Social media has definitely changed the internet for good, but I still think that traditional destination web sites are in demand. I typically prefer using the destination web for some of my information needs. Although Twitter and Facebook offer the advantage of allowing users to interact in ways the destination web cannot compete with, there are times where interaction is not my goal. Also, I still get intimidated by some Web 2.0 tools. I enjoy RSS feeds to a certain extent but I still find myself going to the New York Times website and browsing aimlessly for articles to read. These are all just my personal preferences but I believe many other people have similar reasons for relying on the destination web consistently.
Then there are also all of the internet users that are still uninformed on how and why they should use tools like Facebook or Twitter. They have either chosen to ignore these tools or they have tried them and were not impressed. This leads them to still use the destination web 100% of the time.
Although I am still formulating my opinion on whether or not the destination web era is on its way to becoming over, as of now I see it remaining relevant and widely used.
Showing posts with label blogpostwk5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogpostwk5. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tweet-a-dee-doo
One of the main purposes of libraries is to act as a community center. Whether it is a public library serving local residents as users or a corporate library that must serve the information needs of the entire organization, the library needs to reach out to its community if it wants to act as its hub. From reading about microblogging, I realized just how relevant Twitter is to that mission of the library. Twitter is a tool that can be used to alert potential users of the library's happenings and to also interact with those users outside of the library building or website.
When I think of a library using Twitter, I imagine enthusiastic, creative and informative Tweets to be regularly posted (at least twice a week in my opinion). Some of these tweets may involve library announcements such as new holiday hours or a change to a policy. They can also announce special events, new displays and additions to the collection. These Tweets strike me as no-brainers. They are the type of announcements that one would expect on a bulletin board within the library.
However, in order to fully utilize the power of Twitter, libraries must find ways to incorporate the personality and enthusiasm of the library and pump that into their tweets! An example of this type of tweet is, "Did you know one of our very own library assistants survived Hurricane Katrina? In honor of remembering this tragic segment of American history, she has handpicked some resources on natural disasters for the library's front window. Check them out!" Any way that a library can express the individuality of their organization will help them accumulate followers.
I also envision tweeting libraries to network with other people besides users. They should be following other local libraries and looking for ways to collaborate with them. Also, they should follow organizations that support libraries and use Twitter as a way to stay informed on professional development opportunities.
They are many other ways libraries can use Twitter to their advantage such as by using it to offer reference services and distribute a short newsletter. However, the most crucial part of any library's Twittering is for them to remain dedicated to updating it, interact with other people and promote their Twitter page as much as possible!
When I think of a library using Twitter, I imagine enthusiastic, creative and informative Tweets to be regularly posted (at least twice a week in my opinion). Some of these tweets may involve library announcements such as new holiday hours or a change to a policy. They can also announce special events, new displays and additions to the collection. These Tweets strike me as no-brainers. They are the type of announcements that one would expect on a bulletin board within the library.
However, in order to fully utilize the power of Twitter, libraries must find ways to incorporate the personality and enthusiasm of the library and pump that into their tweets! An example of this type of tweet is, "Did you know one of our very own library assistants survived Hurricane Katrina? In honor of remembering this tragic segment of American history, she has handpicked some resources on natural disasters for the library's front window. Check them out!" Any way that a library can express the individuality of their organization will help them accumulate followers.
I also envision tweeting libraries to network with other people besides users. They should be following other local libraries and looking for ways to collaborate with them. Also, they should follow organizations that support libraries and use Twitter as a way to stay informed on professional development opportunities.
They are many other ways libraries can use Twitter to their advantage such as by using it to offer reference services and distribute a short newsletter. However, the most crucial part of any library's Twittering is for them to remain dedicated to updating it, interact with other people and promote their Twitter page as much as possible!
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