OLJ Assignment: Privacy and Trust on the Internet

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Articles Read: 

Raynes-Goldie, K. (2010). Aliases, creeping, and wall cleaning: Understanding privacy in the age of Facebook, First Monday, 15(1), 4 January. Available http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2775/2432 
Davis, L. (2009). 8 tools to track your footprints on the Web, February 1. Available http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/8_tools_to_track_your_footprin.php
Harris, C. (2010). Friend me?: School policy may address friending students online, School Library Journal, 1 April. Available http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6724235.html

Privacy when using social media tools has always been a big concern for me. Regardless of guidelines regarding how these tools are supposed to be used and how information is stored, it is not incredibly difficult to understand that there are ways around these rules and the devices used to supposedly insure privacy. Personally, I feel that the best way to avoid any difficulty is to restrict what you share on these tools. As far as sharing information (pictures, thoughts, comments, personal/background information) is concerned, I feel that no one should upload or post anything that they would not feel comfortable letting the world at large see. Since, quite honestly, when a user adds information to the internet, that is essentially what they are doing. Privacy blocks are weak and are easy to circumvent. Years from now, this information will still be floating around somewhere out there in a virtual land that cannot be adequately controlled.

Raynes-Goldie’s article only provides support for my thoughts. It is a virtual world, so it’s not quite real. It is filled with illusory substance and half-truths. Can it be fun, educational, real life enhancing? Sure. Can it be used as a tool for creating chaos in the wrong hands? Absolutely. Bullying, harassment, stalking…all can be made easier in this virtual world which is so often treated as a harmless tool that is removed from real life.

Davis’ article just made me think of how ironic it is that individuals who are posting personal information are concerned about who is seeing this information. If the concern is there, why put this information out there in the first place? I can understand young adolescents doing this due to a lack of adequate abstract thinking skills, which impairs the ability to understand the ramifications of present actions on the future, regardless of attempts to educate. I cannot understand this behavior from individuals who are supposed to be able to understand this form of thinking and the consequences of various behaviors.

Within school/library settings, professionals should not wait for guidelines to be made, like those in Harris’ article. One must think of how they would interact with students outside of the virtual world. Proper conduct is proper conduct. Just because it is not face-to-face does not make the encounters any less meaningful.

OLJ Assignment: YouTube & Public Library Policy

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

For this OLJ task, I read Valenza’s (2008) When YouTube is blocked (way more than eight ways around), and Bertot, Jaeger, McClure, Wright, & Jensen’s (2009) Public libraries and the Internet 2008-2009: Issues, implications, and challenges.  

While these articles were different in regards to subject matter, I could not help but to think of these topics in terms of how they affect school aged children.

Valenza’s view of YouTube seemed a bit harsh (stating that the majority of content was basically vulgar). The author stated that the educational content of the site and it’s videos was buried, but that it was perhaps necessary to circumvent any policies that blocked YouTube in order to utilize it's educational content. I, like many of the individuals who commented on the article found this disturbing. Valenza’s harsh critique of YouTube (I frequent the site and have honestly never found content that was inappropriate, in order to access such content, you need to sign in) seemed invalidated by her approach to policy that blocks YouTube (ignore and circumvent). Her seemingly dishonest approach made her critique of YouTube’s content laughable. Does her approach seek to aid teachers and information professionals by encouraging the same dishonest behavior discouraged in school-aged children? Yes, I believe it does. Access to sites like YouTube in the schools or no access at all. Stating that the site is banned within schools by students and encouraging teachers and information professionals to find ways around the policy seems shady at best.

Bertot et. al’s research on the state of technology in public libraries was also disturbing. It would appear that a fair amount of libraries are having difficulty keeping up with the needs of patrons. I cannot help but to think of how this affects school-aged children who need to utilize the library to complete their assignments. Many of these libraries do not have enough computers. Further, many libraries have a time limit in regards to how long a patron can use the library during one visit. An hour on the internet flies by! It simply isn’t enough time to conduct research for schoolwork, or even to explore the internet for entertainment and/or creative purposes. These children will surely be left behind in an age of technology if they do not have adequate access to computers and the internet. Many of us are fortunate enough not to have to think about this issue, but it is a growing concern. How can library policies meet the needs of patrons if the resources are not available to enable accommodation?

OLJ Assignment: Policy on Internet Use

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Five Shifts or Trends that Impact Online Behavior: 

1.       The digital environment is far faster than what could be traditional methods of communication and formal information sources (e.g., newspapers, print book publishing).

2.       Access to digital tools is only increasing…it's not just a select few using these tools as it may have been 15 years ago.

3.       Online advertising is reaching a greater amount of people than print or television advertising.

4.       The focus has shifted to creating and sharing knowledge as opposed to a static online environment that did not encourage user contribution.

5.       The sites allow for quicker communication and ways to generate revenue than marketing campaigns that do not utilize online social networking tools

Online Behavior, Adolescents, and Library Policy:

When I think of the need for creating policy regarding digital information, my first thoughts are of how important policy is when working with young people. Within any library setting, but perhaps most importantly, in a school library setting, it is extremely important to define a policy for how these tools can and should be used. The delineations of such policies need to be clear and concise to protect patrons, information professionals, and in within schools, the schools themselves.

When dealing with an adolescent population, for example, it becomes important to remember that regardless of explanation or education regarding the use of the internet and its associated online tools, developmentally, many adolescents are late in developing abstract thinking skills. That is, in many cases it will be nearly impossible for the adolescent with weak or non-existent abstract conceptual skills to understand the ramifications of present behavior on the future. This is not something that can be understood unless the adolescent is physiologically at the developmental point to understand this concept in the abstract. Without this understanding, it becomes of great importance to have guidelines be in place to ensure that these tools are used with the minimal amount of damage possible, in the present and in the future.

Information exposure, cyberbullying, and a host of other difficulties with long lasting ramifications are present to the adolescent. Policy makers must insure that they not only create guidelines that protect the students, but the staff, library, and district (when applicable).

Such policies should include appropriate conduct and the immediate consequences for violation of appropriate online conduct. Yes, it is important to explain why the policies are in place from several perspectives, but in the event that these explanations are minimized or not fully understood, the immediate consequence of violating the guidelines will serve to help prevent adolescents from creating dangerous situations.

OLJ Assignment: Marketing Strategies in the Library

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Since I have limited exposure to the inner workings of library operations, and marketing in general, I can only speculate on what strategies would be effective. This speculation is based on my general knowledge regarding library functioning, and as such would only be a basic outline of how to approach the creation of an effective marketing strategy. I would imagine that the first step would be to encourage or persuade librarians, library directors, and sources of funding/budgeting of the importance of marketing the library to its current--and perhaps more importantly--potential patrons. The importance of such an endeavor must be agreed upon in order to effectively develop a plan that will reach targeted audiences. The second step would be to assess the library’s needs. This could be accomplished in several ways, including analyzing recent trends within the library and among targeted patrons. Goal assessment, or the anticipated or desired result of marketing efforts would also need to be included. Third, analyzing what has worked in other libraries! I think this is very important. By seeing what has (and what has not) worked in libraries with similar patrons can help avoid bad marketing strategies. The next consideration would be deciding which marketing tools and strategies would be most effective. Again, this can be decided by carefully assessing the targeted audience for the marketing venture and the desired outcome. After defining the scope of a marketing strategy and its targeted audience and potential outcomes, funding and budgeting considerations must be considered including what kind of IT support could or would be necessary to achieve the library’s goals. 

OLJ Assignment: Reasons Why Libraries Should Be On Social Media

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Below are three reasons why libraries should be on social media: 

·         Tappan Library

·         New City Library

·         Suffern Library

1.)    Patrons are using these sites!

For a variety of reasons (e.g., professional networking, contact with friends and family) library patrons are using social media websites. The time individuals spend using the internet is only increasing, as is the use of social networking websites. Yet, library website use is not increasing in this way. In order to engage patrons, libraries should seek to advertise library events and stay current by utilizing websites like Facebook.

2.)    Social Networking tools are easy to use!

Patrons use these websites because they are an efficient way to connect with others (people, organizations, groups, etc.-). If libraries seek to connect with their patrons, they should not only use these tools, but feature the links to these tools on their webpages. Links to these sites should be easy to find and engaging. Suffern Library, for example, uses Facebook, but the links are not a feature on their website. The Tappan Library has very clear and engaging graphics to all of the social networking tools they employ. Using and featuring these tools on webpages and being active on these sites is an easy way to connect with patrons.

3.)    Receive feedback from library patrons and library staff!

Social Media tools are not only great tools for patrons to stay connected and share ideas with each other (Facebook, Flickr), but they are also wonderful ways to get feedback from patrons and library staff. The New City Library, for example, makes great use of blogs. The library director and several librarians maintain blogs regarding their thoughts on the library. They encourage blog use by patrons and seek feedback on topics. This is a great way to connect patrons to the library, and library staff to what is current among library patrons, making it easier to assess the needs and desires of the library as a whole.

OLJ Assignment: Utecht’s 5 stages of PLN adoption

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Based on Utecht’s 5 stages of PLN adoption I would say that I am somewhere between Stage 1 (Immersion) and Stage 2 (Evaluation). I have really only begun creating connections via Web 2.0 tools. The exploration of various social networking tools is a direct result of this course. I have gotten involved in the social networking tools that have been outlined as a part of this class. The only networking tool I used before this course was Facebook, and I did not use it regularly. I am still learning about other tools (I have a particular interest in blogs, and have been exploring them for both personal and professional use.  

As a result of my explorations, I am also realizing which tools work best for me. As I engage in their use, I am learning which tools are a good fit for my needs (both personal and professional), my interests and personality. While there are a great many tools out there, I think it is very important to assess what works for you and why, as these tools can seem overwhelming at the least. Forcing one’s self to participate in the use of networking tools that are either not of interest to the user or that do not provide the user with what they are searching for does not bring any benefit and can actually turn an individual away from all social networking tools, which defeats the purpose of these tools as a whole. When the user finds tools that are useful and engaging, he or she will seek out similar tools. That creates a greater amount of learning focused toward one’s interests and goals.

Librarian 2.0 OLJ Assignment

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

In a web 2.0 world and beyond, the 2.0 Librarian should be flexible concerning the specific tools currently being used, as these tools will continue to change and evolve. This creates the needs for these librarians to become comfortable operating outside of what may presently be their comfort zone. Technologies used need to be valued, understood and appreciated by the 2.0 Librarian. The technicians also need to be valued in a collaborative way rather than battled against. In this way, the positive aspects of these merging fields can be utilized to their greatest capacity. 

In addition to understanding and having an appreciation of the various web 2.0 tools, 2.0 librarian need to stay current on the evolving preferences of patrons. These preferences, once understood (which is a continuous process) allows the librarian to attract and patrons and meet their needs and desires.

An openness and curiosity for what will work for patrons is paramount. It is also necessary to understand what will work professionally for all librarians and libraries within a given library system, as these libraries need to work together to plan for all of their patrons as a whole. This is becoming increasingly important as more and more patrons utilize services such as ILL and e-books/video/music etc.-. The 2.0 librarian should immerse his or her self in the use of these technologies, current and evolving trends among patrons and colleagues alike.

Effective Website Design: OLJ Assignment

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

My criteria for effective website design: 

1.)            Engaging home page with easy to access menu features

2.)            Clear links to Web 2.0 features, links library blogs

3.)            Advertising of the use of social media tools

4.)            Advertising of upcoming events and programs, including gaming

5.)            Videos and podcast use (for events, library tools, databases)

6.)            Separate kids/teen/adult webpage/links

7.)            Recommended reading by age group/genre

8.)            Accurate and easy to find/use search boxes

9.)            Facebook/MySpace/twitter/phone app links

10.)          Account accessibility and functionality

Suffern Free Library, Suffern, NY http://www.suffernfreelibrary.org/

The Suffern Free Library’s website: The website will be critiqued here based upon the above criteria.

1.) The library’s website has a clearly designed home page with easy to access menu features. General areas have clear links including: events and exhibits, kids stuff, teens and tweens, books and more, about your library, library account, catalog, and databases.

2.) Under teens and tweens is a link to Book Banter. This page provides links to discussion groups, ebooks/audio/video, teen events and teen reviews.

3.) The search option has a jump menu which includes a link to blogs. Blogs listed include Career Help, Tween’s Blog, We Love to Read, and What’s Up with Ms. Jennifer (the teen librarian). The home page features “What’s New”. This includes the use of text messaging for library holds and due dates. I had difficulty trying to find the advertising of other social media tools like facebook, myspace, or twitter.

4.) I found information on gaming on the home page and under several links, including the teen/tween links.

5.) I could not locate videos or podcasts easily.

6.) The website does have separate pages for various age groups and

7.) recommended reading.

8.) While the search box on the home page is a jump menu, other pages have an open search box 

9.) The only phone links I could find were those on the home page regarding texting.

10.) Account accessibility was easy. Accounts and various databases could be accessed from the home page.

Building Academic Library 2.0: OLJ Assignment--Five Key Points

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Several good points were brought up during this conference. First comes the understanding that access to information has and continues to develop. This initially was considered web 1.0. Gone are the days in which every reference question needed to be answered within the physical library. While not all information is valid, access is easy with search engines like Google. This, as the video points out, is driving libraries to be competitive. They need to stay on the cutting edge of technology and its use, which is not static. Web 2.0 allows the consumer to become the creator, which is engaging more and more users. In order for libraries to stay relevant, they must integrate these tools in an effective manner. This begins with knowing the user. The patrons of any given library are diverse within their specific needs. What engages one age group or the patrons of one specific library will not engage all. The technology needs vary greatly. 

Knowing these needs is paramount to planning what technologies should be integrated into libraries. Individuals who specialize in these various technologies and library staff need to work together to plan what programs and tools will best serve their population. This partnership can be mutually beneficial and can bring out the most positive aspects and skills of both professions. Further, this partnership is key in insuring that the patrons are served in a secure manner (including protecting patron privacy) without undue worry over the use of technology as a learning tool. While a large grey area exists, as the video explains, attempts at clarifying parameters of the use of these tools will go a long way toward ensuring that the patrons are being served in the most effective manner possible. This will enable libraries of all kinds to stay relevant regardless of what technologies may evolve and develop from web 2.0.

A-Z of Social Networking: OLJ Library Entry

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Suffern Free Library, Suffern, NY

While the Suffern Library tends to make good use of Web 2.0 tools, and continues to integrate the use of these tools more and more, the library might benefit from the following tools:

U—U Stream, V—Videos and P--Podcasting

Either streaming live (UStream) or through videos (such as the very engaging “Library Minutes” presented by ASU), the Suffern library would be able to engage and inform its users on the many tools available.

I—Interesting to Y--Youth

These videos strams or videos would have to be interesting. This is especially important to engage young patrons, who seem to be exploring and utilizing their local libraries less frequently. If videos are dry or are in lecture format, the young patrons will be less inclined to view them.

ASU Library OLJ Entry: The 4C’s of Web 2.0--Collaboration, Conversation, Community and Content co/creation

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay--Fall 2010

1.)    Silent Dance @ Hayden Library

This is an amazing idea! The students seem to be having an amazing time while strengthening ties with their academic library and fellow students. From what I understand, the dance was organized by students for students through Facebook. The students needed to work together to have a successful event (mainly through a Facebook invite, I would imagine).

Social events for students that don’t generally rely on the use of Web 2.0 technologies are great ways to relieve stress and often are created by the collaborative efforts of a few. Those created through a social networking tool allow for greater communication and flow of ideas among the student organizers and attendees. I would imagine that such events give students a very positive feeling of creative control. This only enhances their learning and exploring processes.

2.)    A very Special Library Minute

A funny, short video that engages library users! The video was about how to keep your belongings safe from thieves! I loved the use of the guys from Chips as campus police! Videos like this one make you pay attention and receive the message being conveyed.

3.)    Library Minute: Printing          4.) Library Minute : Tunes for Finals          

 5.) LM: Ebsco

These library minute videos are a great way of creating a sense of community among the patrons of the library, and the library and its staff.  They are informative and engaging. They also inform students/users of the technologies available at their library, from search tools to music that can be downloaded.

The use of videos to inform and engage users regarding what their library has to offer and how to use/access these tools is a very valuable idea. Students enjoy accessing YouTube videos, and if they are done in a fun way, students will learn a great deal from them. These videos are also helpful to students who have questions about library resources. This can be especially helpful during those times when a librarian may not be available. If for example, you need to write a paper and its 2 am and you need to know how to search for specific information, these videos can help students. Videos on Google scholar and the use of Ebsco host are informative and engaging.

Second Life

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

After a bit of difficulty, I am finally navigating through the world of Second Life. It definitely takes getting used to (even though I read the tutorial, I still have difficulty sitting!). Second life, from the aspect of education is actually quite interesting. Yes, I am still learning, but I was quite happy when I was finally able to be teleported to the CSU Learning Center! I am still learning about how to view materials, but this will come with time and practice. My first thought was of how amazing it would be if users from all over the world could visit the MoMa, or the MET or the Rubin, all through Second Life! This technology can allow people who would never otherwise have the opportunity to engage in really wonderful experiences. No, they probably won’t be able to taste the gelato at the MoMa (which is delicious by the way!), but maybe their avatar can stop by the café in between exhibits!