LIS 9763

I was initially anxious about taking this course because 1) I had very little exposure to social software and 2) I wasn't sure what the distance ed. experience was going to be like.  Thirteen weeks later, I have to say that Social Software and Libraries has been the most enjoyable course this term.  I really liked the blog format of communicating our ideas and thoughts regarding the readings.  I especially liked reading the blogs of my fellow classmates and commenting on their ideas.  I found most of the readings more captivating by virtue of their format (mostly blog posts rather than peer-reviewed articles) and the case studies provided a different perspective from which to examine the concepts and applications about which we learned.  I really had no idea how coordinating a group project via distance would work but Meebo and email made the process really easy.  Seeing and testing the different projects of my classmates was another plus. 
 
Although I now know more about social software and their potential applications, I still don't see myself becoming a heavy personal user.  I still prefer engaging my cognitive surplus (as Clay Shirky puts it) without the use of a computer.  One application I will probably continue using is RSS feeds.  I was one of those people who constantly went to individual sites for updates.  After watching the Common Craft Show video on RSS feeds, I've been converted-RSS feeds are so much more convenient.  Post-course, I still don't have a Facebook account and won't be creating one (unless I see a strong, make that very strong, professional benefit) and you won't see a Helen avatar walking around in Second Life.  I feel the effective use of these two social software applications requires a high time and interest commitment that I don't have.
 
In terms of the application of social software in libraries, I do see their use.  I think blogs, RSS feeds, and wikis have the most potential to be effectively applied in outreach activities (blogs and RSS feeds) and internal knowledge sharing activities (wikis).  These applications require (relatively) less technical expertise to implement.  I'm still a little uncertain of the application of gaming and virtual worlds to library instruction.  Yes, they can provide for more interactive learning but to really be relevant, I think games would have to be customized which requires a heavy investment.  If we consider using virtual worlds to provide distance education, again, one would have to be rather tech savy to get the full experience (e.g. learning to write scripts). 
 
I'm graduating this term so I won't be seeing any of you at FIMS, but I wish eveyone the best in their studies, new career, or continuing career.  Thanks for a great experience!