What aspects of social media and emerging technologies could be beneficial for use by our libraries and in what ways?

As we have seen in the previous video, emerging technologies and social media can offer many benefits to today's libraries.  For example, by creating a Facebook page or engaging in Twitter, libraries are able to connect with patrons, promote library events, and reach a larger number of prospective users than by other ordinary methods. Additionally, academic libraries are experimenting with embedding library services within the Facebook page itself for a true outreach program (Dickson, 2010).

Based on research done by Terra Jacobson, many libraries are using Facebook primarily as a marketing tool, and it may be valid to assert that this is currently the best use in the library realm.  However, uses for communication from patrons or "fans," communicating library needs, and as a forum/discussion space for users may not be an ideal use at this time (Jacobson, 2011).

Dickson, A. and Holley, R. (2010),"Social networking in academic libraries: the possibilities and the concerns”, New Library World, Vol. 111(11/12), 468-479.

Jacobson, T. B.  (2011).  Facebook as a Library Tool:  Perceived vs. Actual Use.  College & Research Libraries, 72 (1), 79-90

What impact will social media and emerging technologies have on the future of our libraries?

While social media and emerging technologies are being used to meet the public in areas that they are comfortable in, librarians need to keep in mind that “The goal among online academic libraries is to reduce the need for users to come to the library and to repackage our materials into an environment that is more familiar to specific users” (Dickson, 2010).

The immediate thought is that social media and emerging technologies are detrimental to today's libraries.  However, if used correctly by our librarians and library staff, both can provide an avenue to reach current and new patrons.  This is a slippery-slope, because overuse of either of the two could cause patrons to believe that they no longer need libraries to achieve what they can on the privacy of their own computers.  Visit the Eejewell Blogspot to learn more about the impact that social media has on library services.

The question still stands…will there be libraries in the future.  Susan Gibbons of the University of Rochester offers one answer to this question.

  

Dickson, A. and Holley, R. (2010),"Social networking in academic libraries: the possibilities and the concerns”, New Library World, Vol. 111 Iss: 11 pp. 468-469.

How can social media benefit ME as a library professional?

In previous research and collaboration, I had the opportunity to work with graduate students in Library and Information Science.  A major project required that we study how young professionals in the library industry could utilize social media not only for their organizational progression, but also for their personal professional progression.

With economic and career outlooks developing in the manner that they have, establishing yourself and progressing in any occupational field is becoming very difficult.  Since job openings are declining and qualified applicants are growing, a person needs to best equip themselves to utilize every opportunity that can make their ends meet.  This has come to include the use of social media and interactive mediums to better represent yourself and find open opportunities.

Since social networking is nothing new or limited to the information age, the basis and benefits that it creates are well understood.  However, because of the way social networking sites have leveraged the previous functions of community based support with emerging technological advancements, a new level of engagement has surfaced where employers and potential employees can share many important facets of their occupational industry in a streamlined environment that increases efficiency in an employment search.  The most gratifying uses of these social media services when searching for employment is when you get the opportunity to market yourself as a professional by laying out a simple social networking plan that describes why and how to use each network or tool to the best of your advantage.

Below, I present an excerpt from the paper, Job-Hunting, Social Media, and You by Sara Harper, Andrew Hill, Cynthia Lamberth, Rachel McGuire, and Jana Mayfield Mullen:

The process of applying for positions within the Library and Information Sciences field is handled online with little opportunity to present qualifications in person until very late in the selection process. Therefore, it is important to provide a view of a candidate’s expertise that differentiates his or her qualifications from all other applicants. Using Qualman’s definition of “Socialnomics,” we posit that individual value created and shared via social media can influence hiring outcomes. The result: “word of mouth on digital steroids” (Qualman, 2009). 

It is also commonplace for employers to use tools like LinkedIn or Facebook to find applicants, and for applicants to use social media to find job openings. The social media strategy of thoughtfully creating an online presence to inform potential employers of professional expertise will give MLS students an advantage in the highly competitive market for positions in the field.

Lastly, many libraries are eager to find candidates with social media expertise. Libraries at every level are using social media for marketing and outreach strategies. Therefore, a candidate exhibiting the ability to create a good online image and ability to use social media to syndicate information will have a leg up in the screening process. If a potential employee can become a “pied piper” (Qualman, 2009), touting their own expertise or another area of interest, employers will see that these skills could be applied to the mission of the library. 

Qualman, E. (2009). Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.