Social Networking for Information Professionals: An evaluation.

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.