During these final two weeks (can’t believe we only have 2 weeks left!), we’re focusing on evaluation, best practices and a couple of wrap-up activities. As you’ve probably noticed from the reading list for this week and next, I haven’t assigned specific readings, and the reason for that is that I’d like you to focus your energies on synthesizing your thoughts on the utility of the tools we’ve looked at throughout the course, as well as compiling a list of best practices for the use of social software in libraries (based on the readings we’ve done, as well as your own ideas). Read on for a few more details.

Evaluating Social Software for Libraries
Of all the social software technologies we’ve reviewed this term, what are your “favourite” tools for libraries and why? What would you consider to be the low-hanging fruit, i.e. the tools that could be implemented easily and with the greatest impact? What social software tools (if any) do you consider to have the least potential for library service and why? As you synthesize your thoughts, consider the two questions stated in the course syllabus:

  • does social software have a place in library service provision?
  • what social software applications can be harnessed by information organizations?

Post your thoughts and ideas to your blog.

Best Practices for the Use of Social Software in Libraries
I’ve mentioned over the past couple of weeks that during the final two weeks of class, we’re going to be compiling a list of best practices for the use of social software in libraries. A “best practice” can be defined as a process and activity that has been shown, in practice, to be the most effective (definition source). With this definition in mind, I’d like you to think about the articles/blog posts we’ve read over the term and pull together some best practices for the use of social software in libraries. My hope is that this exercise will give you both the opportunity to think critically about the best way to implement these tools, as well as provide a reference for you when you go about implementing them yourselves! A few more details:

  • I’ve set up a wiki at http://sosowa.pbwiki.com and started pages for each of the tools we’ve looked at this term.
  • When you login to the wiki (I’ve just sent the password to the class listserv in an email message), include your name and email address on the login form so we can keep track of everyone’s additions.
  • My original intent was to add these best practices to the Library Success Wiki, but we’ll get to that next week if we’re all happy with what we’ve come up with.
  • If you have any questions about this exercise, leave a comment.

And finally, some administrative details for the week

  • I know you’re all busy getting your final papers done, as well as working on this week’s activities. Therefore, there is no blogging deadline this week. Blog (and add to the wiki) when you can!
  • The development of the best practices wiki will be evaluated as part of your weekly blogging grade.
  • Final papers are due in a week and a half (by midnight, December 6th). I hope the research/writing is going well for everyone; feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Office hours this week are on Wednesday, 8-10 pm EST. If you’d like to chat any other time, feel free to email me or ping me when you see me online.