When the concept of web 2.0 is moving from static, passive and information ready model of information retrieval to a collaborative effort of creating , distributing and sharing information online, many communities are formed. Some famous examples of web 2.0 are wiki and blogs, which sparkle online interaction and have huge implication on the idea of Library 2.0.
For instance, both blogs and wikis can be used to reach a target users like the St Joseph County Public Library GameBlog or become a communication role in project like the E-publications in Bond Implementation Project.
A wiki can also function as a library space for community, like the National Library of Australia's 'TAKE PART Initiative: Australia Dancing' ,or as a subject or reference guide, in the Ohio University Libraries Biz Wiki. Blogs, on the other hand, can be an online newsletter in Bond University or an OPAC in Plymouth State University Library Catalogue.
However, as the author pointed out that Library 2.0 is more than just using blog and wiki, as it offers a new model for future library servicing. It is the premises behind these technologies that make communication and collaboration online by community works. For example, blogs can only be contributed by a number of specific contributors and other users or readers can just give comments. For wikis, its content can be edited by any users and the limitation to editing may violate the idea of collaboration. Therefore, these tools should be carefully planned and lots of preparatory works are required to make them integrating well with the current library system.
First, such new communication tool must fit into the mission value and goals of the library, and the librarians should have a clear concept of what the mission is. Then the library should go for developing a strategic management plan for the policies of its usage and content . Once find out the new technology cannot fit in with the mission and goals, it may be better to leave it alone than stick with the original plan. Internal test and planning are necessary to decide what services are likely to provide for patrons. Other important measures for managing blogs successfully are: Have a good education on all policies and guidelines with employees, have a clear and written rules to control the content and make them available to public. Establish a management team for policy making rather than just one person job.
Even when the bolgs and wiki services are running in library, it is important that the comments and opinions given by patrons must be heard. As blogs can just leave comments by the patrons, it is essential that staff have to take come action to prevent any inappropriate comments left. Any false information on wiki must be removed so as to keep the them honest and genuine. When the content is the main appeal to the users, the librarians should be keeping them fresh and inviting more comments, as blogs and wiki are interactive, 7/24 information service. The library should also keep them regularly and frequently update. Once there is no response or comments for a few days, users may lose interest and patience and look for something else instead. In that case, the service will be back to traditional drop-in enquiry that no interaction is made. Therefore, careful monitoring of those services should be combined with high participation , so as to ensure a smooth and satisfactory service.
沒有留言:
發佈留言