Prior to commencing INF206 Social Networking for Information Professionals I considered myself to be aware and current with Web 2.0 technologies, how wrong I was.
The subject through self paced learning and interaction with fellow students gave me the environment to explore further. It didn't matter our level of experience, there were times when many of us were able to share information.
I began using Delicious http://www.delicious.com/about to assist me with collating articles. I was disappointed when not long after opening an account the platform changed its format with the deletion of "stacks" a feature I really enjoyed and found most useful for my ordered mind. I never embraced Pinterest http://pinterest.com/about. Other students were very active and "pinning" regularly. Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) have started using Pinterest http://pinterest.com/fashionmfiction/ and linking to their Facebook page on "Fashion meets Fiction" event, https://www.facebook.com/#!/FashionMeetsFiction . This has proven an effective means to develop a conversation with their audience, a useful example of cross-promotion between platforms.
Twitter was one micro blogging tool I was able to use frequently and enjoy. I think because of its brief, quick, spontaneous nature made it easy to post something and most articles or interest pieces online have a link to various sharing applications, i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, Blogger and Google+. I found it convenient and quick after reading an article to "Tweet" a link. The INF2506 Daily was exciting. Seeing my contributions and those of other students was good learning tool.
However, I can't help but think that some "tweets" maybe misconstrued due to the very nature of the 140 character limit. I experienced how libraries interact with their twitter audience by tweeting events and branch updates. The public libraries that I did follow at times only broadcasted but generally they contributed meaningful information to their followers.
With Facebook I learnt quite a lot especially about groups. Prior to INF206 I was not aware "groups" existed and/or how they operated. What a useful feature and one that I can see would be most useful in a Library setting. Libraries can set up groups, i.e. teen's homework groups where they can communicate with a Youth services Librarian and discuss books, share information and also discover more services and events available.
I can't finish without mentioning my experience with SecondLife http://secondlife.com/. I found this learning experience most challenging. Due to the system requirement, where my computer lagged and I was left hanging on numerous occasions. Also, the constant jolting movements made me feel uneasy due to the fact I wear multifocal glasses and this causes focusing issues (Mooney, 2009).
Carole Gerts provided students with the opportunity to be escorted around CSU in SecondLife. The tutorial was of great benefit as my initial experience was dreadful. I actually didn't think I would attempt it again, but I gave it another go. However, Carole was able to explain some of the functions and the best way to manage your avatar. We ventured into the CSU conference facilities. Carole explained how the space could be used in a library setting. I can envisage the space would be well placed to conduct workshops, events, author talks and lectures. For this purpose SecondLife is an exciting option which could provide Libraries with a cost effective option for staff training, students lectures as hiring a room can be quite costly.
On another occasion I attempted to meet up with fellow students and Carole however was unsuccessful in locating them. I somehow managed to find myself transported to a German site where I was subsequently involved in a "Drag Race". The participants politely asked me to move on.
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| Suzanne watching a "Drag Race" after initially driving straight through it! http://secondlife.com/ |
On numerous occasions I found myself in the water and this seemed to be common occurrence among fellow students.
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| Suzanne in water on SecondLife http://secondlife.com/ |
Overall, I am confident when discussing social networking platforms and also don't baulk at investigating a suggestion from a colleague, friend, patron or fellow student.
I have met the learning outcomes by being able to evaluate new technologies, apply Library 2.0 skills, I consider myself capable to apply learned skills, to provide and educate other library staff and library users in using social networking tools. This includes setting example of good practice and applying my employers Social Media Policy.
References
Delicious, 2012. About. Retrieved from, http://www.delicious.com./about
Mooney, L. (2009). Computer Vision Syndrome. Retrieved August, 4 from, http://www.livestrong.com/article/25560-computer-vision-syndrome/.
Pinterest, 2012. About. Retrieved from http://pinterest.com/about/
Second Life. (2012). System requirements. Retrieved July 25 from, http://secondlife.com/support/system-requirements/?lang=en-US
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