LIS 9763

I’m in total agreement about how quickly this semester has flown by – shocking! Hard to believe this is my final blog post…but here we go with answers to the lucky 7 questions:
 
1.      Has your view of social software changed since starting this course? If so, how?
 
My view of social software has not so much changed as become more informed. I’ve been a supporter of using these tools in libraries for several years now, even if I didn’t know all the nitty gritty details about how they worked, or how they might be implemented to best serve staff and users. My library colleagues that were involved in Web 2.0 projects just seemed to be following such an exciting path. The course readings filled in a lot of gaps about the history and functionality of various tools, and the case studies allowed me to become so much more aware of the range of possible uses for social software in libraries. I‘ve come away from this course with a lot more knowledge, skills and ideas and I’m now looking forward to being able to contribute more meaningfully to the Web 2.0 environment alongside my library colleagues.
 
2.      Of all the social tools we've reviewed this term, what are your "favourite" tools for libraries and why? What would you consider to be the low-hanging fruit, i.e. the tools that could be implemented easily and with the greatest impact?
 
AND...

 
3.      What social software tools (if any) do you consider to have the least potential for library service and why?
 
I think the answer to both #2 and #3 really depends on the type of library. Social software tools must support the library's mission by meeting the unique needs of the user group(s) served, and this can be very different between public, academic, special and other libraries. Even within one type of library there will be huge variations (e.g. between a large urban public library branch and a smaller rural location) and this will affect the ease with which specific tools are implemented, along with the overall impact. I really think all social software tools have the potential to be useful. The key is to conduct enough research (primary and secondary, as well as internal to the organization and outside within the community) to make the right decision for your own library.
 
If I had to pick one tool that I’m really looking forward to using when given the chance, it would have to be from the realm of media sharing – Flickr, because I’m a total photography fanatic and love the idea of using this tool to offer virtual library tours (especially a choose-your-own adventure style using the notes feature) and to document library programs (the visual component of telling success stories – very compelling!). I think this tool has a lot of potential no matter the type of library. I’m also a huge fan of wikis because I’ve seen the success they can have in improving library staff communication and creating a more collaborative workplace. This is an essential component of building a happy staff, which translates into better user services. While it can take a while to secure buy-in for a specific tool from managers and staff, as well as users, the possibilities become endless as more collaborators come on board. To me, it’s a real bonus when you love the tool you’re using because this helps to provide the motivation for carrying out the maintenance required for its success with users. I definitely think that matching tools with staff interests is a key consideration in creating a strong Web 2.0 plan.
 
4.      Tell us about your personal experiences with the social software tools we’ve used & looked at this term. Which tools have worked for you, which haven’t?
 
I’ve really enjoy giving blogging a try! It’s been a really effective way of sharing thoughts between class members each week, and super interesting to see all the different voices people use to communicate. I think that’s one of the main strengths of blogging – it allows everyone to be heard, which can sometimes be difficult in a traditional classroom setting. I’ve appreciated being able to reflect on the readings and case studies each week before making a contribution. I also enjoyed reading everyone’s posts! And I very much appreciated the feedback I received from class members – this gave me a real feel for the value that open discussion brings to the blogosphere. The more interaction and sharing of new ideas between folks, the better!
 
It also took me a while to learn to add bookmarks to Delicious as I came across them during my readings and research. At first, I found myself saving bookmarks the more conventional way (on my c-drive) and then adding them in batches to Delicious when I had time to fully review the content of each link and add notes. Then I found the edit feature and realized I could insert new links as I found them and append tags and notes at a later date. I shake my head at how silly this sounds now…how counter-intuitive of me! But I guess sometimes it just takes a little while to make the key connection that allows a tool serve your purposes. I now love my account and can see social bookmarking becoming one of the core tools I use both personally and professionally.
 
I could ramble on for quite some time about my experiences with the various tools we’ve tried out during the term. Suffice it to say I really appreciated the opportunity to delve into the details and explore the special features of various tools – when else do you get the chance to practice and learn so much so quickly? Being able to share this skill development process with a group was great!
 
5.      How has the distance ed. experience been for you?
 
Both last semester and this one I’ve found it challenging to find the time balance required of a distance course, but I’ve enjoyed these experiences for the unique interaction factor offered by the online format. I think there’s a lot to be said in terms of the benefits of being able to reflect on the course materials and participate whenever it best suits your schedule throughout the week. I think the course site works well, with links to major content clearly visible and easily accessible.
 
6.      Do you have any suggestions for improving the learning experience of this course? (e.g. readings, weekly activities, assignments, etc.) (be honest, I can take it!)
 
I thought the course was well paced in terms of content delivery and assignment due dates. I also found the case studies to be a very effective way of illustrating Web 2.0 potential. It’s one thing to read about new tools, and another to see them in action – so keep those coming for sure!
 
7.      How would you sum up your experience over the past 13 weeks?
 
I’d say I have a lot more confidence with the variety of social software tools now available and have become much more of a Web 2.0 thinker. I knew a lot of tools existed, and had a bit of experience with many of them, but learning how to think about them and the types of questions we need to ask as information professionals was really useful. I’m happy to have gained more insight into some of the more controversial areas, such as the literacy value of online gaming. The better informed we are, the better decisions we can make for ourselves and on behalf of our staff and users. Probably the biggest lesson I’ve come away with this semester is that social software success is not only about tools, but having the right attitudes. We need to be open to new ideas, excited about experimenting and willing to take risks in order to keep our library services interesting and relevant – both for users and ourselves! Finally, I’m pleased to have come away from this course with a list of library movers and shakers to follow – and now that I’m learning to operate within the blogosphere, I can keep regular tabs on new streams of thinking emerging from the world of Web 2.0…Shirky, Farkas and others, here I come!
 
It’s been a pleasure working and sharing with everyone over the semester and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
 
Heather :)