Perhaps the greatest issue in dissemination is connecting with patrons (users, readers, information consumers, if you will). Traditionally, libraries have done that with community involvement by offering a wide variety of programming for all ages, book sales, promotions, presence at large community events, and other people-based initiatives. However, Terence Huwe wrote an article in 2006 discussing the possibilities of some Web 2.0 programs and applications which can be effectively used in the information age to increase the dissemination of information by both library professionals to other professionals, as well as to the public.
Huwe addresses several forms of electronic outreach available to librarians interested in pursuing patrons into the virtual realms. Among these, he discussed blogs, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, and automated alerts. Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the form, and my assessment of whether it is a viable option in a high school media center.
Blogs
Advantages: simple, free, easy to "brand" or gain recognition, allow for user feedback with comments
Disadvantages: require time commitment, can be forgotten by readers, may not receive feedback, can feel like one-way communication
Viability: For a high school media center, the best application would be with staff as an information tool. Most students would respond more easily to something more interactive, like a wiki or instant message reference service.
RSS Feeds
Advantages: subscribers automatically receive content, does not require intentional user searching, easy to initiate
Disadvantages: can be ignored by users, does not offer feedback opportunities
Viability: Viable for high school students (if teachers insisted they sign up), but would be a greater opportunity for teacher or parent outreach.
Automatic alerts
Advantages: after initial set up users get automatic information, easy to continue
Disadvantages: if the information is not relevant, users can unsubscribe or ignore subsequent emails
Viability: Not very viable for students, because they do not have school-related email at the high school level. However, it would work fabulously with teachers. At one school in my personal experience, each department has a collaboration folder with these properties for their specific use.
A final thought: Huwe emphasizes the fact that none of these methods for disseminating information will be effective if the originator does not understand the patrons targeted and the needs they possess. As librarians assembled bibliographies (and still do) for patrons on specific informational topics, these electronic methods of communication must be focused and useful in order to bring patrons back again to use library resources.
Huwe, T. K. (2006). Some best practices for outreach. Computers in Libraries, 26 (2), Retrieved May 27, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database.
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3 comments:
Maggie:
I’m always amazed at all the ways to communicate and spread information. It is seemingly endless. Although I can remember a time, when the Internet wasn’t as prevalent, many people that we will be dealing with as librarians will have never really “lived” when the Internet wasn’t widely (and easily) available.
Have you used Mozilla Firefox much? They have an excellent built in RSS Reader (Sage) that I rely on daily for my news, favorite comic strip, and blogs that I keep up with. I’m pretty sure, IE also has a similar service, but I’m a Firefox girl.
Thank you!
Traci
I would add that this will be how outreach will have to be handle. With the high cost of fuel, little to no reimbursement, time out of the library, why not take advantage of the web via web 2.0 tools.
For blogs, for example, when contact is made in person - let's say a media specialist for a school, they may or may not know how to use a blog. Use this time as a teaching session and show them how they can use RSS feeds to update them on the last news from the library.
The only problem, many libraries themselves don't take advantage of using blogs and other tools like podcasting. This is one of my many pet peeves when we are information professionals don't use or see the benefit of web 2.0.
Yes, I agree that libraries should take advantage of these resources, especially in keeping with the times and to reduce costs. It does make me wonder how the digital divide plays a role, in that not all patrons have access to or the ability to use these tools.
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