This article begins with the authors (Harper & Watson 2006) outlining the uses of Web 2.0 and Librarian 2.0 in the library environment, with the inclusion of some excellent examples to further educate the reader. They then go on to elaborate on some tips to assist libraries in making successful use of Web 2.0 technology, in particular blogs and wikis, in their libraries.
Tip One explains the importance of be clear in your objective. What do you want to achieve in implementing this blog or wiki? Ensure the blog or wiki adheres to your organizations mission statement and aims. It is important for the library to develop guidelines and policies on the use of the blog, what type of information will be on the blog and what outcome is preferred from the use of the blog (or wiki). It is essential all staff that may have log on access to the blog or wiki are aware of these guidelines, aims and policies and adhere to them strictly. It is also imperative that a policy, including rules and guidelines is publicized for public perusal.
Tip Two tells us not to use technology just for the sake of using it. We need to ensure the technology will do what we need done before we use it. This links with Tip One in that if we are clear in our objectives and aims, we will better understand which technology to use to achieve this. It will not give the organization any credibility with the public if it appears the staffs are only “playing around” with technology.
Tip Three outlines the importance for honesty. Customers will not feel any different to “fakeness” online as they would in the physical library. If libraries want customers to feel valued and thus use this online service it must be provided with integrity. This also reflects on Tip One as if the library adheres to its mission statement, values such as honesty and integrity would usually be included in one form or other.
Tip Four stresses the importance of keeping the library blog or wiki current. If users do not receive a response to a post or if they notice the blog hasn’t been used for an extensive period of time they will lose faith in it. It also needs to look modern, bright and appealing to show users the library values the blog or wiki.
Tip Five informs the reader of the need to enable comments. This provides a valuable method of communication between the library and its users. However it is important once comments are enabled for the library to be consistent in responding to comments where necessary, and filtering any inappropriate comments.
Tip Six states the necessity to promote the library blog, particularly making use of RSS feeds. This is a valuable method for libraries to maintain a high profile. By providing an RSS feed ability they are ensuring that all subscribers receive updates as they happen. This removes the necessity for the user to keep checking the library blog but ensures the library pops up in the users’ newsreader regularly. It would be pointless creating a library blog or wiki if no one knows of its existence.
This article provides some very useful hints and guidelines for anyone interested in setting up a blog or wiki on behalf of their organization, and beyond that giving these blogs or wikis the opportunity to be successful, and useful in creating an online community for the library.
Harper, K. & Watson, C. (2006). Using blogs and wikis to communicate with library clients. [Electronic Version] Incite. Sydney: Library Association of Australia. Retrieved August 30th, 2008 from http://www.alia.org.au/publishing/incite/2006/12/print.html?ID=138
Tip One explains the importance of be clear in your objective. What do you want to achieve in implementing this blog or wiki? Ensure the blog or wiki adheres to your organizations mission statement and aims. It is important for the library to develop guidelines and policies on the use of the blog, what type of information will be on the blog and what outcome is preferred from the use of the blog (or wiki). It is essential all staff that may have log on access to the blog or wiki are aware of these guidelines, aims and policies and adhere to them strictly. It is also imperative that a policy, including rules and guidelines is publicized for public perusal.
Tip Two tells us not to use technology just for the sake of using it. We need to ensure the technology will do what we need done before we use it. This links with Tip One in that if we are clear in our objectives and aims, we will better understand which technology to use to achieve this. It will not give the organization any credibility with the public if it appears the staffs are only “playing around” with technology.
Tip Three outlines the importance for honesty. Customers will not feel any different to “fakeness” online as they would in the physical library. If libraries want customers to feel valued and thus use this online service it must be provided with integrity. This also reflects on Tip One as if the library adheres to its mission statement, values such as honesty and integrity would usually be included in one form or other.
Tip Four stresses the importance of keeping the library blog or wiki current. If users do not receive a response to a post or if they notice the blog hasn’t been used for an extensive period of time they will lose faith in it. It also needs to look modern, bright and appealing to show users the library values the blog or wiki.
Tip Five informs the reader of the need to enable comments. This provides a valuable method of communication between the library and its users. However it is important once comments are enabled for the library to be consistent in responding to comments where necessary, and filtering any inappropriate comments.
Tip Six states the necessity to promote the library blog, particularly making use of RSS feeds. This is a valuable method for libraries to maintain a high profile. By providing an RSS feed ability they are ensuring that all subscribers receive updates as they happen. This removes the necessity for the user to keep checking the library blog but ensures the library pops up in the users’ newsreader regularly. It would be pointless creating a library blog or wiki if no one knows of its existence.
This article provides some very useful hints and guidelines for anyone interested in setting up a blog or wiki on behalf of their organization, and beyond that giving these blogs or wikis the opportunity to be successful, and useful in creating an online community for the library.
Harper, K. & Watson, C. (2006). Using blogs and wikis to communicate with library clients. [Electronic Version] Incite. Sydney: Library Association of Australia. Retrieved August 30th, 2008 from http://www.alia.org.au/publishing/incite/2006/12/print.html?ID=138
