A Beginning of A Beautiful Friendship: The Future of Libraries Using Youtube

Hello, one and all! Can you believe that Halloween has come and passed? Craziness! I rocked the steam-punk look with my boyfriend on the 31st. It took a lot of convincing on my part for him to dress up and attend a Halloween party, but we ended up having a boo-tiful time. Of course, I hope that everyone had a fun and safe Halloween too.

Anyways, as you may recall from my last post, I had mentioned Pinterest was a effective website for promoting library activities. However, it definitely isn't the only photo sharing site that libraries are using. 

Flickr, Photobucket, and even 500PX have sprung up like gladiolas in the library world, with usage rates growing alongside Pinterest. Video sharing sites like Youtube and Vine are also being used more frequently by libraries to promote activities and libraries themselves. 

For the sake of length, I will be mainly focusing on how some libraries are using Youtube and other video-sharing sites to promote themselves and their services.

Just the other day, I browsed Youtube  to see if I could find videos about libraries that didn't involve Harlem Shake dances. Sure, those videos are entertaining, and I still kick myself for not mentioning the idea to my former boss (it would've been nice to dance around like crazy instead of polishing book shelves for the billionth time). However, I wanted to find out how libraries promoted themselves in other creative ways.

As it turns out, the library in The University of Winnipeg (U of W) have created a Youtube account for its students and staff. In their account, they have many useful playlists to choose from. 

A playlist I found especially interesting was one dedicated to Classics students: not only did the library suggest ways to avoid plagiarism, but they also recommended journal articles, library books, and reference materials for essays and other academic assignments. They also have tutorials on how to use their online cataloging system effectively to search for books and other materials.

Personally, I thought these videos would be really helpful in getting me started on finding the materials quickly and effectively in the future. 

By doing videos like this, academic libraries (and other types of libraries for that matter) can cut back on the amount of time answering questions students may have about how certain databases and other resources work. 

While researching other Youtube library accounts, I began to notice patterns that didn't sit right with me. A couple things that personally irritated me was the fact that some videos didn't have great editing, or had poor audio quality. 

I don't expect libraries to have the time and money to put together a 15 minute spectacle, but they should research ways on how to properly attract Youtube subscribers before putting videos up for the whole world to see.

For instance, I think libraries should make sure that they upload videos on a regular basis in order to gain more subscribers. They should also do the best they can to edit thumbnail pictures to make the video more inviting. Unfortunately, content will be most likely ignored on Youtube if one has a blurry thumbnail on their video.

With all that said, I still think that libraries should use Youtube and its ilk, as they have great potential to promote services to a large amount of people. It's just that some libraries should research ways on how to advertise themselves better on it. Even if the sound quality isn't always clean, libraries are putting out videos that have fantastic and informative content.

Here's a link if you want to browse through the Youtube channel made by the library at the University of Winnipeg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWEekojDfkW8OM3uk_UhnA

Have a good day, folks! 

A Pin Paints A Thousand Words: A Reflection on Pinterest

October- a time to jump in brightly coloured leaves, break out the pumpkin carving knives, and hide under the covers while watching The Exorcist. While it's usually a good month for most folks, I spent most of it re-reading my textbooks, reflecting on all the ways I could possibly botch my mid-terms. Ahh, the wonderful life of a college student. It can be some spooky stuff all right:  

Getting back to the point, libraries are ever-changing like the leaves on a maple tree. With all the technological progress, they seem to be adapting to the times quite well. Most libraries have joined and still commit to social-networking giants like Facebook, Youtube, or Twitter. And who can blame them? These three are most patrons' social networking bread and butters. 

However, libraries shouldn't ignore other social networking sites like LinkedIn, Google Plus, and Pinterest. 

While they might not necessarily garner massive recognition like Facebook does, these sites have tremendous potential in promoting library services and their usage among the public is growing at alarming rates. 

For simplicity's sake, today I will be focusing on how some libraries use Pinterest to benefit themselves and their patrons. 

While adventuring in the mystical land known as the Internet, I stumbled upon the Toronto Public Library's (or TPL's) Pinterest. 

I discovered that they not only marketed their branches through the use of photo sharing, but there were also boards dedicated to the library's children's programming and activities. TPL also promoted their reference library and digital archives by showing off their special collections. I even saw a board dedicated to their Bram & Bluma Appel Salon;located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library, this place can hold everything from your standard business meetings to weddings.

As you can see, TPL has done a tremendous job promoting themselves though the use of Pinterest. Without it, I would've never known that LEGO clubs for children existed, or that the library hosted a digital collection of Audubon's Birds of America.

Collections and services that patrons might not readily know about are shown through many pictures on Pinterest boards. Thus, Pinterest and other social networking sites make the public more aware of what is offered at libraries in an engaging way. 

The only thing I wish TPL did more with their Pinterest is perhaps promote more of their adult-orientated services, but I still think that what they've done with their boards is excellent. If you want, you can take a look for yourself through this URL: https://www.pinterest.com/torontolibrary/

For now I'll be busy sipping on a good cup of chicken soup, trying to recover from the stress of mid-terms. I hope to enjoy autumn while it lasts.

There Be Wikis In These Parts: How Libraries Use Wikis To Communicate More Effectively

When you think of wikis, what pops into your nice, cute noggin? For me and many others, the first one that comes to mind is the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Wikipedia. Despite controversy over its lack of expertise and consistency, it's still one of the most visited reference websites on the Internet. According to Wikipedia, 374 million visitors browses its pages monthly. Although I don't rely on Wikipedia for academic use, I find myself using it and other wikis if I want look up general information, like Lady Gaga's discography.

What's interesting, however, is the fact that more and more libraries are relying on wikis to communicate with patrons and staff.

As a reminder, wikis are websites that are collaborative in nature. The content can be created and edited by any group or anyone, including your friendly, neighbourhood monster. That's right, I believe monsters should be able to contribute their ideas too; they have needs just like us. Unless if they try to destroy computers like good ol' Frankenstein's monster here, then we might have a problem: 

"But why are libraries doing this?" you might ask. 

"Wouldn't it be easier if staff members just sent out an email or two?"

While libraries still use email frequently, problems arise if there's a need for coordinating and organizing group input. For example, instead of you and others going back and forth through email , generate a wiki so that everyone in the group can contribute ideas in one space no matter where they are. 

Libraries can use wikis to communicate with more flexibility, whether through using an internal (or private) wiki or an external (or public) wiki. 

For instance, staff can use internal wikis to spread the word about updated staff policies. Internal wikis can be used for setting up helpful, informative links, and posting meeting minutes. I also think that internal wikis can also have potential for setting up staff parties and the like. Meanwhile, external wikis can act as a research guide for patrons. As you can see, wikis can be used for a variety of things. 

In my personal opinion, I believe all types of libraries can benefit from creating a wiki. In particular, larger libraries can greatly improve communication though the use of wikis. This may be due to larger staff sizes, where emailing everyone isn't always the most effective option.

Of course, smaller groups can also profit from setting up their own wikis. The Daring Librarian has an excellent one; it was created for Murray Hill Middle School teachers. It's very user friendly, with a table of contents and a search bar if you need to look up something specific. It's attractive-looking as well, with many graphics to treat your eyes: http://thedaringlibrarian.wikispaces.com

With all that said, now it's time for me to look up information on Game of Thrones, through wikis of course. 

Share On and Write On, My Friend: Why Blogs and RSS Feeds Are Important To Libraries

In last week's blog post, I yammered on about how libraries should make use of Web 2.0 sites whenever possible. It just so happens that this wee little blog you're reading, along with the bazillions more out there, belong to the Web 2.0. club. 

As a quick reminder, blogs are similar to online journals, where all my attempts at sharing information (otherwise known as articles) float about in chronological order. I can already picture those familiar with blogging rolling their eyes and groaning. However, if you need more info on blogs, I highly recommend Ellyssa Kroski's Web 2.0. for Librarians and Information Professionals. She gives a great overview on them.

But today, the main focus is going to be on how RSS feeds and blogs shape the library world in a positive way.

You may be wondering what an RSS feed is. Is it an acronym for Rad Superb Stories? Or is it the short form of Really Simple, Stupid?

Well, not quite. But it's really simple to grasp.

RSS stands for Rich Site Summary, or better known as Really Simple Syndication. It can help users keep track of new info coming out without having to check on their website of choice day after day.

You're probably more familiar with RSS feeds than you might think. See this little symbol here? It indicates that a website uses RSS:

So how are libraries making use of this bad-spray-tan coloured icon and blog posts? In ways far beyond the realms of your imagination, dear reader.

All joking aside, RSS feeds and the blogosphere are now important to the modern-day library and its patrons. 

So all those really cool announcements about new titles? Libraries can now put that into an RSS feed, with the result being that followers are

notified without having to access the library's main website. Simply put, blogs and RSS feeds give information out more effectively and quickly than traditional means. 

Libraries don't have use RSS feeds and blogs in just this way of course. I also think that they're useful for announcements in library policy changes, new dates for story times, updates on meet-and-greets, you name it. There's a plethora of ways libraries can use RSS feeds and blogs to their advantage.

Of course, I wouldn't just leave you hanging without sharing a few of my favourite library blogs and their URLs. They're user-friendly, have plenty of eye-candy, and have quality information to boot:

1. 500 Hats: http://500hats.edublogs.org

2. AllStars Library: http://allstars.edublogs.org

3. Not So Distant Future: http://futura.edublogs.org

Well, I for one will now be taking a peek on my RSS feeds and blogs I follow. See you later! 

Free Our Info: Libraries And Web 2.0.

Today in this post, I'll be sharing something that's more vital to libraries then you might think: Web 2.0. When I first heard this term used in class, I wasn't sure what it meant. Was it a new technological breakthrough? Were we finally going to be able to have Smell-o-Vision installed in our computers? Did Web 2.0. mean we were heading towards a 1960's style of future, complete with holograms?

Unfortunately, Web 2.0. isn't any of those things. Simply put, it's various sites that are both participatory and collaborative. 

Web 2.0 sites allow the average Joe, Jane, and pet gerbil named Pumpkin to interact with dynamic Internet pages.  

All those funny cat videos you watch on Youtube? Your Facebook status detailing on how much your life sucks?

Congrats, you just used Web 2.0.

So, how does this all relate to libraries you may ask? Can't patrons just get off their behinds, enter a library, and talk to a staff member about upcoming events? 

Well, if we didn't have Web 2.0., libraries would have a much tougher time communicating to patrons and enticing others to use our resources. We need to become that scuzzy car-salesman and provide as much information about our services as best we can. 

And in order to do this, it's my belief that libraries should take advantage of the many forms of Web 2.0.

Today, libraries can use Web. 2.0 sites in a variety of ways. Many public libraries use Twitter to inform patrons on a lot of things, such as the date when Stephen King will arrive for a meet-and-greet. Youtube can work wonders for showing story times when parents can't make it the day of when it's happening. 

The possibilities to share information with patrons and staff using Web 2.0 sites are limitless.

Personally, I'm comfy using Facebook to look up status's published by my hometown public library so I stay updated on new items they've received. Blogs also work wonders for reading recommendations. The list of uses goes on into the wild, vast yonder.

However, since the Internet seems to be ever-changing at speeds of a rocket ship, I wonder how long it'll be before the sites libraries use will become outdated. What will happen when Web 3.0. comes in fruition?

For now, all I can say is that I'm happy that more and more libraries are using the Internet to their advantage. 

And I'll continue to look up library services from the comforts of my own home whenever I please.