LIBR 246-12: Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools (Fall 2008)

October 20 - 26, 2008

• Learning Objectives
• Lecture
• Readings
• Examples
• Things to Do

Learning Objectives

By the end of the week, you should:

1. Know the various options for providing virtual reference services in libraries.
2. Understand current trends regarding use of mobile and synchronous communication technologies in the general population.
3. Identify the pros and cons of the various options for providing virtual reference services.
4. Identify best practices for providing virtual reference services.

Lecture

No lecture this week

Readings

Required

Farkas, Chapter 9, Chapter 10 (pp. 173-80)
Shiu, E. (2004). “Report: How Americans Use Instant Messaging." Pew Internet and American Life Project.
Gonzalez, N. (2006). “The Six Biggest New Ideas in Chat.” TechCrunch.
Julie. (2007). “IM versus Chat: What’s better for customer service?” The Strange Librarian.  (see cached version)
Davis, K. (2007). “Ask Now Instant Messaging: Innovation in virtual reference.” National Library of Australia.
Tucker-Raymond, C. (2007). “Collaborative Enterprise Instant Messaging at ALA Midwinter (Parts 1-5).” L-Net Blog.
Tucker-Raymond, C. (2005). “Is Co-Browsing Dead? 3 out of 5 librarians agree.” L-Net Blog.
Booth, C. (2007). “Video IM Reference.” ACRL Conference Cyber Zed Shed.   (Be sure to listen to the PALINET podcast interview with Char Booth – linked from the top of the page).
Booth, C. (2007). “Tokbox Your Librarian.” Informational.
AOL. (2007). “AP-AOL Instant Messaging Trends Survey Reveals Popularity of Mobile Instant Messaging.”
Stephens, M. (2007). “Can U TXT the LBRY?” ALA TechSource Blog.

Examples

Libraries that Provide Different Kinds of Virtual Reference
Maryland Ask Us Now
University of Florida
Ohio University
Southeastern Louisiana State University
Orange County Library System

Potential Virtual Reference Tools
Meebo
Wimzi
DimDim
Skype
Yugma
TokBox
Altarama

Things to Do

1. Play with the examples listed above.
2. Complete Exercise 7, due October 25.
3. Write at least one blog post on one (or more) of the following topics (due October 25):

1. What do you see as the most promising idea(s) for libraries to pursue in providing virtual reference services and why?
2. What would you see as some of the pros and cons of IM reference versus commercial virtual reference?
3. What do you think are the most important features any virtual reference service should have?
4. Write your own reflections on what you learned this week.

4. Write a blog post that includes a brief description of an article, technology, blog post, or other interesting resource outside of the classwork you've found that's related to that week's topic. Be sure to include a link to the resource (due October 25).

5. Comment on at least two other people's blog posts (due October 27).