Being there is Only the Beginning: Toward More Effective Web 2.0 Use in Academic Libraries

摘要

An increasing number of academic libraries are considering how to expand their presence on the Web, which has led many to adopt the practices of their users, creating accounts with popular social media services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Del.icio.us, and launching library blogs. There is a general acknowledgement among academic librarians, particularly those whose patrons are mainly undergraduate students, that these are now the 'places' where patrons can be found. Kroski (2007) likens a handful of Web 2.0 favorites, including YouTube, Flickr, and MySpace (Facebook is probably more accurate in 2009), to 'neighborhood hangouts where people convene to chat and express themselves. They provide a social space beyond work and home, where people go seeking a community experience. In so doing, they have helped transform the Web into a true 'third place''. Though we may not have previously considered the Web in exactly these terms, Kroski's assertion does mirror our experience as library professionals, particularly with our undergraduate patrons. It is just this experience that has led most academic libraries to quickly develop a presence in many of these Web spaces; simply put, we must meet our patrons where they are. Being there is certainly half the battle and most academic librarians now tend to agree that creating a presence is essential, but is it enough. What should we do once we're there. Why should students want to 'hang out' with us. Is 'hanging out' even appropriate. How can we maintain our professionalism in such a context.