week 12 cont'd

The Second Life phenomenon is pretty hard to comprehend...must be plenty of people who have too much time on their hands...
I think it's a possibility that our library, which has four branches, could use social networking tools such as Facebook to connect with a broader and perhaps younger client base. I don't quite know how it would be managed - perhaps just as we have desk rosters, appropriate staff could be rostered to respond to the Facebook questions and comments. The Scottish Renfrewshire Council Facebook site appears to be a success with patrons,so could be a suitable model to work from. It successfully markets its venues, events, merchandise and timetables to an audience who can choose to be interactive.
The library intranet is currently used by our council to alert library staff to additions to the web catalogue, upcoming library events such as author talks, children's programs etc.etc, while the weekly council staff newsletter which is emailed to individual staff, gives general staff information.
Wikis would give more flexibility for staff to communicate, while public library wikis would allow the general public to be involved with library matters.
We don't use Wikis at the moment - something for the IT and Web gurus to consider.
Have completed the final survey; I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the information we covered but am really excited to have been introduced to some of the myriad tools available for use in Web 2.0. A huge thanks to the nswpl team!!

week 12 wrap up; social networks and catch up

Social networks eg facebook, myspace, bebo (NZ)- networking for individuals and their invited friends, networking for interest-groups eg Animanga club.
Seems logical for museums, galleries, libraries and other public/government etc institutions to host social networking sites to facilitate communication, disseminate information and link members.
Wahol Museum's myspace page is apparently a much-visited "bridge to the museum and website".
Rotarua Public Library Bebo site is interesting and eye-catching, although some of the comments are a bit lame and unappreciative!

Week 11 Productivity software

Have looked at the Zamzar and Google docs sites; so easy to create a file from a word document. Sent word document and pdf to team. Short of time and having teething problems with Microsoft Vista!! Haven't explored much of the Google docs applications yet I don't use the calendar but know that our Childrens's Services Librarian has everything entered on her calendar - all the author talks, holiday activities, workshops etc. I can see that if she shared this calendar, all staff could have a visual overview of upcoming events, rather than checking brochures or intranet.