Promises and Perils of Web 2.0 in Special Libraries
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Transcript of Promises and Perils of Web 2.0 in Special Libraries
Promises and Perils of Web 2.0 in Special Libraries
KSU-SLA SymposiumFebruary 28, 2009
Michelle Kraft, MLS AHIPSenior Medical Librarian
Cleveland Clinic Alumni Library
Web 2.0 Connecting Users to Libraries
Not a new concept just new tools More resources are online, need more online
connections Society and users are changing, they are
more mobile and more independent Gen X and Millennial in the workforce
A Contrast of Generations (cont.)Millennials Older Workers
Prefer to “construct” their own knowledge from experiences
Prefer to receive instruction in a logical sequence and understand what they are going to learn and its purpose
Prefer to interact with peers Like the role of listener or viewer
Tend to be more visual and kinesthetic learners
Tend to be more text-based learners who are careful observers
Are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with the uncertainty that characterizes their change-driven world
Resist change and are uncomfortable with doing things differently but generally find coping strategies to live in this change-driven world
Forrester Researchhttp://www.forrester.com/Events/Content/0,5180,1191,00.ppt#336,9,A contrast of generations (cont.)
A Contrast of GenerationsMillennials Older Workers
Used to receiving information quickly and from
multiple sources in real time and processing
immediately
Used to receiving information linearly, thinking about it and digesting it
Like to parallel process and multi-task i.e. listen to music, talk on the phone, and answer email all at the same time
Like to proceed step-by-step and do tasks in order
Prefer to look at graphics and then maybe read the text
Read text first and then review graphics
Like to work in peer groups and are more learner-centered with teacher as a guide
Like individual work and are more teacher-centered with teacher as the “sage”
Have little tolerance for delays; expect Web pages to load immediately; generally respond quickly to email
Are happy when the technology works; show more patience but also experience frustration; tend to do less experimenting with technology but use it for the purpose it was intended and in the manner instructed
Forrester Researchhttp://www.forrester.com/Events/Content/0,5180,1191,00.ppt#335,8,A contrast of generations
Special Libraries Users and 2.0 Technologies Defined user group with defined needs
Easier to find tools that address these needs Education efforts more specific
Specific computer and software platforms Design and maintain for one platform Narrows down types of tools
Subject specific core library resource Narrows down the potential tools Increase usage of library resources
2.0 Tool Usage in Special Libraries
Amanda Etches-Johnson blogwithoutalibrary.net
Most Common Applications
Communication: Internal and External Current awareness services Reference Services
Communication
Reference desk wiki or blog Internal - active issues, tick sheet, desk
schedule External – product reviews, policy changes,
user education What’s new blog
New products, construction updates, newsletter
Communication
IM or microblogging, videos Chat Ref, Chat Collab, Tutorials
Outreach Facebook, SecondLife External website
Government on Second Life
Current Awareness and RSS
Feeds of TOC to journals, news feeds Saved searches on databases New additions to the catalog
Reference Aids
Subject wikis Each subject guide/page is a wiki allowing for
quick additions and changes del.icio.us as the subject guide
Social bookmarking within catalog Search by user tags in addition to subject
Bookmark journal literature Connotea, CiteULike
Common Barriers
Staff and patron buy in IT Corporate policies
Many corporations, hospitals, etc. don’t have written policies on blogging, wikis, IM etc.
Image branding forces use of tools
Buy In
Staff buy in Unfamiliar with new tools Time factors for learning and using Too trendy
User buy in Unfamiliar with new tools Confused by terminology Other concerns
IT Department
Intranet vs. Internet Two sites = twice the work Public vs. private (proprietary) information Off site access?
Firewalls and IPs Blocking of content IP range changes and issues Off site access?
IT Department
Bandwidth Large bandwidth programs often blocked
Security Protocols Confidentiality Sensitive data
Hardware and Software Standards Computer specs Operating systems Software installation
Corporate Policies
Many corporations or hospitals don’t have written policies on blogging, wikis, IM etc. Job duties, work time? Viewed externally?
Image and branding forces use of tools Company web content management system
does work with blogs or wikis Very concerned about logos, names, etc. on
off site products.
How to Avoid the Perils
Know your users Needs assessment
Build support Focus on solving the problem not the tool
Know the technology When to involve IT and when to experiment
without IT Careful branding
Be extremely careful with externally available applications
How to Avoid the Perils
Pick your battles and tools! Easy to implement, less resistance
Keep usage statistics! Google Analytics Document and collect anecdotal evidence
Pair it up with a pet project Cost savings, patient safety, etc.
Final Thoughts
Think about the users Get to know the IT department Patient persistence is key