INF506 Assessment 2 - (Social networking project proposal)

Title

The impact of social networking technologies on the Next generation catalogue.

Brief description

I will model the case study on library literature that discusses the use of and the impact of the web2.0 on the next Generation catalogues.

The study will first define the Next generation catalogue concept and will define the web2.0 and then identify the technologies that are inclusive of the Next generation catalogue.

The case study will involve a critical evaluation of selected web 2.0 technologies as used on a selected two libraries; thus an academic and a public library.

Social networking technologies to be used

My focus is to discuss social networking technologies that interface with the Next generation catalogue to promote social interaction and information sharing and exchange.

•  RSS feed

•  Tag cloud

•  Reviews

•  Social bookmarking

•  Online book clubs like Book space/Library Thing

•  Twitter and Face book

These technologies will be discussed but just three will be critically evaluated.

Expected outcomes of the case study.

The study will reveal the understanding and awareness of the next generation social networking impact on

•  Effectiveness of the social networking technologies on Library catalogues.

•  Digital divide issues

•  The technologies’ role in the promotion of library services

•  Priorities of library resources in terms of collection development and quality of customer services vs.   focus on library catalogue design.

•  If it ‘ain’t broke’ still fix it? (OPAC) - Is library just seeking an identity with the internet?

•  Simplicity of use and target audience.

•  Any new social networking technologies yet to appear on the next generation catalogue.

Project plan

Start with a literature review.

Investigate a range of social networking technologies used on Next generation catalogue.

Investigate any new social networking technologies that could be used on the next generation catalogue.

Research and select libraries to use in case study. An academic library and a public library

Explore the two library catalogues to identify Social networking technologies being used.

Obtain knowledge for this case study from the literature review and through investigation and evaluation of the selected library catalogues.

The case study will be presented in a report format. The report will analyse and evaluate the readings on this topic; and it will present screen shots to illustrate the case study.

INF506 - Social Networking for Information Professionals - A Learning Journal

Social networking defined in my own words.

Social networking provides the means by which humans seek to convey their relevance to the society; to exercise control, relief and reliance through exchange of knowledge and sharing of other resources. Social networking has been with us since the beginning of time. In my African village, the culture of the people thrives on social networking. Communities at large are connected with each other through social networking in marriage, economic, agriculture, religion and political activities. Individuals are in contact with each constantly to share not just knowledge but their time, space, emotions, experience and other resources. Social networking technologies allows individuals to interact with each other more frequent and where face to face meeting may not be adequate due to many factors including time limitation as it is typical with the western style living.

Social networking technologies and sites I have already used?


None!
I am very sceptical of the social networking technologies. I have up to now refused to be part of the social networking technology. I respect my privacy and I am being cautious of my information going to people I may not want to share with.

In signing up on Face book and twitter for this subject, I contemplated if I should use my real name.


What I expect from completing INF506.


I am taking this course especially as a way of delving into a more understanding of the social networking technologies. As an Information professional, I am hoping to come out very confident with a range of social networking environments and be able to contribute my knowledge to the information needs of users of these technologies. I hope to overcome the phobia of being part of the 21st century social networking.