Social Software for Libraries

So often I come across library websites that have blogs and even Twitter feeds, but don’t integrate the content into the page thereby forcing users to add another click to see the content.

Meebo is common and easy enough to figure out on one’s own, perhaps, but what about the many other channels through which reference could take place? Skype, for instance? If one of the challenges of the virtual reference interview is missing out on non-verbal cues from patrons, then what is stopping the library from implementing webcam reference?

By providing social media tools and the opportunity for your users to provide commentary and feedback on library programming and services–especially if those comments are acknowledged or even acted upon–is an easy and unbelievably effective way to increase appreciation and support for your organization.

We stop at no when our districts or tech directors or network administrators summarily or arbitrarily ban blogs and wikis and social networking and media sharing and yes, even digital storytelling. We need to get to yes, for the sake of millions of learners.  It is up to us to make the pedagogical arguments, the equity arguments.

We stop at no when our districts or tech directors or network administrators summarily or arbitrarily ban blogs and wikis and social networking and media sharing and yes, even digital storytelling. We need to get to yes, for the sake of millions of learners.  It is up to us to make the pedagogical arguments, the equity arguments.