A to Z of Social Networking for Libraries

Learning experience three (3):

Tamworth City Library (TCL) is currently considering integrating social networking technologies into its library services. The following five (5) criteria from the the A to Z of Social Networking for Libraries offers advice for moving towards a library 2.0 ethos.

A-active: in order for your library patrons to view you as being serious about your social networking and for it to work for you and your library, you need to use it on a regular basis.

To ensure progressiveness TCL must consider the need for social networking services to be continually monitored in order to stay relevant and the time required of staff. Parkes and Walton (2010, p. 87) agree social networking practices in libraries need to keep active to prevent them from becoming a static resource.


F-Facebook: having a presence on Facebook with a fan page or a group is a must. Facebook is so popular now that it is expected.

TCL has not yet adopted a Facebook fan page, however library staff are using their own profiles to connect with the local community and are spreading the word about services and programs through existing community fan pages such as local radio stations. More than 20 million people connect with pages every day (Facebook, 2010), creating a library fan page will create a virtual online gathering place for the local community. Development of a information policy is essential.


T-Text messaging: Is your library using it yet?

TCL currently uses the SPYDUS library management system, which offers an optional text messaging feature. If TCL were to adopt this feature it will potentially simplify the delivery of reservation and overdue notices, provide an efficient way to advertise upcoming events and services and deliver direct notification on new resources of interest.


V-Video: whether on YouTube or elsewhere, use video to enhance and engage with your users via social networking.

Embracing video through the TCL library website could offer tutorials on using the library catalogue, databases or reserving items, provide a tour of the library for someone who is hesitant about visiting, or even capture author talks and story times for those who can’t make them in person. Video could also be posted on library social networking pages.

Z-zeal: is your library staff exciting about the possibilities that social networking can offer your library? If not, you will struggle to make it work for you.

Ensuring all library staff are on board with the social networking movement is possibly the biggest challenge TCL faces. The fear of technology may be overwhelming for some, highlighting the importance of Web 2.0 training, development updates, participation in planning and development and positive feedback.

Reference:


Brown, A., L. (2010). ‘A to Z of Social Networking for Libraries’. Retrieved 10 December, 2010, from http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/2010/01/22/a-to-z-of-social-networking-for-libraries/

Facebook. (2010). Facebook fan page manual. Retrieved 10 December, 2010 from http://www.box.net/shared/9e5jiyl843

Parkes, D. & Walton, G. (2010). Web 2.0 and Libraries: Impacts, technologies and trends. Cambridge: Woodhead