ISSN No. 0976-5697
Volume 4, No. 11, Nov-Dec 2013
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science RESEARCH PAPER Available Online at www.ijarcs.info
Next Generation Library Services using Social Networking Tools in Academic Libraries V. Lingaiah
K. Murugan
K.G.Reddy College of Engineering & Technology, Chilkur, Moinabad, Hyderabad – 501 504.India
[email protected]
Universal College of Engineering Technology, Vallioor -627 117 Tamil Nadu State. India
[email protected]
S. Dhanavandan Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University Gandhigram-624302, Dindigul Dt, Tamil Nadu
[email protected] Abstract : This paper presented new generation library services is a social structure that lets the user interact and work collaboratively with other users, including the ability to browse, search, invite friends to connect and interact with web world in the digital era . Social network software in the web 2.0 world not only enhances the practical usability in the library but also helps the diminishing librarians add value to their profession, given the value or potential of librarian being questioned in the information landscape. In this paper, the author has intended to describe the possible implications of social networking technologies in the field of library and information services in the web 2.0 and library 2.0. Keywords: Social Networks, Library 2.0, Web2.0, Information and Communication Technology and Face book.
I.
INTRODUCTION
Librarians have traditionally applied the most modern technologies to providing collections and services that enable users to access information. In fact, international library policies are favorably disposed to libraries adopting the newest technological innovations that will enhance access to information for library users. The IFLA/ UNESCO Public Library Manifesto (1994) states that: "All age groups must find material relevant to their needs. Collections and services have to include all types of appropriate media and modern technologies as well as traditional materials. Material must reflect current trends and the evolution of society, as well as the memory of human endeavor and imagination “Social networking tools are changing the way that libraries engage their users. Sometimes called “social networking software” or “social networking services,” these Web sites are designed to let users share their lives with friends, family, and the general public. Many librarians immediately saw the possibilities in the proliferating social networks tools by connecting with our users in “their space,” we are making ourselves readily available and removing many of the obstacles to their information needs. As reference librarians, our first reaction to new technology is to “set up desk”—to provide the same services we have traditionally offered, only in a new medium. However, new technologies demand a new approach, and recent years have seen librarians offering reference, instruction, and other services in unique and innovative ways. Clyde [1] examined Weblog history and usage, particularly where libraries and librarians are concerned, and highlights some areas where Weblogs may be put to better use. Barsky and Purdon [2] examined the Web 2.0 applications to Canadian health librarians, and highlighted © 2010, IJARCS All Rights Reserved
to provide services to users. They have focused on customer self-service. He discussed the concepts of web 2.0/Library 2.0 are increasing among the library community. He has also provided specific uses and applications of these tools within the library environment to illustrate the Library 2.0 concept. An open framework for library communication or hyperlinked library can result if Library 2.0 philosophies are fully utilized. Dickson and Holley [3] examined the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such efforts provide academic libraries with outreach possibilities to students who do not use the physical library. Social networking can be an effective method of student outreach in academic libraries if libraries take care to respect student privacy and to provide equal coverage for all subject areas. Fuchs [4] reports that university students consider the provision of information and news to be a minor advantage of social networking sites, with eight other purposes being valued more highly. Sekyere [5] argues that students use Face book to escape, even for a short period of time, from their academic responsibilities, which is the opposite of what led academic libraries to exploit Face book in the first place. Smith and Caruso [6] surveyed over 36,000 students and found that although more than 90% use social networking sites, only 30% of them use those sites for course-related purposes and 8% to communicate with course instructors. II.
SOCIAL NETWORK SITES: A DEFINITION
We define social network sites as web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semipublic profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) 158
V. Lingaiah et al, International Journal of Advanced Research In Computer Science, 4 (11), Nov–Dec, 2013,158-161
view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system. The nature and nomenclature of these connections may vary from site to site. While we use the term "social network site" to describe this phenomenon, the term "social networking sites" also appears in public discourse, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. We chose not to employ the term "networking" for two reasons: emphasis and scope. "Networking" emphasizes relationship initiation, often between strangers. While networking is possible on these sites, it is not the primary practice on many of them, nor is it what differentiates them from other forms of computermediated communication (CMC) . III.
share, collaborate, and contribute in the process of website development. The Web 2.0 Technologies list of figure mentioned below:
USAGE OF ICT IN LIBRARIES
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be used for a variety of reasons, which include: A. a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ICT Based Library Activities: Data Processing: - Data processing is any process that uses a programme to summaries, analyse or otherwise convert data into usable information. Circulation: - A circulation department is one of the key departments of a library. It provides lending services and facilities for return of loaned items Cataloguing: - Online cataloging has greatly enhanced the usability of catalogues, OPACs have enhanced usability over traditional card formats. Bibliography: - Bibliographic Service Compilation of bibliographies, reading lists and state-of-art reports are very parts of LIS work, particularly in research and academic libraries. Prepared in house database: - A library is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed it is organized by the library for the use of library members
B.
Library 2.0: The Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users. The focus is on user-centered change and participation in the creation of content and community. The concept of Library 2.0 borrows from that of Business 2.0 and Web 2.0 and follows some of the same underlying philosophies. This includes online services like the use of Online Public access systems and an increased flow of information from the user back to the library. With Library 2.0, library services are constantly updated and reevaluated to best serve library users. Library 2.0 also attempts to harness the library user in the design and implementation of library services by encouraging feedback and participation. Proponents of this concept, sometimes referred to as Radical Trust expect that the Library 2.0 model for service will ultimately replace traditional, one-directional service offerings that have characterized libraries for centuries.
C.
Web 2.0: Web 2.0 is the collection of server-based solutions that have allowed the web to become a publishing platform (Abram, 2005). Instead of the traditional one-way form of web authoring, these solutions invite all Internet users to © 2010, IJARCS All Rights Reserved
Figure.1 Web 2.0 technologies using the following list.
a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k)
Web 2.0 Technology using the following are listed as: Podcasting Collaborative Authoring Photo and Image Management Social Tagging Peer Producing News Video collections Blogging Social Networking Collaborative Writing Customized Search Engines Mapping
D.
Face book: Currently face book is the fifth most trafficked site on the internet worldwide and second most social media site on the world. It was first founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004.There are interacting allowing visitors to leave comments, message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is the interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites. It gives on opportunity to make community and receive fast, quick respond to feed back. Here are some of ideas for library Face book applications: a) A way for students to track progress of their research papers and other projects to display on their profile. b) A daily updating feed of images and tidbits from the University archives to display on one’s profile. c) A daily updating feed of recommended books, serials or other resources for a chosen discipline. d) A short, entertaining quiz about the library with the user’s score displayed. E.
RSS Feeds: RSS feeds and other related technologies provide users a way to syndicate and republish content on the Web. Users republish content from other sites or blogs on their sites or blogs, aggregate content on other sites in a single place, and ostensibly distill the Web for their personal use. Such syndication of content is another Web 2.0 application that is already having an impact on libraries, and could continue to do so in remarkable ways. Already libraries are creating RSS feeds for users to subscribe to, including updates on new items in a collection, 159
V. Lingaiah et al, International Journal of Advanced Research In Computer Science, 4 (11), Nov–Dec, 2013,158-161
new services, and new content in subscription databases. They are also republishing content on their sites. Varnum (2006) provides a blog that details how libraries use RSS feeds for patron use. a. Ning: Librarian can use this tool to get connected with students, library associations, and more. You can also use it to share information with many people at a time. b. Blog: By creating a blog, you'll be able to disseminate information to lots of people at one time. Whether you're updating students on new collections, or just conversing with library staff, blogs are a powerful tool, especially when combined with RSS. c. Meebo: Network and assist students on Meebo, no matter what IM client they use. Online chatting service in library can impact by professionals to clients. d. LinkedIn: This social networking site for professionals is a great way to get library patrons connected with the people that can help them find information. Whether that's you, faculty, authors, historians, or other sources, they can find them in your LinkedIn network. e. Twitter: Use Twitter, a micro blogging application, to keep staff and patrons updated on daily activities, like frequently updated collections, new arrival, current content services of library. f. You Tube: Library video and e-learning tutorials, events and others video library services can be effectively promote and webcast through YouTube. g. Wikipedia: Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia updated by users. You can use this tool to share your knowledge by editing, or simply point library patrons in the right direction. h. Slide Share: Encourage faculty, staff, and students to share their slideshow presentations for the greater community to access on Slide Share. It's a great way to disseminate information among research community to the field of research and development (Research and Development) activities. F.
Tagging: Tagging essentially enables users to create subject headings for the object at hand. As Shanhi (2006) describes, tagging is essentially Web 2.0 because it allows users to add and change not only content (data), but content describing content (metadata). In Flicker, users tag pictures. In Library Thing, they tag books. In Library 2.0, users could tag the library's collection and thereby participate in the cataloging process. IV.
ROLE OF INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS ON USING SOCIAL SOFTWARE
The geometric increase in the quantity and quality of information, greater access, easy and quick retrieval of information are most crucial issues in scenario of knowledge management. Also virtual presence of libraries is seems to be great debate for future. Web 2.0 and its implication in library should be considered as huge challenge among the professionals. Librarian in the age of web 2.0 should perform the following roles for catering the needs of user 2.0. a. Information Broker: As a information broker he should identifies, retrieve, organize, repackage and
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provides electronic access to digital information resources by various means. b. Change Agent: ICTs has posed a great challenge .For proper access of information librarian should work as technology application leader. He should time to times evaluate systems that would facilitate e-access. c. Information Facilitator: Accessing timely and easy retrieval of information is major issues in libraries. Librarian as information facilitator should make information access easier by providing easy network access, adopting suitable software, follower of web 2.0 tools, e-journals licenses, and designing portal. d. Knowledge Educator: User awareness on web 2.0 tools is crucial for successfully implementing web 2.0 in the library. e. Innovative Manager: Concerning on the role of innovative manager the activities like web site or knowledge portal design by giving various links from various information resources, providing information awareness on what library services available in the website with their effective use to the user. f. Effective Collaborator : As a suitable collaborator it required the activities like expanding of collaboration not just with fellow librarian, but IT people who have experienced on using of recent web 2.0 tool so that some knowledge can gained from them on how and when to use web 2.0 resources in the library. g. Policy Maker: Web 2.0 policy should be strictly followed and framed for the organization ensuring total or selective access to all information resources. However if possible it should be effective analyze before implementing in the library. h. Image Maker: Add value to the library to gain management support and project a positive image to the outside world. i. User Interaction: Finally, librarians often talk about providing outreach to their patrons. Libraries should be aware of their patrons’ online social worlds, whether these are Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) , social networking sites, or other online communities. V.
CONCLUSION
The Web 2.0 has brought along with it, a new wave of library and information operations and services which librarians must embrace to remain relevant in the information age. Social networking sites are taking reference services beyond the traditional reference desk. These sites allow librarians to reach out to users in a familiar interface, and to provide users with instruction, research help and the opportunity to have their voices heard. By joining users in “their space,” librarians are able to reduce library anxiety, market their services, and stay connected to what users want and need. All it takes is being a good friend. VI.
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