RA: Utilization of Social Networking

Title: Libraries making good use of social media and web 2.0 technology
Author: ALA
Publisher: ALA
URL: http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/socialnetworking

ABSTRACT

A great fraction of libraries in the US has been making good use of social media and web 2.0 technologies to reach their audience and market their services, though there are still some libraries who do not make use of the said technologies. Cindy Romaine, president of the Special Libraries Association said that this is a manner by which information organizations adapt to the fast changing times. She considers this a strategy to become "Future-ready." Some users consider e-mailing an "antiquated way" of communicating so some librarians use Facebook to send messages to some of their users.



What I learned
 
Social networking refers to a process of building connections, relationships and a community among people of common interests or goals. It is a concept more popular in the internet today. These networks allow members to interact with each other through web posts and other features that basically are in line with any specific group/ social networking site's purpose or goal. Some social networks allow professionals to share trade secrets or updates in their specific fields of interests while some just keep the members updated of each other's whereabouts on a daily basis. The concept has already been used by different institutions including schools, government offices and libraries.

The interactivity and the real-time updates makes social networking a viable tool in the library setting as it can provide a venue for librarians, library users and other libraries to communicate and discuss concerns, updates in the collection, queries, etc. It provides information which are readily accessible with a click of a button and an effective way to get relevant information to its targets.

Communication is vital in deciphering the needs of library users and online social networks provides this need. The interactivity and various features which may be tailored to fit the needs of a specific group (e.g., a librarian and his/her library users) paves the way for librarians to get the public not only informed, but also more interested in making use of libraries.

Reflection

This generation spends most of its hours online. Taking advantage of this will get libraries more involved with the users, and in turn, users, especially those of the younger generation will definitely appreciate the role of librarians. Undoubtedly, in this country, role of librarians are not as established in the minds of the younger generation as the role of Google.com is. A number of public libraries I have studied a few years back recognizes this. But with the emergence of technologies and new ways of interaction with library/information users, librarians can better their services. This convergence of technology with library/information services which is already being practiced in other countries, can truly pave the way for libraries and librarians in our country to keep up with the increasing demands of information seekers.

References

Articles

American Library Association. (2011).  Libraries making good use of social media and web 2.0 technology . State of America’s Libraries Report 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/socialnetworking

IFLA. (2010). Value of social networking in libray and information organizations in Asia and Oceania. World Library and Information Congress: 76th IFLA General Conference and Assembly 2010. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/socialnetworking

American Library Association. (2011).  A plethora of devices, in use by all generations. State of America’s Libraries Report 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/socialnetworking

Unpublished works

Generao, C.A B. (2008). A study on the effectiveness of programs and activities held by the Manila City Library system in the promotion of its library. Unpublished B. L. I. S. thesis, University of the Philippines Diliman, School of Library and Information Studies.