SPEC Kit 304: Social Software in Libraries · 95
Benefit 1 Benefit 2 Benefit 3
Allows users to tailor the library resources
to their individual needs.
FC
Allows the library to provide services in a
new way and potentially reach a different
audience. VPA
An increase in library-patron contact
through informal social networking
mechanisms (blog, FaceBook) has led to
a more natural rapport between public
services staff and library users. PR
Social software has allowed for frequently
updated information to showcase the
varied expertise of our staff and reach of
our collections through a lightweight and
open staff workflow. VPA
Social software has allowed selected
subject guides to transform into
communication tools, creating integrated
and more immediate access to specialized
help. Com
Becoming more visible where our
users spend time, and gaining a better
understanding of them in the process.
VPA
Efficiency of communication.
Com
Gaining a better understanding of
emerging technologies, and learning how
to experiment.
EX
Being part of a 24/7 chat consortium
provides ref assistance to patrons when
ref desks are closed. VPA
Other benefits are not yet on the radar.
O
Better communication with millennial
generation. Com
Keep library staff informed about new
technologies. CA
Better connection to users, e.g,, blog
pushes information to users. VPA
Provide ability to contribute and connect
for users. VPA, Col
Improves staff skills and productivity.
SS
Better internal communication by using
Web 2.0 applications for staff. Com
By engaging in the use of social software
we are reaching out to our users in an
area they are already participating in and
allowing them to learn about us and use
our resources in a way they understand
and appreciate.
VPA
Blogging allows for larger participation in
community knowledge from the ‘expert.’
VPA
RSS allows for information to be
disseminated to those that want to learn
more about our resources and services
with one post to a blog, we reach many
in the way they want to be reached
depending on how they set up their
reader. SI
Changes perceptions of what the library
can offer.
PR
Provides us mechanisms to deliver library
content and resources in new ways.
RD
Helps libraries “get in the flow” of our
users. The library is no longer a primary
destination. We need to get our resources
into the tools that library patrons use the
most. VPA
Benefit 1 Benefit 2 Benefit 3
Allows users to tailor the library resources
to their individual needs.
FC
Allows the library to provide services in a
new way and potentially reach a different
audience. VPA
An increase in library-patron contact
through informal social networking
mechanisms (blog, FaceBook) has led to
a more natural rapport between public
services staff and library users. PR
Social software has allowed for frequently
updated information to showcase the
varied expertise of our staff and reach of
our collections through a lightweight and
open staff workflow. VPA
Social software has allowed selected
subject guides to transform into
communication tools, creating integrated
and more immediate access to specialized
help. Com
Becoming more visible where our
users spend time, and gaining a better
understanding of them in the process.
VPA
Efficiency of communication.
Com
Gaining a better understanding of
emerging technologies, and learning how
to experiment.
EX
Being part of a 24/7 chat consortium
provides ref assistance to patrons when
ref desks are closed. VPA
Other benefits are not yet on the radar.
O
Better communication with millennial
generation. Com
Keep library staff informed about new
technologies. CA
Better connection to users, e.g,, blog
pushes information to users. VPA
Provide ability to contribute and connect
for users. VPA, Col
Improves staff skills and productivity.
SS
Better internal communication by using
Web 2.0 applications for staff. Com
By engaging in the use of social software
we are reaching out to our users in an
area they are already participating in and
allowing them to learn about us and use
our resources in a way they understand
and appreciate.
VPA
Blogging allows for larger participation in
community knowledge from the ‘expert.’
VPA
RSS allows for information to be
disseminated to those that want to learn
more about our resources and services
with one post to a blog, we reach many
in the way they want to be reached
depending on how they set up their
reader. SI
Changes perceptions of what the library
can offer.
PR
Provides us mechanisms to deliver library
content and resources in new ways.
RD
Helps libraries “get in the flow” of our
users. The library is no longer a primary
destination. We need to get our resources
into the tools that library patrons use the
most. VPA
