Not the Paper Kind: How Social Bookmarking and Social Cataloguing Impacts Libraries

What do you think of when you hear the the term "bookmarking"? Does a metal one come to mind? Or does your brain gravitate towards a paper bookmark showing off quotes from Shakespeare? Maybe you just think of old-fashioned dog-earing. By the way, I wouldn't recommend dog-earing books from the library. We don't want to be caught committing "book assault", now do we? I can only imagine the disgusted faces of hardcore bibliophiles at the mere mention of dog-earing. Let us take a moment of silence for this victim:

Like traditional bookmarks, social bookmarking allows people to organize and manage their bookmarked web documents. Social bookmarking sites' key feature is the ability to allow users to share their bookmarks at will (this is different from file sharing, which only shares the resources themselves). 

Social bookmarking sites (and its cousin, social cataloguing) have exploded on the Internet, coming together like a graceful dance. 

If I'm going to be using a social bookmarking site, I tend to go with Reddit. To be honest, I don't really use it that often, but I can see how it could be used as a potential news source for popular content, especially if one utilizes subreddits. 

While I'll admit that I don't frequent social bookmarking juggernauts like Reddit, Digg, and Delicious all that much, libraries can use these sites to strengthen patrons' information access by providing helpful links. In some cases, they can almost act like subject guides.

An example that comes to mind is the Whitby Public Library. They have a Delicious account, allowing patrons to easily find the information they desire with just a button click. You can take a peek on how they did it here: https://delicious.com/whitbypubliclibrary

Moving on, I should mention that social cataloguing sites take social bookmarking one step beyond: these sites can categorize and organize books, movies, and music so users can manage their items more effectively. 

Sites such as Goodreads, Librarything, and Shelfari can be classified as social cataloguing tools. I like to employ Goodreads the most, as I'm able to rate and comment about the books I just read, plus find recommendations whenever I want. 

In a library setting, social cataloguing sites are very useful for setting up discussions on books or scheduling events or meet-ups. For instance, if your library has a mystery club, and some members are not always able to attend meetings, why not create a discussion group online? This way, everyone can participate at their own convenience. 

There are other benefits to social cataloguing sites, of course. They can give patrons the ability to easily browse through recommended titles they might not have considered. Patrons can also quickly organize materials they have already read, seen, or heard with site features. These sites allow patrons more interactivity with informative materials, which can foster more interest in library collections. 

However, there is a potential downside: user-generated content can confuse some patrons trying to find titles, particularly when social cataloguing site features are implemented into online library catalogues.

What I mean by this is the fact that some patrons still find use out of traditional library catalogues. These same patrons may become overwhelmed if a library creates an online catalogue with social cataloguing features. They often just want the ability to search for titles without frills, and may become alienated as a result. 

Personally, I recommend that libraries create two versions of their catalogues. One version could implement features similar to Goodreads and Librarything to attract social-media savvy patrons. Another version could offer only traditional searching methods to satisfy those who prefer more straightforward catalogues. 

This way, both groups of patrons are satisfied and offer variant ways for patrons to access information.

With all that said, I'll be busy bookmarking and tagging books on my Goodreads account during my downtime. And I'll try my best to not dog-ear my precious library novels in the future. Maybe.

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Library Podcasts: A Review On comicpoplibrary.com

Hello everyone! Remembrance Day, along with the promise of a few snowflakes, is approaching us Canadians. November is definitely a good time to check out plenty of books and other materials about World War I and World War II. 

I remember back in high school, our classes had to present a play based on the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields". It was actually quite fun to do at the time, and we tried our best to impact the audience, given the solemn nature of the topic. Anyway, I hope you Canadians take the time to wear your poppies (even if you can't get them to stay on your coat, as is always the case) and remember the sacrifices our soldiers made.

Regarding today's topic, I was browsing along the corners of the Internet trying to find podcasts centered around libraries. 

Although a lot of podcasts for libraries happen to revolve around either library instruction or library policies (which is always great information to take in for library staff), I was specifically looking for ones that provided a focus on reviewing materials. 

Because gosh darn it, I sometimes like my podcasts to not contain dry topics.

To my delight, I found the perfect marriage between the library world and the review world. Who exactly is this podcast superhero, you may ask?

comicpoplibrary.com, of course!

comicpoplibrary.com specializes in critiquing comic books, graphic novels, anime, manga, television shows, and even music. It all gloriously culminates into one big "geek" utopia. 

As I listened to their podcasts, it all melted my little nerdy heart. Kapow and boom, indeed.

Reading into their purpose, comicpoplibrary.com's content is reviewed by librarians and teenagers, with their podcast lengths usually hitting the 30 minute mark. I think what I like most about their podcasts is the amount of enthusiasm the hosts bring. You can tell they really like what they do and they have a good flow to their segments.

With their podcasts, I feel the comicpoplibrary.com team has done a great job in gaining the attention of patrons looking to find the next great comic book or television show. 

By keeping the content concise and entertaining, patrons will have a harder time feeling alienated on the subject matter. 

I also think that comicpoplibrary.com's podcasts are excellent resources for school or public libraries looking to purchase materials, as the team goes into great detail about each item they review. 

For example, in Ep 4 ComicPop Heroes Take on "Wraith", the hosts analyze the artwork contained within the item. Such attention to detail can be quite helpful to those building library collections. 

In short, I think podcast-lovers and library staff should give these podcasts a shot. In any case, they provide a good starting point for libraries looking to expand their comic book and graphic novel collections. 

You can find all their episodes on their website, or you can tune in to some episodes on Itunes like I did:

http://comicpoplibrary.com/category/podcasts/

It just goes to show that heroes and heroines are all around us, from soldiers to reviewers. Now it's time for me to fly away at supersonic speeds! 
  

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.

Apps Ain't Crappy: Why Libraries Should Use Apps More Often

Apps have changed so much over the past 20+ years. Remember the good ol' days when you could only install apps on your computer through discs, with said apps taking super long to download? Ahh, sweet memories, I tell ya. It's amazing how far we've come: you can now simply tap on your phone or tablet to download an app. And oh my, how the downloading speed is drastically faster. Woo-hoo!

At this point, you might be wondering, "Erin, how are apps useful in libraries? Do librarians download games like Angry Birds and just sit on their butts playing them?"

While it would be nice if we could do that (I mean, I wouldn't reject to having to beat my Tetris high score now and again), in reality libraries are collecting and using apps in a wide variety of ways.

For example, some apps can act as educational tools, and more and more school and public libraries are introducing them. 

For instance, is little Jimmy or Sally curious about endangered animals and wants to learn about different species? Simple, download the WWF Together app created by the World Wildlife Fund so they can be educated on the topic in a fun, engaging way. There are many educational apps out there, ranging from math games to learning about art history. It might take some digging around on the iPad, but these apps offer great benefits.

In addition, apps can also be useful in a professional setting. They can help boost productivity and organization in the work world.

Think about it, with the rise of cloud storage, apps such as Dropbox allow library staff to share files between your phone and computer wherever the app is installed. Apps can even be used for group presentations, with Keynote giving users animated charts and other features for more professional presenting. There are many other apps out there that can help library staff become more organized and productive.

And of course, libraries can also create their own apps to promote their services to the public, among other things. 

Winnipeg Public Library's WPL to Go allows users to search the catalogue, check their accounts, and allow access to OverDrive for downloadable audio-books and e-books. That's right, all of these features are in one pretty little square. It's pretty nice to use library services in one mere button touch.

Speaking of which, an app that I use quite frequently is Mango Mobile. It's a handy little app that helps you learn languages by providing you with word pronunciations from native speakers. It's a great way to brush up on my French now and again, and works wonderfully for non-English speakers. In fact, Toronto Public Library now allows access to Mango Mobile, so long as you sign in with your library card and create a profile. It's available for both Androids and iPhones/iPads/iPod Touches, which is nice. I also think that this app could also be useful in school libraries for teaching ESL courses, as non-English students would have a way to learn English on-the-go.

Au revoir for now, readers. I'm off to use Mango and the many other apps installed on my phone.

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. 

My Sincerest Apologies To You, Twitter: Why More and More Libraries Are Using Twitter

To the most-beloved Twitter,

Oh, how I hated you in the past. I created an account on you not too long ago, hoping that I could keep track on my friends' lives. I desperately wanted to like you, as you seemed so attractive and clean in appearance. I also wanted to learn how to use hashtags properly, and not in a mocking way. 

But alas dear Twitter, it was just not meant to be. I was simply too verbose and long-winded for you; I couldn't become comfortable using 140-character limits. My friends thought so too. They ditched their accounts two weeks after creating them. And so, with nothing else to look forward to, I abandoned you. My once lively account was now (and sadly still is) in a comatose state. 

Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm sorry I misunderstood you. It went over my head that you are a librarian's dream come true.

You are more than just some silly website to pass time with. 

You were (and still are) a very useful tool to look up various types of information, even if it's just a quote from a D-list celebrity. 

You single-handedly put microblogging on the map. 

You have helped libraries around the world get in touch with patrons more easily and effectively. You have helped to create more pro-library communities.

Libraries are surprisingly popular on you, sweet Twitter; the New York Public Library has around 605,000 followers. Of course, libraries don't need to get that many followers to be successful. 

Smart library staff aren't just using you and other forms of microblogging to share info about recommended books, updated policies, etc. They also use accounts to relate to patrons and help them explore the big, beautiful world around them.

The Winnipeg Public Library, for example, released a tweet yesterday stating about James Dean's death, and linked relevant info on how he impacted our culture. I think that's a clever way to re-introduce classic actors and other important figures to unfamiliar users.

Libraries can also use Twitter and microblogging to inform the public about community events. Everything ranging from free concerts to knitting classes is posted on many library Twitter accounts. Twitter is also an effective tool to create discussions with, engaging with patrons to think critically and voice their opinions more easily. 

It's amazing how many interesting things a library can pack into you, my little Twitter.

I'll admit, it may take me a while to boot up my account again. But at least I now have a better understanding of you. Where I once despised you, I have now grown to at least admire you from afar.

Sincerely,

Erin.

P.S- I found some accounts that I really like a lot. I hope that they may never falter on you:

1. Vancouver Public Library: https://twitter.com/VPL
2. Winnipeg Public Library: https://twitter.com/wpglibrary?ref_src=twsrc%5egoogle%7ctwcamp%5eserp%7ctwgr%5eauthor
3. Scottish Poetry Library: https://twitter.com/ByLeavesWeLive