Reflective Statement
Throughout this session, I have created an online learning journal where a variety of topics were explored about social networking and how Web 2.0 is impacting information professionals. Specific topics discussed included mis/disinformation, client expectations, Web 2.0 within libraries, social media comparisons, information/digital literacy, and the future for information professionals. Completing this online learning journal enabled me to reflect upon various issues surrounding social media and how different information organisations are effectively using various platforms to reach broader audiences. Creating the blog was a great learning experience because I had not created anything like this previously. The experience was challenging because I found it difficult to write in a less formal style rather than a structured essay format. The process of creating the blog space was enjoyable because I have used Thinkspace previously for other subjects and am quite familiar with the design aspects. Creating the content for the blogs was very interesting and I enjoyed exploring different resources and reading other student blogs. An informal learning community such as this, can encourage participation and motivate students to learn from each other (Giannikas, 2020). This type of learning experience enabled me to immerse myself in the world of social media and build upon my prior knowledge of social networking.
Before this subject, I was aware of most social media platforms but was personally apprehensive to use most of them. This was due to a lack of interest and not wanting to spend unnecessary time on my phone. Although I had existing accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I was only actively using Facebook. I like the simplicity of Facebook and find it to be very user-friendly. I have always found the other platforms to be more complicated and not useful for my needs. However, as I explored different platforms and how different organisations were using them, I was able to gain further understanding and observe how they could be useful tools within information agencies. I focused my learning on public libraries because of my current employment within Logan City Council libraries. Because my workplace does not currently maintain any social media platforms for patrons, I was interested in learning how social media can be successfully implemented within this setting.
Initially, I viewed social media platforms as a simple way to promote events and programs to the public. However, after gathering a better understanding of the different platforms and how they work I realised they can serve a much greater purpose. As discussed by Dolan et al., (2017), social media platforms can change the way organisations communicate with users and can increase participation. Using social media as a two-way communication tool can improve user engagement by allowing a more effective exchange of information and encouraging collaboration (Nisar et al., 2019). My understanding of this aspect of social media was further achieved by completing assessment one on this subject. This assessment enabled me to put myself in the position of someone trying to promote the use of social media within a library setting. Exploring the use of social media within a real organisation gave practical insight as to how libraries can effectively use these platforms. Additionally, it was interesting to discover that the use of social media was not limited to larger organisations but was being successfully implemented in smaller libraries such as the Gympie Regional Libraries. Libraries are using social media to promote programs and events; receive feedback; provide live updates (e.g., library hours); stream live events; and for entertainment (e.g., funny memes). This kind of interaction is not only informative but can encourage patrons to actively engage with social media by commenting and providing feedback. This feedback is critical to ensure libraries continue to meet evolving user needs (Pucciarelli, 2017). Ellson, (2020) suggests the use of quick polls for feedback which is a function that I have personally participated in on Facebook. Using functions like this via social media is an effective way to receive instant feedback and potentially reach a broader audience.
Before participating in this subject, I assumed that organisations used multiple social media platforms solely to reach different users. Although true, I also learned that different social media platforms serve different purposes. For example, TikTok is used to share short video content whereas Instagram is designed to share pictures. It became clear that these different purposes should be considered when choosing which social media platforms to implement within a library (Pucciarelli, 2017). Additionally, it could be useful to maximise audience potential by implementing multiple platforms to share different information. For example, in assessment one, I recommended supporting the library’s existing Facebook page with an Instagram page. I did this because Instagram is a platform that is popular with a broad range of users but is commonly used by younger audiences (Mon & Koontz, 2020). In addition to reaching broader audiences, Web 2.0 can also increase access to collections (Akwang, 2021). Access has always formed a critical component of a library’s mission and Web 2.0 can be used to increase accessibility and engage the broader community (W3C, 2018). This can be achieved by increasing online content (e.g., digital resources) but also by providing access to live or pre-recorded online events. Providing more online content will increase access and contribute to maintaining relevance in the future.
Public libraries are accustomed to facing challenges and have always had to justify their existence. Hussain’s (2020) article expressed how public libraries are shaped by society. In a rapidly changing society, user needs are constantly evolving, and organisations must adapt quickly to maintain relevance and meet these needs (Department of Internal Affairs, 2020). Public libraries have successfully met these changing needs by evolving into community hubs where people can meet, collaborate, study, learn and participate in a variety of programs and events. Additionally, libraries have become essential facilitators of lifelong learning, taking on the responsibility of ensuring members of the community can remain active participants in society (Yoshida, 2021). As new technologies evolve, many daily tasks have become increasingly difficult without some understanding of how to use technology. For example, smartphones have become increasingly complicated for older members of the public to use. Libraries have taken on a strong educational role within the community to ensure patrons have the digital literacy skills to complete simple tasks such as emailing and banking. Furthermore, as more people access social media and the internet, the need for online safety education is critical. Misinformation is commonplace on social media and the best way to assist the community is to educate people on how to recognise false information (Niemiec, 2020). Learning about social media and its connection to misinformation enabled me to gain further insight into the many issues that can arise with Web 2.0.
With all its advantages, Web 2.0 also presents libraries with numerous issues. For example, like the services and resources provided, library staff must also constantly evolve to facilitate the delivery of services and assist patrons in using electronic resources. Technology skills are now an essential skill for library staff and due to this, constant professional development is required (Joel & Ibrahim, 2021). Additionally, extra staff will be required to maintain social media platforms regularly if they are to be implemented successfully. These staff will require training to ensure they have the skills to understand protocols and successfully maintain social media pages (Mon & Koontz, 2020). Other problems to consider are the costs involved in staffing as well as purchases, ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and privacy issues. To assist in overcoming these issues, social media policies must be created to ensure evolving user needs are met.
When learning about social media policies, I realised that this would be a very challenging, complex area. Social media is constantly changing which means that social media policies also need to be updated regularly. Mon and Koontz (2020) recommend regularly assessing social media sites and updating policies regularly. Social media policies are complex and must consider the social, cultural, educational, ethical, and technical issues of the networked world (Barrett-Maitland & Lynch, 2020). This is because social media is designed to share information and when information is shared, privacy issues can occur. Additionally, social media is a magnet for undesirable behaviour where people feel comfortable in the online environment and express feelings in ways they may be reluctant to in person. Social media policies will guide staff so that they can respond to issues in an appropriate, consistent manner. To support this, social media policies must align with organisational goals and mission which within a public library setting should centre around patron needs (Ihejirika et al., 2021). Therefore, it is important to understand the intended audience and social media can be used to identify user needs (Li et al., 2020). Throughout this subject, I have learned that social media can be used in many different settings as a useful tool to meet various user needs.
Social media is actively used within my workplace, where numerous platforms are used to facilitate internal communication. My workplace uses Yammer to communicate to the entire organisation, advertising current events and personal achievements. Additionally, my library branch uses Microsoft Teams to communicate daily operational information such as when work has been completed, maintenance issues, training opportunities, and program updates. Casual staff members also have a Facebook Messenger group so that we can share our shift allocations and any pertinent information. Organisations can benefit greatly from social media by enabling two-way communication which can not only foster the practical sharing of information but also build strong collaborative relationships (Nisar et al., 2019). Completing assessment one allowed me to explore different platforms that are used for internal communications. I found this challenging because I was less familiar with using social media for this purpose and struggled to find one that might be suitable for a smaller library. After some exploration, I eventually decided upon LinkedIn. I have had my own LinkedIn account, but I wasn’t aware that you could create a private group. To explore this function further, I created my own “Fake Library” group so that I could see if it was suitable. The LinkedIn private groups are aesthetically and functionally similar to Facebook. I discovered that you could share formal and informal information in various formats which were ultimately suitable for the organisation in assessment one. This process of exploring different platforms contributed greatly to my overall learning experience and I discovered more functions that enabled me to better understand how these social media platforms could be used within organisations.
Completing this subject has broadened my existing knowledge about Web 2.0 and how social media platforms can be used within information organisations. Although social media presents numerous challenges, it has also positioned itself as an important and valuable tool within society. Social media has established itself as an effective means to engage with patrons and keep them well informed. Social media is also an effective tool for internal communications, encouraging a collaborative, transparent team environment that builds strong relationships which can assist in meeting organisational goals. While it is necessary to continue communicating via traditional means (e.g., posters, pamphlets, emails), it is important to continue to evolve with societal needs to reach a broader community. From this subject, I have learned that with careful planning and policy, Web 2.0 can be used as an asset to assist in meeting organisational goals by fulfilling evolving patron needs.
References
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