In my last post, I talked about using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter to keep the public informed regarding your library and to keep yourself informed about what the public is saying regarding your library.

Another social media tool that can be useful is Youtube. Many libraries post Youtube videos on their Web sites for various purposes. Youtube is user-driven content, meaning anyone can post videos of their creation on the site. Libraries can make their own videos or use those made by others (respecting copyright law, of course). A library that makes its own videos may find that Youtube users from all over the world enjoy watching them or find them useful, without ever visiting the library itself or its Web site.

A lot of times, videos may be used like other social media tools, informing the public about what's going on at the library. Another purpose is instruction. Patrons may need to learn how to use features of the library, and videos give them the chance to do so any time, without having to ask for help (something they may be embarrassed to do) or having to read through instructions (regardless of literacy level, reading complicated instructions online can be annoying). The University of Arkansas Libraries, for instance, have this useful video on how to read Library of Congress call numbers:



A lot of videos are humorous, and this can help get patrons to watch them. While some videos are made mostly for fun, others can use humor while still offering instruction. Harper College Library uses humor to spice up their library tour video:

Libraries Benefit from Social Media Participation

A library would derive many benefits from participating in social media including effectively marketing the library, informing and attracting local patrons to library programs and fulfilling their information needs. Social media helps libraries bond with locals in the area and keep up with them. For instance, by "following" locals, libraries will be more aware of their needs. They will be better able to fulfill those needs by adding new collections, programs, workshops, and more. Two services which allow libraries to do this include Twitter and Skype.


www.twitter.com

Twitter allows people and organizations (like the library) to send and receive one hundred and forty character long posts (tweets). These 140 characters can be links as well as messages. For libraries, these may consist of links to the library catalog and messages about library programs and upcoming events. Tweets can easily be accessed and posted through SMS messages on cell phones and Twitter applications on smart phones, thus making Twitter an effective social media tool to attract more patrons to a library. On Twitter, a library can also seek out locals to “follow” and attract them by posting relevant library topics relevant to their interests. “Following” locals on Twitter can also benefit libraries in understanding the information needs of the patrons in its area. A beneficial way for libraries to use Twitter is to “follow” users and make quality posts to attract them.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/welcomeback/

Skype is a free social media service that allows its users to communicate through visual, aural and textual forms. It can easily be accessed on the Internet, through a computer, cell phone and even a television. Additional features of Skype include instant messaging, file transferring and video conferencing. In the library field, video conferencing can be used for conducting and presenting at meetings or conferences. This way, the audience can see and hear the contents of the meeting live. Skype may also be used in a library's Reference Services. Having a visual, aural or textual contact can humanize the librarian in the eyes of the patron. Such contact may attract patrons as well.

Emails Needed to Stop Privitization of Public Libraries

The City Council of Santa Clarita rushed through a vote to privitize their public libraries. The private corporation, LSSI, is running a committee for feedback. Please check on the link to find out more and to give your input.

http://privatizationbeast.org/

Library Express, A break through in Library Tech?Click the Link to learn more. . .

Now Read the Blog Post!

Emerging Library Technologies

Library Express - A stack of metal lockers, set outside of City Hall. Patrons access these digitally locked glove compartment sized lockers to pick-up a book or DVD they ordered a few days prior.
Pros - This system is centrally located and allows pick-up to take place at the patron’s convenience. It requires little to no staff and is relatively maintenance free.
Cons - Lack of need for staff equals less staff!! If patrons have problems or need assistance this system becomes a hindrance instead of a help.
Self-Checkout - A system set into place with self-scanners that allow patrons to check out books or DVD's without the assistance of library staff.
Pros - This system allows patrons to 'help themselves' to book and DVD checkout. Library staff has additional time to dedicate to other areas of education.
Cons - Taking the time to educate patrons and staff alike to use the self-checkout system can become very cost prohibitive.
Online Databases - A way to access a wealth of information from a specific online data base.
Pros - The sky is the limit and the world is at your fingertips with the online data base. This is a great tool for patrons when researching a wide array of information, which can be accessed from home at patrons own pace. Librarian staff can utilize this tool to complete work from home or anywhere. They can create databases that aid in the growth and interest of the library.
Cons - Not a lot of cons here with the idea of the online database itself. I think the biggest con of the online database is the user friendliness of it. Online data bases can be overwhelming visually and become discouraging to the user.

RADICAL REFERENCE LIBRARIANS

A group of younger librarians have created a group called “Radical Reference” to provide services to political activists and independent journalists. The organization started somewhat spontaneously at the Republican National Convention in New York City in 2004 when a couple of reference librarians wanted to help the demonstrators by providing information about everything from where the nearest bathroom was to who was organizing the demonstration. In addition to the blog on their website, http://www.radicalreference.info/, radical reference librarians use such social networks as Twitter and smart phones, as well as paper information and contact with colleagues at computers. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of activity since 2008, but hopefully this budding group will endure and grow.