Category: Uncategorized

OLJ – Evaluation

The evaluation is on the use of social media in the public libraries I am familiar with. How is it adopted and the challenges of using social media in a public library setting (Penrith City Libraries).

Penrith City Library has been taking a proactive approach to apply new technologies in the library services. The library has a Facebook account to promote local events, holiday activities, and library news. It has established a significant collection of e-books, magazines, and audiobooks which patrons can access through apps like Overdrive and Libby.   The main branch runs a digital desk to provide technical training mainly targeting senior users. The recent technology added to the library is the RFID where users can borrowing and returning books with ease.  The effort of the library adopting social media is also reflected in the catalogue search. Users can share the book through Facebook, Twitter, email. and they can also review the resources available.  

Penrith City Library Facebook page.

Web 2.0 signaled a change in which the internet becomes an interactive experience, it encourages two-way or more conversations rather than the traditional one-way conversation.  Accordingly, library 2.0 is defined as “a change in the interaction between libraries and library users”. It also refers to “a change towards the increased use of social media” (Huvila et al, 2013, page 198).  According to Maness (2006), the theory of library 2.0 should have four essential elements, being user-centred, providing multimedia experience, being socially rich, and being innovative.  Penrith City Library’s adoption of new technologies and the involvement of social media are positive. Its practices have been in line with the Library 2.0 principle. However, it still has the potential to expand its existence on social networks. For example, Twitter has been a popular social networking platform used by many libraries, due to its different ways of affecting the aspects and functionalities of libraries. It may be worthwhile for Penrith City Library to explore the other social networking tools beyond Facebook.

Technology is evolving every day. Web 3.0, as the third generation technology upgrade, is about representing meaning, connecting knowledge and bringing these closer together to work in ways to employ intelligent agents, layered applications and interactive systems to provide a productive and intuitive user experience (Balaji et al, 2018). It will be likely that there is a growing diverse use of Web 3.0 in the libraries. 

Although the changes in the libraries brought by the technologies and social media are generally positive and exciting, they also create challenges for the libraries. 

First of all, the changes brought by Libary 2.0. will have a great impact on the skills and experience required by librarians, which is termed “Librarian 2.0” (Huvila et al, 2013). With the libraries transform in the web 2.0 or 3.0 era, it leads to a change in the professional identity and roles of librarians.  New skills and capabilities are required to adapt to the context of the digital age and social media.  Professional developments will be essential to help the information professionals to cope with the rapid changes.

A second challenge the library may face is the lack of policy support of Web 2.0. LIbrary policies are guiding documents on the integration of social media and also the conduct on these platforms. A complete formulation of these policies and constant monitoring them are essential to ensure the successful implementation of Web 2.0 tools in public libraries(Jerome et al, 2019).

Next, with the growing services provided through internet and mobile apps, there is a growing privacy threat.  Libraries and librarians should follow the ethical framework and take action to protect patron privacy and confidentiality.

Another challenge public libraries need to face is to bridge the digital divide. Despite of significant efforts, digital exclusion is still an international issue.  Even among developed countries, there is still a significant difference in the level of skills, Internet use, and uptake of digital services. Therefore, digital exclusion is an important factor that will shape the future activities of public libraries in these countries (Manzuch, 2019). Libraries, especially public libraries,  should focus on ways in which they can leverage their provision of technology access with other services and roles to move beyond the access and address broader technological inequalities.

 

OLJ – Reflection

The study of this subject is a learning journey that changed my view on social media.

My involvement in social media is very limited. Wechat is a social app  I used to connect my friends and family overseas. Youtube is the main source for me to learn information. I barely posted any information on social media and haven’t explored other social media tools before the subject. This is mainly due to two considerations. Firstly, privacy concerns – an unintended use of social media is the threat to privacy, including hacking, harassment, identity theft, etc (Heravi et al, 2019). Another concern is the information credibility – the growth of the internet helped the rise of the internet-based media, incorporating voluntary contributions from selected participants and consumers. This leads to information overload (Pentina &Tarafdar, 2014). However, a relative lack of professional gatekeepers to monitor content means that how to evaluate the information credibility an important issue for information users (Li&Suh,2015).

The first benefit of completing the subject is that it expands my understanding of web 2.0 and library 2.0 and the impacts of web 2.0 on libraries.  Web 2.0 allows two-way or more ways of communication, and it encourages online collaboration and information sharing. According to Gross (2012), Web 2.0 revolution leads to the transformation of libraries. The core business in the library has evolved from delivering information to creating learning communities.  The change of the libraries also demands the change of the librarians. The Librarian 2.0 concept requires that librarians should not be comfortable with being information consumption and collector roles. A competent information professional should embrace technologies and take an active role in the digital context (Huvila, 2013). My attitude of avoiding technology is not a proactive attitude that meets the requirement of the Librarian 2.0. From a personal career perspective, it is compelling to embrace new technologies, as the way librarians find new job opportunities and build their careers has changed because of the Web 2.0 social software(Gross, 2012).

Another change I experienced from completing the subject is my understanding of the digital inclusion issue.  Before studying the subject, I used to consider the digital divide as an issue only in developing countries, because of inadequate infrastructures(Lediga & Fombad, 2018). Digital inequality also exists in developed countries and it is not only a result of the lack of physical access but also lack of ICT literacy and skills and psychological or motivational reluctance (Yu et al, 2018).  Study shows that 80% of the public library users think that libraries should provide training on digital skills. In addition, there is also a demand for creative technologies like 3-D printers (Comito, 2019). Public libraries play an important role in bridging the gap. Digital inclusion, as the community needs to be created by the emerging technologies, should be one key value that public libraries hold. Public librarians should be proud to convey this value to the communities(Oehlke,2016).

The third change is the understanding of privacy. The popularity and web 2.0 tools mean that information sharing and self-disclosure has never been easier. This also raises the concern of digital privacy- the perception of losing control of one’s personal information, with possible secondary use by other parties(Elhai, 2017). However, avoiding social media is not the best solution to ease privacy concerns.  Ensuring digital information security is essential for public libraries to provide the best user experience while maintaining the public trust(Burton,2019). However, studies show that although librarians understand the necessity to keep privacy safe, they are not fully aware of the different forms privacy violations might take (Kim & Noh, 2014). Accessing social media does not have to come with the price of loss of privacy. Librarians must extend the traditional privacy doctrines to social media platforms (Lamdan, 2015).

Reference

Balaji, B., M.S., V., B.G., S. and J.S., M. (2018), “An integrative review of Web 3.0 in academic libraries”, Library Hi Tech News, 35 (4), pp. 13-17. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/LHTN-12-2017-0092

Burton, A. (2019). How the new york public library guards privacy in the digital age.  Dow Jones Institutional News. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.20530

Comito, L. (2019). Tech for all : moving beyond the digital divide. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csuau/detail.action?docID=5646157#

Elhai, J., Levine, J. and Hall, B. (2017), “Anxiety about electronic data hacking: Predictors and relations with digital privacy protection behavior”, Internet Research, 27(3), 631-649. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/IntR-03-2016-0070

Gross, J.(2012). Web 2.0 and your library career. In
J. Gross (Eds.), Building Your Library Career with Web 2.0,
(pp. 1-13). Chandos Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-84334-651-7.50001-7.

Heravi,A., Mubarak, S., Choo, K.R. (2018). Information privacy in online social networks: Uses and gratification perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 84, 441-459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.03.016.

Huvila, I., Holmberg, K., Kronqvist-Berg, M., Nivakoski, O., & Widén, G. (2013). What is Librarian 2.0 – New competencies or interactive relations? A library professional viewpoint. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 45(3), 198–205. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000613477122

Jerome, I., Foluke, O., Ayooluwa, A., Sola, O., Toluwani, E., & Felicia, Y. (2019). Application of web 2.0 technology in library and information centres in developing countries: Challenges and way forward. Library Philosophy and Practice, 5, 1-9. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/2236692768?accountid=10344

Kim, D.S., & Noh, Y. (2014). A Study of Public Library Patrons’ Understanding of Library Records and Data Privacy. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 4(1), 53–78. https://doi.org/10.5865/IJKCT.2014.4.1.053

KINNEY, B. (2010).The Internet, Public Libraries, and the Digital Divide. Public Library Quarterly, 29(2), 104–161. DOI 10.1080/01616841003779718.

Kritikos, K.C., Zimmer, M. (2017). Privacy Policies and Practices with Cloud-Based Services in Public Libraries. Journal of intellectual freedom & privacy, 2(1). Retrieved from https://www.journals.ala.org/index.php/jifp/article/view/6252/8394

LEDIGA, M. M.; FOMBAD, M. C. (2018). The use of information and communication technologies in public libraries in South Africa as tools for bridging the digital divide: the case of the Kempton Park public library. Public Library Quarterly, 37(3), 296–305. DOI 10.1080/01616846.2018.1471964.

Lamdan, S. (2015). Social Media Privacy: A Rallying Cry to Librarians. The Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, 85(3), 261-277. doi:10.1086/681610

Li, R. & Suh, A. (2015). Factors Influencing Information credibility on Social Media Platforms: Evidence from Facebook Pages. Procedia Computer Science. 72, 314-328. 10.1016/j.procs.2015.12.146.

Maness, J. (2006). Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries. Webology, 3(2).
Retrieved from: http://www.webology.org/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Manžuch, Z, Macevičiūtė, E. (2019). Getting ready to reduce the digital divide: scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 1– 13. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1002/asi.24324

Oehlke, V. (2016). Libraries lead effort to bridge the digital divide. Public Libraries, 55, 5-6. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1778692806?accountid=10344

Pentina, I., Tarafdar, M. (2014). From “information” to “knowing”: Exploring the role of social media in contemporary news consumption. Computers in Human Behavior,35. 211-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.02.045.

Yu, B., Ndumu, A., Mo, L.M., Fan, Z. (2018). “E-inclusion or digital divide: an integrated model of digital inequality.” Journal of Documentation 74(3): 552-574. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/JD-10-2017-0148

 

 

The internet of things (IoT) refers to ” objects or “things” with sensors, computer chips, and a web-connected database” (King,2018). The interconnected environment is entering the next phase of potentially unlimited possibilities(Massis,2016) and this will transform the role of librarians as information professionals.

What is the potential for the future of libraries?

The new technologies from the IoT change the way libraries work.  King (2018) lists 5 ways libraries can incorporate technologies into their services. Some technologies, for example, RFID and self-checkout system has been adopted in my local public libraries. This is only a start. Many libraries are providing ebooks and e-magazines through apps like Overdrive or  Libby. These two technologies represent two directions libraries evolve. On one side, with the help of IoTs, libraries will become more intelligent, which information available instantly, management automation and intelligent service humanised(Lin, 2014), Even the building will become smart buildings, for example, lightings, heating/cooling and security can be controlled from a mobile phone. On the other hand, libraries will become digitized, which makes it

possible for those who can not physically access the library can enjoy the service from the libraries. It also means that patrons could access the library anywhere and anytime when they need to.

With the services of libraries are heavily relying on the IoTs. they need to cope with new challenges. With the privacy and security of the internet are on everyone’s mind, the vulnerabilities of the network and the trust factor from the service providers stand as the critical bond between the provider and the consumer. Security management will become one of the important tasks for the libraries, they need to ensure the security vulnerabilities are frequently addressed and communicating with the patrons on an ongoing basis(Massis,2016).

 

What impact might the future have on us as information professionals?

Technologies revolutions, especially  IoTs, will not only transform the way libraries work but also help create a smarter community. Public libraries will become the anchor in this smart community. Libraries in the future will just be a place of keeping physical books, it will be a place nourish a range of interactions between users.  as information professionals, we should aim to change the way we thinking and acting. some of the traditional tasks, eg. processing borrowing, shelving, will become less important. Librarians’ duties will be more likely related to IoTs, for example, analyzing reports from system about borrowings, answering questions from patrons about different technologies, perform all tasks with IoTs. The younger generations are digital natives, they grow up with technologies, In order to service them better, librarians as information professionals need to understand the need to and proactively embrace the change.

Reference

Baker, D., Evans, W. (2017). The end of wisdom? : the future of libraries in a digital age. Retrieved from https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/the-end-of/9780081001776/

King, L.D. (2018). The Internet of Things (IoT) and Libraries.  Retrieved from http://www.davidleeking.com/the-internet-of-things-iot-and-libraries/ 

Massis, B. (2016). New Library World,117, 3/4. DOI:10.1108/NLW-12-2015-0093

 

 

The video – “The Social Media Revolution“ shows some very interesting statistics. Here are the 5 trends I identified from the video:

1. 1. 1. Visual content is more likely to be shared,
      2. Social media is becoming the main source of news for young people.
      3. mobile phones are becoming the most popular platform people use to access social networks. 
      4. Social networking has become a place for people to look for employment opportunities.
      5. The young generation is the main user of some social networks.

Understanding these behaviours is important for the business to effectively make and implement the information policy and plans. According to Coles (2017), social influence, which occurs when a person’s emotions, opinions or behaviours are affected by others. For example, if a post with many likes and views, it is more likely that the post will be viewed by a person who browses the information.

When the libraries make the information policy, they will try to reach the targeted audience in the most effective way. When they put the effort to engage the patrons on the social network sites, they would like to achieve a high influence on the targeted groups. Understanding the behaviours of the targets is essential for the success of the information policy and campaign.

We can look at how the five examples help the library’s information policy and plans:

1. • Visual content is very important. That is probably due to the fact that our brains typically process visual information 60,000 times faster than text. Study shows that people will retain 65% of the information if it includes a relevant image- compared to only 10% without (Hightail Inc, 2016). When librarians post information on social networking sites, it is probably a good idea to include relevant pictures or videos all the time.

1. •  A significant number of young people between 18-24 uses social media as their news source. When libraries need to promote services targeting this age group, it may be worthwhile investing time and money to promote it on social media besides the traditional marketing strategies

1. • Smartphones have become a necessity for digital generations. In order to reach the audience effectively, it is not enough to just build a traditional online existence with a website. It should aim to provide the best browsing experience on mobile phones too.

1. • Social networking is not only used for sharing personal life but also can be used to establish professional networking. The best example is Linkedin. So part of the information policy of a library should be how to build professional connections with professionals from other libraries.

1. • A major part of the library job is to provide services to young people. When considering promoting services on social networks, it may be more effective if it is promoted on Snapchat than just on Facebook.

References

Coles, L. (2017). Social Media for Business : Foolproof Tips to Help You Promote Your Business or Your Brand. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csuau/reader.action?docID=4908157&ppg=19

Hightail Inc. (2016). Why visuals are so important in content marketing and five ways to do them well. Retrieved from https://www.socialmediatoday.com/marketing/why-visuals-are-so-important-content-marketing-and-five-ways-do-them-well

 

Library 2.0 describes the relationship between web 2.0 and libraries. it is defined as “a subset of library services designed to meet user needs caused by the direct and peripheral effects of Web 2.0” (William, 2018, page 1).

Carole (2016) proposes key points about digital libraries. 1) portability – a user can access the library anywhere, anytime. 2) wider accessibility – not just accessible for patrons who can physically access the library, but also by those who can not attend the library themselves. 3) less physical space. 4) a shift of the librarian’s role of curator to the navigator.

Penrith city library is a local library in Western Sydney suburbs.  Over the past years, a lot of changes have been brought in with the adoption of web 2.0 technologies. It hosts a large number of e-book collections through Libby and over 100+ electronic magazines through RBdigital.

Although it has established the existence on Facebook, comparatively, the penrith city council is present on a variety of platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Linkedin.   libraries have recognized the importance of their presence on social media but have not been able to take full advantage of social media. One reason is that, so far, libraries are focused on using social media as one of the tools only and not using social media to encourage user participation (Manzoor, 2017).

The effort of Penrith City Library to refine the catalogue is evident.  According to Sonawane (2018),  today’s library users in the web 2.0 age have different information skills and needs than previous generations.                                           Catalogue page from Penrith City library
The web 2.0  concepts like media on demand, social networking, tagging, blogs, wikis, and newsfeed seem to be impacting the view of future online library catalogues. It can optimise user service by community participation and social networking. From the search result from the library catalogue, it can be seen that a user can review and rate the book. They can also share the link with friends or families through a link of Facebook, Twitter, and email. All these features are included in the search results from the library.

Overall, Penrith City Library has been actively adopting social media into its services and is making satisfying progress in transforming the library.  However, it might be beneficial for the library to promote services on social network sites which are popular among youth, beyond Facebook and Twitter.

Reference:

Cole, L. (2016). The Reimagined Library – Where will it Find You?   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYDl66YfQ0

Manzoor, A. (2017). Social Media: A Librarian’s Tool for Instant and Direct Interaction With Library Users. In R.K. Bhardwaj(Eds.), Digitizing the Modern Library and the Transition From Print to Electronic(204-223). Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference.

Sonawane, C.S. (2017). Library Catalogue in the Internet Age. In R.K. Bhardwaj(Eds.), Digitizing the Modern Library and the Transition From Print to Electronic(204-223). Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference.

Williams, M. L. (2018). The adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries: A comparative exploration.Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000618788725

 

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