INF206 - Assessment Three - Reflection

REFLECTION

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.

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.

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

INF206 - Assessment Three - Evaluation

EVALUATION

I don’t only see this as evaluating my social networking journey but that of libraries also.  It’s difficult to isolate three learning experiences, however the blog posts I’ve chosen are:

SecondLife   http://secondlife.com

How Public Libraries use social networking and meshing with this the importance of Libraries website and homepage.

I had never experienced SecondLife for myself and must confess I was sceptical about its relevance in any workplace.  In February 2012 I attended VALA in Melbourne http://www.vala.org.au/vala2012/conf2012 .  One of the concurrent sessions was ‘Playing at Professional Development’, by Ellen Forsyth from State Library of NSW.  At one point I turned to my colleague and remarked “ERL are paying me to sit and listen to this”.  I felt guilty and that I was wasting mine and my employer’s time.

My SecondLife experience was not a positive one, due to the system requirements and that I wear multi-focal glasses.  I often felt unsettled, queasy after a session.  This was backed up by the following article (Mooney, 2009). My evaluation of SecondLife as learning tool I stand by.  For certain situations there are benefits of SecondLife becoming typical of the new classroom, meeting place with benefits for the providers and users, i.e. students.  I raise an area I only hinted at and one that is extremely important, the Digital Divide.  Students may not meet the system requirements or have impaired vision and therefore will not have the same learning experience as fellow students.  The introduction of NBN doesn’t solve all the Internet access issues. Cost, basic level of education to understand concepts, continued education/training, language, age are also barriers.

I am not against ‘learning – through play’ just that there needs to be measures to determine the success and relevance of any program.  For example ’23 Things – learning through play’ created by Helen Blowers http://www.heleneblowers.info/2009/02/wj-hosts-23-things-summit.html.  Organisations officially embracing this and facilitating staff time to spend on ’23 Things’ during work hours allowed staff to accept that it was acceptable. And I was one of them.

A libraries homepage is the window to who they are and what they have to offer.  Their website, homepage and how they use Social Media are inter-connected.
The library websites I visited displayed and used social media differently. I did get a sense these libraries wanted to be seen to be involved in social networking, however in some circumstances it was a token gesture rather than a well thought out plan with a clear structure and budget to facilitate the digital branch with the same commitment as they do with the traditional static branches.

Frankston Library made it difficult to discover they had a Facebook account.  Other libraries didn’t display links or icons to enable user’s easy access to their Social Media pages.

When looking at various library websites I should have included in the criteria the use of ‘jargon’ and a ‘search ‘option higher in rating.  I for one look for the search button immediately I enter a website. Jargon can lead to user frustration, if visitors to your site don’t understand or relate to the terminology being used they may leave without experiencing all the website has to offer.  They may think the website is not directed at them.

ERL's homepage has been updated since I set my criteria and viewed it.  ERL had quite a significant white space on their homepage however that has since been filled with library promotions, I was too quick to judge.

However, I did miss a couple of areas.  There is a RSS icon in the middle of the page with no explanation of its use. Users unfamiliar with this icon may not know its usefulness.  The slideshow is only for promotion of library events to the website visitor as there is no means to ‘share’ this on other Social Media sites.  However ERL's blog is set up so users are able to share amongst their peers on Social Networking sites.  This is advertising money can’t buy ‘Word of Mouth’.

Finally, Twitter is one of the two main Social Networking sites ERL use and the Twitter feed is set to the sidebar and low on the page.  Matthews (2009) suggests that simply having content on the homepage is not enough, that placement whether it’s in the headers/footers and sidebars must be considered as visitors to the site may have difficulty in navigating the page easily.  If Twitter is the main platform to encourage conversation with ERL's audience they need to make it easy to access by having the Twitter feed prominent on the homepage.  ERL, by not promoting Twitter, are doing them a disservice.

Brown (2009) suggests an effective strategy is important in ensuring your audience has a positive social networking experience with your site.  ERL don’t sign up for every new technology, but they must have a clear plan and maintain the Social Media sites they do use for interacting with their audience, continuing to upgrade and develop these sites .

Frankston Library in contrast uses many Social Media sites. I’m curious how they measure and evaluate the success and effectiveness and whether they eliminate platforms that don’t work for their library service.  They appear to dabble in numerous Social Media Sites and generally in what I have read this is not recommended.  Choosing a couple of platforms and developing them and supporting them are a better business model.
After re-viewing Frankston Libraries website they are inconsistent with the banners, naming and look.  They use variations for example:-

    Frankston City Libraries
    Frankston Library Service
    Frankston Libraries, and
    Blogalogue (Blog and Twitter)

Overall, the libraries that I visited are delving into social networking without a strategy and without support to maintain its existence. A libraries social networking audience is just as important as the visitors to the branches.  Public Libraries support and maintain their catalogues and static branch infrastructure they must also be committed to their digital branch, their website and the social media technologies they use.

References

Blowers, H. 2009. 23 Things. Retrieved from, http://www.heleneblowers.info/2009/02/wj-hosts-23-things-summit.html

Brown, A. 2009. Developing an effective social media marketing strategy.  Examiner.com. Retrieved from, http://www.examiner.com/article/developing-an-effective-social-media-marketing-strategy

Matthews, B. 2009. Web design matters. Library Journal. Retrieved from, http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6634712.html

Mooney, L. (2009). Computer Vision Syndrome. Retrieved August, 4 from, http://www.livestrong.com/article/25560-computer-vision-syndrome/.

Second Life. (2012). System requirements. Retrieved July 25 from, http://secondlife.com/support/system-requirements/?lang=en-US

INF206 - OLJ Evaluating how libraries use Social media

EVALUATION OF THREE LIBRARIES USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Eastern Regional Library Corporation www.erl.vic.gov.au

Boroondara Public Library www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/libraries

Frankston Public Library http://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/

Social Media Application	Eastern Regional Library Corporation	Boroondara Public  Library	Frankston Public Library
Facebook		ü	ü
Twitter	ü	ü	ü
Flickr	ü	ü
Blogger	ü		ü
YourTutor
Tumblr		ü
RSS Feed	ü		ü
LibraryThing		ü
QR Codes	ü
BookMyne	ü		ü

Social Media allows libraries to develop relationships with members and the publishing community and engage in conversation with them.  It is this two-way conversation where many libraries fail by only using social media to broadcast.

Frankston Library and Boroondara Library use Facebook as a social media tool.  According to recent statistics they are making the right business and marketing decision as Facebook has over 11.5 million users in Australia alone http://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-august-2012/

Frankston Library has a multi-purpose blog www.flsblog.blogspot.com.au in which they engage their readers by asking leading questions, tempting them to respond via Twitter for example.  They also reach out to staff as this is where Frankston Library update their footy tipping competition and share feedback on how they have responded.  The libraries transparency increases the confidence in the organisation.

Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) are considering creating a Facebook account.  The Social Media team are still in the early stages of outlining exactly what they want the Facebook account to achieve for the organisation.  ERL’s social media team review many social media applications and evaluate what they consider will compliment their online presence.  Signing up to everything is not considered a good option (Kerpen,2011, p194).  How an application will work with existing social media tools is analysed.

Frankston Library does not display a link on their homepage to their Facebook account.  Members who read their blog do have visible access to the link.  Users of social media have come to expect a cluster of icons, where they can identify what other applications an organisation participates in.

ERLs homepage displays links to their Twitter account and a feed of their tweets (which does appear below the page fold), RSS feed, Blogger and BookMyne link that rests within the catalogue search area.

Improvement could include such as how the homepage presents to mobile users could include the option for downloadable applications.  Recognising a member is using a mobile device would be good customer service.

Boroodara use Facebook and Twitter with the links appearing with the catalogue details https://twitter.com/BoroondaraLib.  This appears to be a mis-match of unrelated icons.  Their posts are generally passive, promoting events and advising of branch closures etc.  Boroondara have a Flickr account but no link to it on their homepage.

Boroondara’s blog ‘Library News’  http://boroondaralibraryservice.blogspot.com.au  was last updated 24^th September 2012 due to the impending council elections.  Other public libraries don’t appear to be taking the same stance.  Their Flickr account has not been updated for four weeks also.

Choosing the target audience is an important step in the determination of the most suitable method to reaching them.  Time spent analysing the libraries’ target audience and researching where the majority of them are spending their time online is valuable. For example 57% of active users on Facebook are female alone, therefore if the library wishes to reach female members they should start there.  There is an even higher female representation in the membership of Pinterest http://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-august-2012/

Social Networking is being discussed in many spheres.  Even on a news bulletin the reporter will add a comment that was made on Twitter for example.  Senior Information professionals want to be a part of the social networking community, however, have they done the research and planned how the libraries online presence will look like.  Having a strategy in place is an important key to success.

All three libraries are attempting to provide their audience with a taste of what social media has to offer.  They need to have a clear structure in place to become successful in this area.

Reference

Cowling, D. (2012, September 3). Social Media Statistics Australia – August 2012. Social Media News. Retrieved September 5, 2012, from http://http://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-august-2012/

Eastern Regional Library Corporation. (2012). Retrieved October 2012, from http://www.erl.vic.gov.au/

Kerpen, D. (2011). Five social pitfalls to avoid. In C.C. Shih (2011, p194). The Facebook era: Tapping online social networks to market, sell, and innovate. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.

INF 206

What's Positive about Social Media

While studying INF206 Social Networking for Information Professionals my mother passed away in the Intensive care Unit of a Melbourne Private Hospital.  This post is dedicated to her.

I’ve experienced, or been aware of, many sides of social media, good and not so good.  However, during a difficult period in my families and my life, people’s compassion shone through.

The main support came via Facebook friends as I have only been on Twitter a short time and I have a limited number of followers.  The Twitter messages I received mostly came from my sister’s followers as she is more active and been involved on Twitter for longer.

My Facebook friends were lovely and their support touching.  Women that I started primary school with and that knew Mum sent messages both openly and directly. I was astonished and deeply touched when one of these ladies came to my mother’s funeral.  I’ve known her for 42 years and last saw her 30 years ago.  These relationships remain, time and distance doesn’t change the bonds created so long ago. In an age where we have little free time, social media gives us the opportunity to stay in touch. Without it, I’d likely never talk to these childhood friends.

Work colleagues, friends, family friends and acquaintances all felt comfortable reaching out using social media.  I wonder if some of the people would have made contact if they had to communicate directly. For many people social media provides a safe environment to contact us, especially if they aren’t sure what to say. In my mother’s era one would have sent a card.

Either way sitting down each night after a long and stressful day, replying to the messages was, for me, good therapy.  This was a process I needed to go through and a way to distract myself from my families’ grief.

Bringing this back to the course content, Information Professionals can act as facilitators by participating in social networking and encouraging and educating the public regarding best practise.

It’s an exciting time for the Information profession. Libraries can take the lead and embrace social media dispelling the pre-conceived image of an old, boring and static library and engage in conversations with their members and the publishing world.  So let’s be innovative, progressive and lead from the front.  Promotes what’s positive about social media and provide an environment that’s inclusive and attempt to bridge the digital divide.

INF 206

Different Sides of Social Media

 

I've recently seen the different sides of social media. My son's public high school is closing down and even though the school attempted to get the message to the parents first, Facebook got in their way. Children were finding out at school, on excursions and even overseas before their parents! How hard did they try you may ask, but the point is that teenagers are so connected these days, they want information now.  This is why a statement that 'email is dead' rings true for so many.  Young adults are texting, SMS etc.  They want answers now!

 

However, currently I'm finding it very useful useful with my Mum quite ill in hospital and my sister overseas. I've been able to keep her up-to-date without worrying about the time difference and the cost of overseas phone calls.

 

So there are different aspects to social media like the Charlotte Dawson situation which I find disgusting and unacceptable on every level and remaining connected with family and friends. So I suppose what I am saying is keep an open mind and don't stray from your beliefs, which is why I'm going to give SL another go after a failed attempt a few months ago.

INF206 - Second Life

Experience with Second Life

I launched into Second Life http://secondlife.com/ not knowing anything about it. Quickly I learnt it was an online interactive reality game.

Registration took a few hours over two nights. Creating an account was straight forward, the time was taken:-

·    loading Second Life

·    locating CSU, and

·    navigating Second Life

I managed to add my lecturers and they kindly accepted my invite. I teleported to CSU and tried to enter a classroom but couldn't (probably wasn't meant to).

Second Life lagged at times and on two occasions appeared to freeze. On one of those occasions all I could do was shut my laptop down.

It appears my broadband connection may not be fast enough and my graphics card just meets the minimum requirements http://secondlife.com/support/system-requirements/?lang=en-US.

However, the issue that disturbed me was how I felt physically. I wear multi-focal glasses and found navigating Second Life quite difficult. After thirty minutes of navigating Second Life I was a little dizzy and uncomfortable continuing as I was running into objects. I have researched this issue and much to my surprise discovered literature to support me experience http://www.livestrong.com/article/25560-computer-vision-syndrome/. The article particularly mentioned users that require glasses may have difficulty with computer work

I did not enjoy this learning experience and I'm definitely reluctant to attempt Second Life again. However, as it is a topic within the INF206 Modules I will attempt it again with fellow students.

There are mixed feelings among my fellow students. With some enjoying the new experience, a couple already familiar with Second Life and a couple who felt like I did. Together maybe our next experience will be a positive one. Like a few of my cohorts I can't grasp how this can be a useful ongoing learning tool, however I stand to be corrected.

References

Mooney, L. (2009). Computer Vision Syndrome. Retrieved August, 4 from, http://www.livestrong.com/article/25560-computer-vision-syndrome/.

Second Life. (2012). System requirements. Retrieved July 25 from, http://secondlife.com/support/system-requirements/?lang=en-US

INF206 - Module Three - Effective Library Website

Module 3: Library 2.0 and participatory library services

Designing effective library websites

ACTIVITY

Identify a website of a library or information agency you are familiar with (as either an employee or user) that is utilising one or more Web 2.0 technologies to provide information services and/or learning support.

Based on your reading of Mathews (2009), Lazaris (2009), McBurnie (2007) and Governor et al (2009):

1. Develop your own set of criteria (up to 10 criterion) with regard to effective library website design; and
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the selected library website based on your set of criteria, and identify aspects of this website that could be improved using Web 2.0 technologies.

Criteria

1.      Clean, uncluttered Homepage

2.      Clear hierarchy

3.      Visually appealing

4.      Prominent search function

5.      Pages customised to the intended audience

6.      Easy to locate branch details

7.      Account basics – log-in, catalogue and renewals

Frankston City Libraries (FCL)

1.      FCL homepage has clean lines, is uncluttered and straight forward to navigate.

2.      With no drop down boxes under the headings the user needs to go further to locate what they want.

3.      The colours work well with the layout.  The use of icons, i.e. headphones and calendars, breaks up the text (Mathews, 2009, pg2).

4.      The search function is prominent which appeals to users (Mathews, 2009, pg3).

5.      No apparent children or teen pages.

6.      The branch details appear on the homepage, most useful.

7.      The log-in details are prominent, however, how to renew will take the user a few more ‘clicks’ to find

FCL banner and homepage are appealing, however as a user there is many selections before you get somewhere. Matthews (2009) suggests that the overuse of links may give the impression the website is complex to navigate.  The subsequent pages are not as eye catching as the homepage.

Frankston City Libraries are also on Facebook and Twitter however there is no obvious link on the homepage.  There are links on their blog and the user needs to scroll down the page to locate them.  Each blog post does have a share option.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL)

1.      YPRL homepage is clean and uncluttered.

2.      The use of drop down menus is user friendly.

3.      The design and colours are appealing.

4.      The search function is prominent.

5.      All pages display the same, no customisation for children or teens for example.

I found it difficult to obtain the branch information, and some functions didn’t work.

6.      Log-in details are in the top banner, some users may find this difficult to locate at first.

YPRL website is conservative.  The information was readily available and the ‘Recent Comments’ on the homepage indicates the library is listen to their members issues (Mathews, 2009, pg3).

YRPL don’t do anything different when it comes to the children’s page, unlike Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) which I will review next.  Children don’t want a lot of text and respond to bright colours, familiar icons, i.e. elements from nature as suggested by Lazaris (2009, pg33).

Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL)

1.      ERLs homepage is clean and uncluttered. There is an area of white space. I’m wondering whether this could be better used.

2.      There is a clear hierarchy, however the user needs to makes a few selections to get where they want to go.

3.      ERLs homepage is appealing and easy to experience.

4.      The search function is prominent.

5.      ERL have used different page design, layout and colouring for the ‘Kids’ and ‘Teens’ pages.  Identifying that they need to customised their pages according to their audience (Matthews, 2009, pg2)

6.      The user needs to select a couple of options to obtain branch details.

7.      Log-in details and catalogue access are prominent, which leads the user to renewal options.

ERL has a Twitter account and the feed is displayed on the homepage with a link to follow.

The link for their blog is below the fold so may be missed.  There is also a link to Flickr where ERL have numerous photos of branch renovations etc., which member would most probably be interested in.  This could feature more.

There are two links on the homepage to Overdrive download which enables members to download eBooks etc., one would probably be sufficient.

ERL promote their libraries activities with a rolling display which is updated regularly this is also suggested Matthews (2009, pg2).