Part 2: Reflective Statement

May 25, 2020

Before commencing this subject, I did have some experience in marketing in a previous position of employment, however, I can confidently say that INF206 has been extremely insightful and helpful in broadening my abilities to use such a powerful platform. Through the rapid and ever-changing impact of social media, it has truly become part of our everyday lives. Social media platforms are a thriving space for the marketing industry through its ability to reach consumers on a personal level. The Network system allows businesses to share and distribute ideas and products, however, it also has the ability to source a form of feedback from individuals across the platform. This is truly invaluable for a business trying to build its image within the community and their ultimate success in the industry. Prior to undertaking this subject, I considered social media a platform for individuals to connect and share with friends and family, however, I’ve had truly been enlightened and can the great need to implement this form of marketing into an organisation.

My journey of enlightenment of the power of social networking began with joining the Facebook group where we were able to share and obtain information throughout our studies. I found this exercise very enabling and informative as we were able to reflect on each other’s findings and ultimately seek the best outcome as a group. Unfortunately, due to many other demands I have had to deal with over the journey of this subject, I was not able to spend a lot of time using this source to its greatest potential. However through the exploration of the group later in the subject, I discovered the great potential and invaluable information and support this group provided.

Throughout the subject we have reflected on many platforms that social media offer provided from the modules. From this, it became evident that there are many social media platforms suitable for information professionals and businesses alike that I was not aware of. These sources allowed me to further enhance my studies and evaluate the implantation of many social networking tools. Throughout the course I found that I applied my newfound awareness of the benefits of social media tools and joined numerous Facebook groups and even created a LinkedIn profile.

Working through the modules I was introduced to WordPress, a platform that allows individuals to create a space and share ideas and concepts with users. This was a very beneficial and enlightening source that I was able to apply to another subject I am currently undertaking. Maxwell, L. (2019) suggests that blogging can act as a professional source and resume that will assist in tracking and monitoring professional development. The introduction to this social media tool I feel will not only further my knowledge on the platform but allow me to use this direct in my professional career. In addition, we have been able to reflect on the concept of Library 2.0 and its impact on information professionals both emerging librarians new to the field and existing.

Working on module 5, I discovered that there are simultaneously potential risks and issues one can face through implementing social media and the true impact this may have on our society. The little precautions and consequences in place within the online community, unfortunately, enables and empowers individuals to distribute false news and information. Iosifidis, P., & Nicoli, N. (2019) confirms that there is little examination into overseeing social media and the consequences of spreading fake news. Unfortunately, this has become a reoccurring issue with the social media space as software development can make false information and imagery impossible to spot. As an information professional it is important to understand that social media is not a true source of reliable and valid information. As an educator I feel it is an information professional’s responsibility to share this notion and to implement these ideas with children of a young age. This can determine whether social media is a worthy platform for children as they will need to be aware of the risks and know how to handle such situations. As an information professional it is essential we educate members of the community to source valuable means of information to improve the way information is shared and further amplify the invaluable need for library services.
Social networking, although an extremely influential space with a large number of applications and opportunities, where individuals can share and communicate, through this module I have found there to be some issues facing this technology that I have now acknowledged. Although social networking platform have policies in place, it is evident that ethics and negative online behaviours are not enforced with real consequences. Ultimately this allows individuals to distribute false claims creating great impacts on organisations and even individuals through online harassment and bullying. After exploring this module I truly have considered the impact social media has on society and how we distribute and attain information. As a future information professional I feel it is detrimental to be aware of the consequences of these platforms to ensure young members of the community can be educated to overcome these issues.

Constructing and contributing to my OLJ has been a great way to focus my thoughts and explore the implications of social networking when applied to organisations, the information profession, and how this has ultimately shaped our society in the Web 2.0 world. The ability to truly reflect on the readings provided every week has been detrimental to my understanding of the subject content and in the way I have been able to implant my new learnings into my current employment position. My online journal was a great tool in helping me to process and analyse the course content and to implement my learnings to my personal social media networking spaces. The individual tasks gave me the ability to truly reflect on the readings and navigate my interests in certain social media platforms. I found that I did quite enjoy undertaking these tasks regularly throughout the duration of the subject and as there were so many tasks to select from I was able to navigate tasks that I was truly interested in. Ultimately this task was very beneficial to my overall understanding and ability to implement these ideas into my future career as an information professional and in my current use of social media by developing these spaces and implementing new platforms.

At the completion of this subject I feel that I have gained invaluable subject content that I will certainly apply to my career as an information professional in the Web 2.0 world. Technology is always growing and changing, and it is imperative that as information professionals we are always educating ourselves to meet the ever-changing demands of library users. I have found this subject to be greatly beneficial and relevant to my future career in information and even in my current position working with an online store. Social media is such a valuable platform and I have certainly been guided through a large array of many tools I was not aware of and can now transfer to my work content. Consequently to completing this subject I feel I have gained great insight and confidence in achieving a position as a Librarian 2.0.

References

Burkhardt, A. (2010). Social media: A guide for college and university libraries. 71 (1 10-24). Retrieved from College and Research Libraries News: http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/1/10

Iosifidis, P., & Nicoli, N. (2019). The battle to end fake news: A qualitative content analysis of Facebook announcements on how it combats disinformation. International Communication Gazette, 82(1), 60-81. doi:10.1177/1748048519880729

Manolovitz, T. (n.d). Diigo. Retrieved from Digital Research Tools: https://digitalresearchtools.pbworks.com/f/Diigo+Description.pdf

Maxwell, L. (2019). A librarian’s journey in blogging. Library Technology Reports, 55(5), 21-24

OLJ Task 2: The influence of technology on society

May 25, 2020

Technology has the potential to change the way we operate as a society and is greatly influential in the actions and opinions of the greater public. It is becoming increasingly clear that social media is shaping the new generation as it becomes an essential form of communication and marketing, demonstrating great impacts and positive outcomes.

Social media platforms are an everyday source of sharing and attaining information from across the world that are not always reliable sources. Fake news is a frequent occurrence on social media platforms, and it is important to consider this before implementing social media into an organisation. Although social platforms allowing consumers to rate experiences and provide valuable information to other potential consumers, in some cases it is clear that users on the platform use this to create negative attention and devaluing of an organisation.

Adner, R., & Kapoor, R. (2016, p 60-67) suggests that emerging technologies can be greatly influential and beneficial to a business however it is important to assess the need and ability to satisfy customers ever-changing needs. Through my reading it is very evident that social media is a successful tool within business marketing as it has the potential to reach a large audience of people and can be applied to reach a specific target market. Organisations are increasingly using social media marketing to endorse products and ideas that can build the growth of the business and potentially create public awareness that contributes not only to the organisation but the industry itself. However it is important to implement a strategy before rolling out social media networking within an organisation. In order to achieve success in this platform, an organisation may need to consider hiring a specialist in the social media marketing field. The organisation must consider the financial burden this may take and decipher whether the need and outcomes are going to be beneficial to the business and its success in growth, public awareness, and positive branding within the community.

References

Adner, R., & Kapoor, R. (2016). Right tech, wrong time. Harvard Business Review, 94(11), 60-67.

OLJTask 10: Defining librarian 2.0

May 25, 2020

Libraries are changing and we are constantly seeing growth and implanting of technological services in this Web 2.0 environment. It is crucial that information professions are provided with formal training to achieve the essential knowledge, skills, and attributions to ensure the success of this new demand. This new 2.0 environment has seen a fast and increasing amount of professional online communities that share and contribute information. Therefore it is imperative that as industry leaders in the information profession, librarians participate in and implement social networking into their skills.

Chun, T. (2018, pg. 35-37) suggests that librarians implementing new and innovative information technologies have changed the dynamic of the space, even to have brought in an entirely different group of individuals. It is extremely important to ensure the continued success of information professionals and their position in the education sector, that librarians are trained in new technologies that are critical in the Web 2.0 World. Social media is a great tool that can assist in further communication with users and potential users of the space.

Technologies are now implemented in almost every aspect of our lives and it is important that an information profession is not only familiar with new technologies within the library but can demonstrate and provide information beyond general knowledge. An information professional must have the skills and attributes to use social media as a marketing tool in order to achieve a more personal and valuable form of customer service.

References

Chun, T. (2018). “Brave before perfect”: A new approach for future-ready librarians. Teacher Librarian, 45(5), 35-37.

OLJ Task 16: Authentic information

May 25, 2020

In this socially networked world it is becoming increasingly apparent of the effects shared information can have across the globe. Iosifidis, P., & Nicoli, N. (2019) suggests that there is little examination into overseeing social media and the consequences of spreading fake news. The ease of spreading false information around the world has enabled many individuals to do so, impacting politics, the economy, individual people, and more. An essential take-home message that will inform my work as an information professional is the education of the risk of false news implemented to individuals at a young age. By doing so, individuals will become more aware of the information provided through social media platforms and the validity of this source. As an information professional it is essential we educate members of the community to source valuable means of information to improve the way information is shared and further amplify the invaluable need for library services.

In addition, it is important to consider that although an organisation may be supported by a celebrity influencer through the way of social media, it does not give true credit to an organisation. It is clear that celebrity brand deals are becoming a major game-changer for the marketing industry. Iosifidis, P., & Nicoli, N. (2019) suggest that influencers are now great contributors to business advertising within the social media network and it is clear most companies are embracing this methodology. It is important to reflect and acknowledge that as software updates, the ease of manipulating photos and even stealing the identity of an individual is becoming an issue. This is something we need to be aware of as an information professional, a reliable and valid source for information is critical to your success in this industry.

References:

OLJ Task 18: Thoughts for the future

May 25, 2020

Technology is a fast-paced and ever-changing motion that has great implications and impacts on the way organisations manage and engage with consumers. Social media is a crucial part of any business through its success in the form of marketing, assistance in public awareness and creating an image within the community and target audience. Upon reflecting on the Smith Family organisation, it is clear that social media has been strongly implemented in their marketing procedure. Social media has the potential to broaden public awareness and consequently initiate a movement of change that is imperative to the advancement in society. This organisation used a range of social media accounts and are extremely active within the space. Ultimately the potential for the future of this organisation is greatly improved from the introduction of social media.

Social media is a defining technology of our time that impacts on almost everything we do. Appel, G., Grewal, L., Hadi, R., & Stephen, A. T. (2020) suggests that these platforms are used by billions of people all over the world and is therefore the most influential and significant technology at this time. Social media allows a community of individuals to interact without restriction and offers a multitude of ways for the marketing industry to reach their target market. It is clear that social media platforms influence both individuals across the world and businesses alike. Information professionals will need to adapt to new expectations and services in order to remain pertinent and resourceful to Library users. Information professions are employed to educate through the way of sharing and distributing sources of information. Consequently, it is essential that Librarians be trained in technological developments in the Web 2.0 environment, in order to meet the evolving needs of users and maintain its significant position in the education sector.

References

Appel, G., Grewal, L., Hadi, R., & Stephen, A. T. (2020). The future of social media in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 48(1), 79-95. doi:10.1007/s11747-019-00695-1

OLJ Task 6: Virtual and augmented reality

May 24, 2020

Virtual reality devices are enticing and integral to the library audience as it has the potential to replicate an environment and enable a sensory response within your own learning space. This technology is emerging fast and it is a great opportunity for Libraries to engage with the evolving needs of users in order to maintain an essential service within the community. Hannah, M., Huber, S., & Matei, S. A. (2019) suggests that VR/AR has the ability to recreate places and events that can enhance the learning experience and ignite the ability to reach more people and create a spike in the desire to learn more. This technology allows the means to reach a wider array of people and enhance learning through a unique and enticing experience, continuing the growth of the information profession. VR/AR is an emerging technology that can offer greater insight and user interaction than ever before, thus giving members of the community a new perspective of what amazing resources the library offers. The role of the library is to provide information to users, however with the decreasing need for traditional services such as books, it is important to implement technological resources that assist in making learning more engaging and fun for the individual.

Although VR/AR is a very valuable and enticing resource for members of the library community, the technology is visibly growing in popularity and is beginning to become accessible from many other means. Huber, S., & Matei, S. A. (2019) advises that the 3D objects that can be viewed with this technology exist in privately-owned organisations that are available for use as a free service. It is important to note that information professionals are able to provide enhance this technology far beyond what the 3D objects offer on their own. However, with more and more educational means becoming easily accessible and free within the confines of the internet, individuals may not initiate use through the library services.

References

Hannah, M., Huber, S., & Matei, S. A. (2019). Collecting virtual and augmented reality in the twenty-first century library. Collection Management, 44(2-4), 277-295. doi:10.1080/01462679.2019.1587673

OLJ Task 3: Reflections on the impact of change

May 24, 2020

Social media is a form of communication and sharing of information through an online space, allowing access to anyone on the platform. This network system allows organisations to not only share and advertise, it also creates a source of feedback adding to the organisations value. KEMP, S (2020) suggests that nearly 60 percent of the world’s population is already online, this demonstrates the large scale benefits of using social platforms to advocate for an organisation. This is evident when we acknowledge an organisation such as misguided, their use of Instagram and celebrity brand deals has been crucial in their success.

Misguided has used social media marketing to achieve brand building and growth within the business, following the cultural and social landscape. Through this understanding Misguided has sourced social media influences with huge cult followings on Instagram to further build on the awareness of their business to their target audience. They have made sourcing a celebrity outfit easy with brand endorsements and direct links to the clothing that’s been worn. It is evident that this has greatly impacted the business through its large number of followers on social media platforms and ultimate success. Misguided has used tactical measures, such as promoting a celebrity clothing range at the height of one’s career to further promote its brand. This tool is clearly a very powerful tool of brand building as we can see many businesses in the online space replicating this idea. Through further examination of this business, you can see there is a recurring theme of social media influencers endorsing and promoting their materials. Misguided have established their online presence by establishing a positive image that is built and supported by online influencers who are valued by their audience. Greenhow, C., Galvin, S. M., & Staudt Willet, K. B. (2019) suggests that social media implements the notion that users are as important as the content they share with their audience. The material that a business shares reflect on the validity and significance of their presence in the market. Misguided has cleverly implented fresh and engaging content suited to it’s young taregt audience. It is important to consider that a consumers ability to trust in the products and services is crucial in the growth of a business.

References

Greenhow, C., Galvin, S. M., & Staudt Willet, K. B. (2019). What should be the role of social media in education? Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 6(2), 178-185. doi:10.1177/2372732219865290

Browsing category archives: Uncategorized