center of the network so that
shared opinions and experiences can be used to enhance, improve and
value add to services offered by commercial and non- profit
organizations. Libraries are generally non- profit entities that serve
different user segments. So a social networking strategy must be
tailored to customer demographics, organizational goals and the
prevalent technologies available. This is demonstrated in my post A comparison of libraries using social networking to meet their organizational goals.
Differences in the use of tools chosen may be accounted for by
divergence in operational goals of each organization and how social
media tools support these goals (Gertz, C., personal communication, 21
January 2013). Organizations also need to be forward facing and
investigate new niche tools as they available in order compare them with
current tools and usefulness. For example, Facebook is popular today
but could be replaced by another newer social media platform in the
future.
d)
Able to evaluate social networking tools to support information and
collaborative needs of work groups, communities and organizations.
I
would recommend taking into consideration these points when choosing
tools for an library, work group or whole organization. The needs of
customers differ according to the type of organization they receive
services from. Therefore organizations require a user needs assessment
be done so that the use of social media tools are aligned with
organizational operations and goals.[3] As tools used by a library will
not be suitable for a bank or an arts community. Also the design of the
social network is important so that users adopt the tools quickly,
allowing them to personalize pages, enable easy searching for and
posting of content through multiple means e.g. smart phone access or
laptop etc.[4] The use of social media within an organization also
requires a culture shift by senior management and staff. As their
support and participation is necessary to drive the take up of social
media internally and reap the benefits of sharing information and
receiving feedback. Without considering these points the success of a
social media project may be hindered and loose some of the benefits that
social media offers to organizations.
e) Demonstrated an understanding of the social, cultural, educational, ethical and technical management issues.
Social
networking has fundamentally changed how individuals and society
access, share and use digital content. The rate information is shared
between a person and their networks has rapidly increased since the
invention of mobile telecommunications and social networking platforms.
Social networking has presented governments, corporations and
organizations with security, public relations, legal challenges and
access issues. The individual has to consider their right to free
speech, the responsibility of it and the erosion of privacy in an online
environment. [5] So it necessary for individuals and organizations to
consider and implement policies to protect information and inform users
of their rights.
However,
social networking has tremendous value in education, training and
geographically dispersed organizations. It allows individuals and groups
to work together, share ideas and build relationships when separated by
large distances. Thus strengthening information sharing, corporate
culture and learning throughout an organization. So when used in the
right way social networking can be a valuable tool to communicate, build
trust, educate and provide services to individuals.
References:
1. FredCavazza.net. 2008. Social Media Landscape. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.fredcavazza.net/2008/06/09/social-media-landscape/. [Accessed 18 January 2013].
2. Library 2.0 and participatory library services. 2012. [ONLINE] Available at: http://aroundthewebin100clicks.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/library-20-and-participatory-library.html. [Accessed 19 January, 2013].
3. Grenfell, C. 2011. Deploying microblogging in organizations. Retrieved from:
http://www.steptwo.com.au/papers/kmc_microblogging/index.html
[Accessed 19 January, 2013].
4. Doig, S. 2012. Social networking and the organization. Retrieved from:
http://www.aroundthewebin100clicks.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/social-networking-and-organization.html
5. Doig, S. [2012]. Privacy in the ON-line environment. Retrieved from: http://www.aroundthewebin100clicks.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/privacy-in-on-line-environment.html
(2)
A reflective statement on your development as a social net worker as a
result of studying INF206, and the implications for your development as
an information professional (@750 words).
This is what I said at the beginning of studying INF206:
At
the very beginning of studying INF206 my thoughts about social
networking were confined to my own personal experience. So this
statement from my first entry on this blog reflects this.
“In
INF206 Social Networking for Information Professionals, I hope to
expand my understanding of social networking technologies, to understand
theory and the practice of using Library 2.0 to interact with customers
in creating a collaborative library service. Be able to evaluate
various social networking tools against users and community needs to
recommend a social networking strategy. Then develop knowledge of how a
social networking strategy impacts on individuals and organizations and
the issues associated with using this technology to create and implement
an information policy in an organizational context.”
At
the end of this subject my knowledge about social networking has been
enlarged to include issues about privacy, strategy and the wider world
of government and organizational policy. Upon examining how far my
understanding has progressed since starting my learning journey about
social media and being an information professional. Now as I reflect at
the end of this subject the following thoughts and ideas come to mind.
When
this subject first commenced my understanding of social networking was
limited. I had very specific ideas about what social networking was
useful for on a personal level. Prior to this I had not considered the
uses and implications for organizations in a social media environment.
During the session various learning tasks were undertaken to build
knowledge of social networking tools; to understand each tools
strengths, capabilities, weaknesses in engaging with various consumer
groups and the ramifications for private citizens, government and
organizations.
This
course has changed how I view social media as an information
professional. I understand now that as an information professional, how
customers communicate, and by what means, now changes how my profession
functions. This means doing more delivery of services online in virtual
environments that are familiar to our customers. Social paradigms that
exist in the physical world also apply to the online world. For example,
people will compliment and complain, question decisions, want to
request that resources are acquired, and share opinions with others.
Libraries have needed to adapt to this change in client communication
preferences by moving from a paper based service organization to a
digitally rich and interactive online service organization. Some
libraries the adoption of social media has increased the organizations
ability to interact with their customers. Other libraries have gone a
step further and have introduced a bibliocommons [http://www.bibliocommons.com/] catalogue
interface to leverage the social interactions of customers with library
resources. Working with customers this way can lead to innovation in
services in partnership with a library service or information provider.
Thus enhancing the client’s opinion of the organization and enabling
effective community engagement for the organization. When I look at the
way this model works in libraries, especially public libraries, I
realize that I am participating in ‘Government 2.0’ in a smaller scale.
That is the community is working with the local library service to shape
collection development, customer service standards and operational
policies.
However,
I would like to point out that social media is just one channel of
communication. Although print is declining in use, it is still a
valuable medium to reach out to customers who do not want to use online
sources of information. Radio and TV still hold some value in
communicating messages about library policies and programs too. All of
these mediums serve different audiences and so a library, museum or
other organization needs to take into account their audience. Social
media is just one part of an organization’s overall communication
strategy and should not replace other traditional communication
channels. Although I do see more communication, data applications and
entertainment moving towards delivery of content through mostly online
means. Due to improvements in technology and the changes it will bring
on society.
So
as a information professional I should be informed about social
networking trends. As social networking tools that are popular today can
be replaced by newer tools due to changes in public preferences. I
should also be able to teach my customers how to use them so that they
can engage in online advocacy. I can also act as a change
driver/influencer within my organization to make them aware of issues,
government policies and social media trends. On a personal level when
acting for an organization online I need to follow established protocols
and make sure that information posted by me is timely, accurate and
reliable source of information.
