Online Learning Journal Activity: Library 2.0 (1)

 
Activity
Visit ASU's collection of The Library Minute videos and view five (5) of these one minute videos, then visit two (2) of the other Web 2.0 tools used as part of the ASU Library Channel suite at http://lib.asu.edu/librarychannel/.
 
Write a critical evaluation on ASU Libraries['] use of these platforms to achieve the 4Cs of social media (in no more than 350 words).

 
Collaboration: This seems the weakest point of the 4Cs for ASU Libraries, particularly if it refers to collaboration between the library and its user-base to engage in content creation. There are invitations to participation in many of their postings, but the manner of participation invited may not be of a sort that would be visible from a perusal of the library's online presence (ASU Libraries, 2014b). Even direct questions appear to receive minimal direct response (ASU Libraries, 2014a).
 
Conversation: This 'C' was found to be especially vague in interpreting as distinct from the others. However, the five principles of digital librarianship as described by Schrier (2011) seem to fit Conversation as a Library 2.0 principle. In that sense, ASU Libraries appear to be making an effort to engage in Conversation with varied success. There are several attempts to engage with students experiencing frustration with library services (ASU Libraries, 2013b, 2013c). Although these do not appear to have been resolved successfully, it is not for lack of attempting to listen and engage on the library's part. We also see an example of posting pertinent and timely information in ASU Libraries (2013a), in linking to a library resource for navigating around the then US government shutdown occurring at that time.
 
Community: Whether ASU Libraries are successful in fostering a sense of community, or a functioning actual community, is difficult to gauge from an outsider's perspective, particularly surveying over a limited timespan. What we can see is that, although postings to ASU Libraries' Facebook pages seldom receive comments they do tend to accrue a half-dozen or more 'Likes', so someone is engaging with them. The most recent 'Library Minute' videos do not have comments either, but by the 11th item in their playlist (Arizona State University, 2010), it is common to see several comments on each video expressing enthusiasm for ASU Libraries, or librarians or libraries generally. These videos do seem to have stuck a chord with their audience, and illustrate a value in producing less ephemeral social media - each of the comments on that video are separated by a year or more in time, indicating that over the years the library is reaching and engaging with fresh audiences. ASU Libraries appears to be successful in this regard, if Community indicates fostering awareness of library services and engagement with them in the service its target users' needs.
 
Content Creation: This overlaps heavily with points made for Community above. The 'Library Minute' videos particularly are excellent examples social media content creation. Short, informative, and humorously presented, they set a high standard for any other library to attempt to live up to.
 
References
 
Arizona State University. (2010, September 20). The library minute: Mobile web [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ1ZjStKny0&feature=share&list=PLCA6A813AA9C9A574&index=10
 
ASU Libraries. (2013a, October 8). Are you struggling with government research due to #shutdown websites? Find out about alternatives on our Library Guide: http://libguides.asu.edu/shutdown [Facebook status update]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=636339933063325&set=a.197961316901191.49721.147353931961930&type=1&stream_ref=10
 
ASU Libraries [ASULibraries]. (2013b, December 05). @TAbarzua I'm sorry it's so frustrating. Is there something specific I can pass on to the system managers? [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/ASULibraries/status/408706859340922880
 
ASU Libraries [ASULibraries]. (2013c, December 20). @paleophile We're sorry, but maybe you could have luck getting another copy via Borrow It Now? See info at http://ow.ly/rXvI8 [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/ASULibraries/status/414075060966936576
 
 
ASU Libraries. (2014a, January 29). We're excited to be working on a new #HiddenTreasures video. Can you guess what we're highlighting this time? [Facebook status update]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=695441783819806&set=a.695441963819788.1073741833.147353931961930&type=1&stream_ref=10
 
ASU Libraries. (2014b, February 5). #WestWednesday Fletcher Library is showcasing the publications of the faculty at West Campus in a rotating display. In the current display are the works of Andrew Kirby, Jose E. Náñez, Sr., Vincent Waldron, Douglas Kelley, Ramsey Eric Ramsey, Barbara Guzzetti [Facebook status update]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699253486771969&set=a.197961316901191.49721.147353931961930&type=1&stream_ref=10
 
Schrier, Robert A. (2011). Digital librarianship & social media: the digital library as conversation facilitator, D-Lib Magazine, 17(7/8) July/August 2011. Retrieved from http://dlib.org/dlib/july11/schrier/07schrier.html