Mashups

Of all the networking tools on the internet, mashups may be the most useful to libraries and patrons alike. A mashup, combining multiple data sources into one website, brings together data-trails that users would logically follow on their own into one convenient place. Not only would this be a time-saver in finding information from different sources, but an interesting way to introduce new ideas the user may not have thought of previously. A simple search of a library catalog could access a map of a local branch; view its hours, and even surrounding places of interest. Conveniently placed icons could link patrons to those websites as well. Fundraising could also be brought to the map with a link to a fund-raising program such as Amazon or a local Friends of the Library website.   Community Walk, a map-creating application and website, could make this kind of “mashing” available to even small libraries.

Libraries Participating in Social Media

YouTube can benefit libraries in communicating with their patrons. A video can inform the public on upcoming events. Perhaps a short video showing a puppet show or craft for kids to help parents know if this would be something they would like to take their children to.

How to videos can be made to access different areas of the library such as how to check out an eBook. During my research for a video to add to our PowerPoint presentations I came across a YouTube video made by the Ramona library showing how to check out an eBook. It was simple but well done and would help a person new to that type of checkout.

Here is a YouTube video of the Ramona library's grand opening. I was at work during this event and it was nice to see part of this event and some of the people who attended.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLNjMpYAlDg&hd=1

"Tu be or not Tu be"

Social media tools are becoming increasingly mainstream as they are adopted by individuals and organizations alike to connect with others across the internet. Though the numbers and types of these websites increase daily, YouTube  and Facebook are standouts as practical, usable, and recognizable tools that could be effective as library “assistants”. 

YouTube is as much a location as it is a social network tool. It could be compared to a database that stores a Wikipedia-type volume of user-added videos accessible from anywhere on the internet, free of charge. For libraries, this could mean a source of videos that it does not need to house, which could be shared without boundaries to other libraries and patrons alike. Instructions on how to repair a book or use a new technology, introduction to a new concept or library issue, invitations to and marketing of upcoming events, could all be stored or accessed on YouTube where a simple link would direct the searcher to what he or she is looking for. 

Facebook, on the other hand, is a “live” link to a vast sea of online individuals who are there for the very purpose of connecting with others. Libraries could connect with book and library lovers, who so profess on their Facebook pages, and reach them where no other means would. Library groups could be formed, even for a specific or regional library, and, as one patron finds and joins the group, the message would be broadcast to all of that person’s friends, who may also be interested. This vast expression of information to a targeted audience could be a vital tool in library fundraising, communicating new acquisitions, informing on pertinent political issues, and even connecting to other social media tools such as Twitter, Flickr, related blogs, and other websites of interest. 

On the downside, just like Wikipedia, the content and direction of data flow through these tools is uncontrolled and potentially overwhelming to sort through. The usefulness of these tools may be dependent upon the stamina and persistence of the user to overcome the “junk mail” and “spam” all over the net. Like the “MySpace” of earlier internet years, irritation and boredom may cause these venues to be replaced by the latest new technological fad. The challenge of the future will be much like that of all good Librarians, which appears unlikely to ever change: to remove from the patron the tedious sorting of the “gold” from the “garbage” of information.

ask a Librarian

ask a librarian is a worthwhile resource for anyone to use if they want to become familiar with how a libraries catalog works. www.askalibrarian. This is a useful resource for example if someone is trying to locate a MARC record for a specific Library class or for their private collection.

WorldCat www.worlcat.org is also a useful resource that a person can use to find that is a global catalog that can provide you with some basic information free. For a fee the website will give you more complete information on the availble material on the website.