LIBR 246 Week 13

• If a library were only able to offer one mobile based service, what do you think it should be and why?

I think the most important mobile based service to provide is the basic library website.  Without the basic hours and location it may prove less inviting for patrons. The website should have simple and easily accessible links to the hours of operation, locations, services (like speakers, story times, etc.), and links to other mobile based social networks like Facebook and Pinterest pages. Also, any mobile reference services already offered by the library should be included with this webpage through easy links.  If a student is accessing a mobile website we can be fairly confident that would be one of the preferred ways to communicate with librarians and other information sites.  

The article by Houghton also recommended providing a link to allow for feedback on how the site is functioning. This feedback would be vital in assessing the strength of the mobile website, correcting any faults, and potentially expanding mobile services.  I also think, with any mobile service, it is key to provide a link to the main site, so people are not forced to use the mobile site if is not providing them with exactly what they want or are used to.  This is a pet peeve of mine, sometimes I don’t want the mobile website and can not find a link back to the main sit...very frustrating! 

In a perfect world, every library would offer their catalog online for users to browse, search, reserve, and even review.  However, a basic website must be available in a mobile format first for basic functionality, and later perhaps a catalog link can be added.

Houghton, S. (2012). Mobile services for broke libraries: 10 steps to mobile success. Reference Librarian, 53(3), 313-321.

LIBR 246 Week 12

• What types of services could libraries offer with user-generated content? The advantages and disadvantages?

From the readings I love the idea of using users to correct catalog errors.  I would also encourage user-generated content reliability ratings of sources found in the library.  I also love the idea of a historical event being given a true personal touch with user-generated artifacts and memories.  This would really only work with a huge user population, and even then only a few library patrons will participate and only some of them will be truly consistent and helpful.  I think the hardest part of implementing crowdsourcing is the time and long term commitment required.  
Information is no longer one way, it is interactive.  When I tell people I am a librarian, they ask me if libraries will be around much longer, or if librarians are needed anymore (yes...these people are very rude).  Libraries have served as a community hub and center for information like no other public forum has for years.  It is user-generated content that will continue the community piece of libraries everywhere in this digital age, and add a whole new successful dynamic to all that libraries offer.  Allowing users to contribute to a library goals frees up staff for other items on an agenda, or allows a goal to be accomplished that would otherwise never get done.  Users add an extra expertise, knowledge, and value to any project.  They also add the personal touches like tags, comments, and ratings.  By encouraging patrons to participate with their library this can encourage loyalty, trust, and a public ownership in the information and goals of the library.  In this day and age libraries need community support and can use all the help they can get accomplishing goals that will benefit the community.

LIBR 246 - Week 11

For your blog posting, find a youtube video.  Was the video well done? What could be done to make it better?

First of all...I LOVE this video and the associated channel.  There is a whole series of these one minute videos, which I find to be a very clever premise.  When encouraged to watch a tutorial there is one thing I always do first...look at how long it will take for me to get throught it...and can I fast forward if needed.  These videos eliminate that annoyance that freqently comes with tutorials.  Short and to the point!  While this may not provide the details on exactly how to use Academic Search  Premier, it does enough to encourage further exploration and makes the process seem less intimidating for a new user.  It uses common words in addition to those found more specifically in ASP, like full text and peer reviewed.  It is fast, but not so fast I can't understand it, plus more information is found in the video information box.  I also love the humor piece added in.  This makes the video accessible and fun, while still maintaining its integrity as an informative video from the ASU library.

To make the video better I would provide links to more detailed tutorials or step by step handouts and definitions.  Or even links to other one minute videos that fill in gaps.  For example, perhaps a student has not heard of peer-reviewed journals or wants to know more about finding articles without full text.  These could all be more one minute videos, but must all be linked and tagged together for easy access. Other than this, I wouldn't change a thing, and am inspired to use some elements of this video into my own, like length, personality, and most of all purpose.  This video serves a specific purpose, to alert patrons about a research tool, it is not just a video because libraries are supposed to have videos.

LIBR 246 Exercise 5 - Screencast on Pinterest

LIBR 246 Week 10

Identify a library using Flickr or Pinterest.  Provide a link and an overview on how they are using this software.  How could it be improved? What other things should they consider? Should they be a model for other libraries?  What are the top considerations libraries should have before using Pinterest or Flickr?

First of all, let me direct your attention to this, http://pinterest.com/awfullibbooks/.  This is a hilarious and clever idea for a Pinterest page for your library.  I know we have all been weeding and come across the most rediculous title.  Totally outdated books on etiquette, making friends, a how-to guide on living in your van!  While these are hilarious and likely to garner interest of a wide variety of people, it also lets library users know that their library is up to date and properly maintaining the integrity of the collection.  Food for thought!  That said, anytime a library starts social software page, they should keep in mind the message they want to convey to their followers.  All posts should be done with the library brand in mind, building a good reputation, and appropriate for the audience you have in mind.  For example, should I be posting pictures of a friends of the library gala to a Flickr account set up for teens...nope.  Should I pin info on Rowling’s new book on a tween page, definitely not.  Audience and purpose must be established with either of these social media sites.

The Denver Public Library is extremely skilled with their Flickr account.  I mentioned it before in my marketing critique...but I’m sure no one read the post with a fine tooth comb given its length!  So I’ll say it here, the Flickr account is used to create poetry out of book titles.  Books are stacked so that their spines face out and a poem of sorts is created!  So clever, easy for all to participate, encourages use of the library to find great titles for your poem, and may even a encourage a teen or two to pick up a book with an intriguing title!  I don’t love how Flickr is organized, personally, so I think it is up to the user to use excellent labeling to help with navigation of the site, DPL does a great job of this.  Each label draws me further into their Flickr account.  Denver could improve on their number of posts.  When a social media page is created, it must be committed to, and when posts are infrequent it looks like an afterthought.  I absolutely would model my Flickr page after that by DPL. I hope they add a Pinterest page as well because it would not consist only of the boring book recommendations, but include contests, videos, book related recipes, pictures, and more.   Flickr and Pinteres

LIBR 246 Week 9

• What are some of the challenges in starting an online community?

There are many challenges when starting an online community, so there must be an exceptional plan and management in place before beginning.  Each of the articles in class mentions purpose as being key to any online community.  Uniqueness, motivation, fun, experience, safety, openness, and passion are all important to beginning an online community...but without a true purpose and goal, an online community is sure to fizzle out and fail.  Finding a purpose that will hold a community’s attention, encourage participation, and maintain appropriate activity can be a challenge.

Another difficulty in a community that I had not thought of until reading the article How Two Experts Build Strong Web Communities is the ownership some community members may feel after much passion and participation.  Moderators of a community must be careful in how they handle this kind of passion and still maintain control over how the community interacts and the comments that are allowed.  It is a fine line and feelings must be spared.  Ultimately it comes down to the moderator defining their role and making their presence known to all... especially those that may want to overstep their bounds in the community.

Finally, I think the most challenging aspect of beginning an online community is finding an excellent, dedicated, and balanced moderator.  Too strict means a community looses fun and personality...too lose and chaos, respect, and appropriateness can lose out.  As the article Online Comments Need Moderation, Not “Real Names” states, “If you opened a public cafe or a bar in the downtown of a city, failed to staff it, and left it untended for months on end, would you be surprised if it ended up as a rat-infested hellhole?”  I couldn’t put it any better myself.  A skilled and well-practiced moderator is vital when beginning an online community, and could mean it’s doom if the moderator fails.

Hogan, R. (2010). "How two Experts Build Strong Web Communities." Associations Now.
Rosenberg, S. (2010). "Online Comments Need Moderation, Not "Real Names." Salon.com.

LIBR 246 Marketing Critique

Denver Public Library and Social Media

            The Denver Public Library has a large network of libraries which all find a home together with online social networking.  Each facet of the main library (teen, Friends Foundation, Fresh City Life, etc.) has social networking pages like Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Flickr, and more.  The website and social networking sites also connect all library branches to one central feed making closures, events, and more easy for patrons to follow and enjoy.  When marketing with through Web 2.0 tools, libraries must embrace the technology and invest much time to keep the tool current and useful.  Yet how does a patron know this tool exists?  Denver Public Library, DPL, has a social media link at the bottom of every page on their readily accessed webpage.  Their online marketing takes many forms and succeeds in marketing events, services, and more to target audiences in the community.

            There are several Facebook pages related to the Denver Public Library that allows for all interested patrons to stay connected and involved.  The Facebook pages include one on the library itself, Fresh City Life (library programs that are meant to connect and involve the local community), Western History and Genealogy, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation, and a teen page.  Each page connects to the others, creating a network of library users and feeding off each other’s webpage for ease of use and community.  The teen page, as an example, uses Facebook as a marketing tool for teen targeted programs at the library, library closure updates, contact information, library catalog link, free giveaways, new book releases, reading lists, recommendations by all DPL teen staff, links to online author chats and contests unrelated to the library but interesting to teen readers, and so much more.  The site contains posts anywhere from once a day every day, to 4 or 5 posts every other day.  No matter the number of posts, which shows an adequate upkeep of the site, each post is well directed toward the teen reader audience.  Overall, the Facebook page does an excellent job of keeping the consumer informed and engaged.  Being a part of Facebook may no longer mean the library is on the cutting edge of Web 2.0 tools, but it is still a vital feature of any marketing strategy and this library uses it to its advantage.  Thanks to the site the library appears involved, up to date, encouraging, and well organized. 

            Another Web 2.0 tool DPL employs to market themselves as involved in the community and engage patrons is Flickr.  Again, there are separate pages for specific facets of library; I will focus on the teen page.  DPL reaches out to their teen market using Flickr as a medium for contests, picture updates on past activities, and advertising for future activities, which fosters participation and ultimately promotes healthy activity and reading at a vulnerable teen age.  Flickr allows for a visual representation of all the library is offering their youth patrons and puts their best foot forward online.  All photos demonstrate communities coming together, literacy related fun, concerts, and contests, all of which represents the library as a positive aspect of the Denver community and encourages other young teens to participate.  For example, the ongoing contest now is Book Spine Poetry in which contestants place books on top of one another so that all titles on the spines read like a poem.  One example is, “Breaking Through the City of Ember, Secret Lives of Princesses Return to Gone-Away.”  As a library professional that works with teens, I love this idea and can see how this would intrigue teens and encourage participation, as do all the other sticker contests, art shows, concerts, and more.  I am impressed with the creativity of the staff and their dedication to their teen patrons in addiction to their prowess with their Web 2.0 tools.

            Further marketing exists with Denver Public Library’s use of Twitter.  Like other Web 2.0 tools, twitter feeds are broken down to smaller facets of the library.  For the purpose of this evaluation I will evaluate the teen twitter account.  Many of the posts are book recommendations, in addition to event reminders, workshop reminders, links to author and book information, and any other opportunity that arises for DPL teen staff to communicate with their patrons.  The account allows for others to respond and comment as well as responses to others tweets regarding the library and community events.  The twitter feed achieves its purpose to communicate in a fast, succinct fashion with teens in the Denver community in a noninvasive way in which teens can relate to and appreciate.

            Another effective marketing means is through the Denver Public Library blog.  While the library has a blog attached to each one of its social networking tools and the website, the teen blog has special marketing prowess.  In a world where blogs are commonplace and practically required for every library, this teen themed blog is effective, well maintained, concise, motivating, and informative.  While they may not offer anything in the way of creativity in their use, they are well groomed and demonstrate the staff’s commitment to communication with their patrons.

            The Denver Public Library brand is consistent and well groomed.  It is apparent in each online presence that the employees of this large conglomeration of libraries care about their library, their community, and each individual patron. Interacting with teen readers is clearly a specialty of DPL thus they are able to encourage loyalty and commitment as these teens grow and become contributing adults to the community.  With fond memories and appreciation for all that the library offered, patron loyalty could mean funding on bond issues, Friend Foundation membership, and more. 

            Other ways in which the Denver public Library is successfully fluffing their brand and reputation is be embracing a blend of online and face-to-face community interaction.  Nearly every tweet, blog post, Facebook wall post, or Flickr photo sharing corresponds to a physical event, activity, recommendation, and more that can be found at the local branch library.  For patrons comfortable with online communities and those that are just learning, this allows all to participate with their library and all it has to offer.  The library is not relegated to being simply an online presence, but also fosters activity and participation, which can be vital for teens especially.

            Unfortunately, while Denver does excellent work with many Web 2.0 tools, there is one area in which they are lacking.  They miss a target audience in presenting multicultural events, literacy workshops, book recommendations, and more via social networking tools.  Denver Public Library requires their children librarians to be proficient in Spanish, yet the online presence for this demographic is nonexistent.  I think the library would be wise to include some social networking pieces with these patrons in mind. 

             All in all, I am impressed with the well-established Denver Public Library brand and positive community reputation.  This is demonstrated with Web 2.0 social networking tools and the motivating, exciting posts that encourage library event participation and loyalty.  My only suggestions as a marketing consultant would be to add a Facebook page or twitter feed with a multicultural edge.  Also, there is so much offered on the website that is not mentioned among the social networks.  I think it would be wise to encourage use of this website in each post and photo, it would be a shame for patrons to miss this well designed useful website.  I look forward to keeping up with the Denver Public Library and piggybacking off their well-loved Web 2.0 use and teen participation ideas.

Denver Public Library Links

Blog: http://teens.denverlibrary.org/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/teens.dpl

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dplteens/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/denver_evolver

Denver Public Library Teen Website: http://teens.denverlibrary.org

LIBR 246 Post Wk 8

• What do you see as the best applications of twitter in libraries and why?

While twitter in libraries can allow for much creativity and has many possibilities for utilization, I think there are two main ways to use twitter in libraries.  One is to listen and respond.  This can mean listening to concerns, compliments, questions, or many other things.  The important part is to convey that tweeters are being heard and that their tweets are not being wasted on an organization that doesn’t really care.  The second way twitter should be used in libraries is to convey information like classes, events, workshops, policies, item updates, and more.  Both of these uses, listening to followers and keeping followers updated with the library happenings, allow twitter users to feel like they are part of the library community.  Once these generic pieces of a professional twitter are mastered and a following is established, then creativity can be added, like reference services and more.

LIBR246 Week 7 Post

• Describe the impact you think organizational culture has on knowledge-sharing.

Organizational culture appears to have a huge effect on knowledge sharing.  Without a proper knowledge sharing culture implementing new tools for internal collaboration is a waste of time.  The organization, according to Corporate Culture, Not Technology, Drives Online Collaboration, must be open to online collaboration and not demand face interaction.  Also, sharing is vital and no one gets to hoard their own information when it can be used for the good of the company.  When working in an online environment all employees must be aware of personal “space” and time online, after work hours may not be the best time to discuss business.  Employees with technology backgrounds are a plus for encouraging online internal collaboration in addition to supportive management that encourage the social software use.  

The article Enterprise 2.0: Culture is as Culture Does mentions a few more ways in which company culture can impact social software use and internal collaboration.  One way in which internal collaboration online can be encouraged is defining real uses for the software.  There must be real reasons to begin collaboration, especially when using online tools that employees may not be familiar with.  For example, without these class discussion questions I would be disinclined to blog simply because other aspects of school and work get in the way.  Yet blogging and sharing becomes a helpful tool because there is a specific reason I am using this web 2.0 tool.  An aspect of culture that can have disastrous effects on collaboration is a culture of competition in a company.  This means people are disinclined to share their ideas and data because they want to maintain their own edge, no form of collaboration can continue when this is the dominant culture. Employees should model proper collaboration, offer incentives, discourage monopolizing information, and give reminders and offer opportunities for internal collaboration. Finally, collaboration culture should be maintained with employee feedback and opinions.  If the employees enjoy the internal collaboration tools the culture is likely to be conducive to sharing...if employees are unhappy with their collaboration tools the culture will likely discourage collaboration.  Overall, internal collaboration in an online world can continue when a culture of sharing exists among employees and employers with positive encouragement of the behavior.

LIBR 246 Post Wk 6

Write your own reflections on what you learned this week from the articles you read.

I read several interesting and enlightening articles this week on a variety of social networking tips and insights.  First, read Facebook Use in Libraries: And Exploration Analysis on a study determining different uses of Facebook between public and academic libraries.  The most interesting point I discovered, though I enjoyed the entire article especially since it is so up to date (2012), was on academic libraries use of Facebook.  Aharony shows evidence the academic libraries don’t use Facebook in the same ways as public libraries because they view Facebook as a social medium that may not be on par with the academic, professional, serious, reliable brand they are wanting their patrons to associate with them.  Just like wikipedia, Facebook may have a bad reputation of being unreliable or frivolous, which I can understand a library not necessarily wanting to promote.  Public libraries, or even school libraries, may be a better fit for Facebook pages so that all sections can be utilized like information, technology recommendations, wall posts, links, and photos.

Related to the ideas presented above was the article Sharing Your Library with Facebook Pages that is from the School Library Journal.  I work in a school library and I like how practically this article approaches creating a Facebook page.  I would need to be aware of the implications of having the page as mentioned above but balance it with the positives mentioned in both articles.  I especially like the part of this article that understands how busy school librarians are and how overwhelming it can be to add yet another addition to the “to-do” list.  I like the idea of setting goals for posts, encouraging parents to like the page, posting pictures of students, and even encouraging parent volunteers in an easy going medium. These recommendations make starting a Facebook page manageable.

Lastly, I read Social Networking Strategies for Professionals which had several helpful ideas on Twitter use.  I personally am not a fan of twitter, I am disinclined to share my personal feelings and do not feel the need to know my friend’s every move.  However, Breeding mentions this useless information and encourages Twitter use in a more professional manner.  He mentions that one should be selective on what and who is being followed, too many can be overwhelming and unhelpful.  Also, one should maintain a professional voice, avoid sounding like a teenager, and use links as a nice addition to tweets.  I had not thought about using links in twitter, but of course it is wise and professional.  Also, I think being selective is key, especially as I enter into using twitter so that I don’t get annoyed or burnt out on the feeds.

Aharony, N. (2012). Facebook use in libraries: An exploratory analysis. Aslib Proceedings, 64(4), 358-372.
Breeding, M. (2009). Social networking strategies for professionals. Computers in Libraries, 29(9), 29-31.
Fredrick, K. (2012). Sharing your library with facebook pages. School Library Monthly, 28(5), 24-26.

LIBR246 - Exercise 2

        The blog “In the Library with the Lead Pipe” is one of the best blogs I subscribed to because it provides an “In Brief” section to make it easier for their readers to choose to tune in to an article or not.  This makes RSS feeds even more enticing and useful.  This is especially important for this blog because the posts are long articles, rather than opinions, updates, etc.  The Blog articles provides a wide variety of insight into the work of being a librarian and ways to better practice.  The blog itself claims to lend itself better to academic librarians, but I think they do a good job of appealing to all, especially with the “In Brief” option when tuning in.
The blog “Librarian’s Commute” has a more personal update and conversation feel to it’s posts.  I enjoy the practical application feel, rather than discussing big picture ideas, this blog makes short and sweet posts on what is current and affecting a multitude of libraries.  
“The Distant Librarian” is a truly update or bust type of blog.  The blog is heavy with links to sites that help with distance education and the information professionals role within that capacity.  I personally cannot relate to this information nor this style of blog post.  While it is written in a “fellow colleague” voice, I have difficulty connecting to the all business style and bombardment of links.
“Librarian By Day” feels like a library advocacy blog that encourages librarians to explore new aspects of their profession with useful and unique links, hints, and personal anecdotes.  This blog does a great job of keeping the posts short and succinct on a plethora of subjects with a bit of an emphasis on the digital trend in libraries.
“David Lee King” is clearly an idea man and his blog reflects his creativity and insight into the future of libraries.  I like his short entries and limited but useful use of links.  He would be very helpful in the areas of marketing and customer service, but the blog appears to cover a good variety of library issues and ideas.
I enjoyed the “Librarian by Day” and “David Lee King” blogs the most and would be happy to tune into their posts via RSS feeds.  I enjoy the personality attached to the posts as well as the short length.  I feel that their creativity and ideas become accessible with their personal blog style and makes me want to tune in and try their suggestions.  Reading longer blog posts or following a million link would be boring and more like a chore than an interesting update.
One of the blogs I chose is the “ALSC” blog that focuses on children’s librarians and has a multitude of writers.  I enjoy this blogs short posts, different author inputs, and creative ideas for the children section and participation in libraries. I also subscribed to the “School Library Journal” blog which is basically a quick version of their magazine via RSS, very convenient.  I enjoy the short posts on book recommendations, and the well covered variety of topics like nonfiction, multicultural books, and more .  They also provide updates on interesting and useful webcasts which I enjoy.  The last blog I subscribed to was the “School Library Journal Monthly Blog” which is similar to the regular blog, but has more article-type posts.  I enjoy the subject matter of this post and knowing that I will only have to tune in monthly and not miss anything.  
After reading so many blogs and RSS updates I feel more than ever that blogging is necessary for libraries big and small.  I personally feel that blogs are most successful when the authors have personality, creativity, and relate their own musings on the profession to something all librarians can relate to.  Also, blogs should be updated regularly, but no so much that it becomes irritating and overwhelming to the reader.  Also, I think posts should contain links to interesting materials, past blogs, pictures, and more so long as they are on topic and not simply a list or random tangents.  And finally, lengths of blog posts are best kept short.  Succinct posts are not only more interesting, but also more engaging for readers and will encourage a more loyal following.  I look forward to using these insights in my future professional blogs.

LIBR 246 Blog Post Wk 5

Do you have an account on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google +? Describe your experience and your reason for choosing the one you are discussing.  Do you use it for personal or professional or both?  Do you think librarians should have an account on any of these for professional reasons? Do you think libraries should have a presence on these? Why or why not?

I have a Facebook account.  I use it for the personal aspect, keeping in touch with distant friends and old co-workers.  I personally can’t stand Facebook and use it rarely unless someone contacts me.  However, I can understand the beneficial aspect of Facebook as a social media tool and the connections it makes.  For example, the like button can lead to more networking and gives your brand more face time with like minded people.  I believe libraries should have a Facebook account, but the type of account matters.  There are corporate accounts, where people can like the page, and then there are personal accounts where people can be friends.  Depending on the size of one’s library and the brand one is trying to convey the type of page created should be carefully chosen.  I know my local public library has a personal page that local users can “friend” and make comments on, which perfectly fits the “small town” feel of the library.  The Denver Public Library on the other hand would look silly with a Facebook page meant for friends, it would not fit their brand.  Overall, these accounts help with branding, encourage patron awareness and potentially use, and overall demonstrate a social network presence online (a must in this society).  I personally hope I am never put in charge of its maintenance as I dislike Facebook for personal reasons, but I, by far, am in the minority and librarians as a whole should be on Facebook.

LIBR 246 Post Week 4

What are some of the things libraries should consider before starting a blog?

Libraries should embrace their blog whole heartedly, first of all.  I read several articles that demonstrated exactly what it takes to commit to a blog in a library setting.  I enjoyed the “20 Reasons a Business Should Not Blog” because it has the perfect list of positive aspects of a blog, but in a cheeky manner.  Libraries need to overcome many fears in order to run a successful blog and embrace it.  Like giving up the control over how people will interpret a message, engaging in controversy or damage control, or dealing with negative or harsh comments.  Also, librarians need to feel passion and interest for what they are writing.  Forcing certain topics or agendas on a blogging team is a sure way for a blog to sound insincere.  Furthermore, to encourage a passion (therefore success of a blog)

The article “Top Ten Tips for a Successful Team Blog” mentioned “meeting a need” with your blog.  I had never thought of a blog meeting a need...rather a blog meeting the need that everyone is supposed to have a blog.  But with the idea in mind to have a “vision” and a purpose in mind with each blog post, blogs become a dynamic part of a library.  They become less of a chore, and more of an outlet, educator, reference tool, or more.  Most importantly it is something to be proud of and be focused on as a toll in the library.

In addition to these “big picture” pieces when starting a blog, details like team blogger communication, topics, rotation, frequency, appropriateness, audience, and credible source standards must be addressed in detail.  This is especially true when attempting to demonstrate a positive image/brand of one’s library and have bloggers work together as a cohesive unit. I also like the idea mentioned in the Farkas text, staff should consider an inside blog to communicate with each other and become more comfortable with blogs.

Farkas, M. G. (2007). Social software in libraries: Building collaboration, communication, and community online. Medford, NJ: Information Today.
Library Garden. (2007). "Top Ten Tips for a Successful Team Blog."
Streight, S. E. (2007). “20 Reasons a Business Should NOT Blog.” Vaspers the Grate.

LIBR 246 Exercise 1

ModCloth is an online indie, retro style clothing and accessory store.  I found this site through a Facebook advertisement so I know they excel at social media marketing.  Being an online site, with no physical stores, I think the social media piece of their marketing and branding becomes vital and unavoidable.  Consumers have great things to say about the quality and variety provided by the company, plus a whole community of stylist advice and questions exist centered around ModCloth.

Their Facebook page is well liked and the ad appears often on random pages, likely because it is something I am interested in and mention on my own page.  The page is easily accessible from the advertisement and their website, plus every other social media page has a link to the other under an easily viewable tab “Follow us.”  The Facebook page does a great job of encouraging participation with pictures, questions, sale advertisements, and stylist suggestions.  Each post has anywhere from 20-100 comments and close to a 1000 “likes.”  Clearly this site is well viewed and a great place for people to be positive about the website in general, a must have for this small company’s branding.  Also, I can see which of my friends “like” this page thus encouraging my own participation and further markets the company name.  ModCloth has returned comments on every post, answering questions, concerns, or style advice.  The site is well loved by the company and it shows, they don’t just have the page because you’re supposed to these days, but rather embrace it as a way to reach their consumers and create a better company.

You can also find ModCloth on Flickr, with a photo thread “Outfit du Jour” that consumers can comment on.  This site is not commented on very frequently, but comments are generally positive.  They also have an account on Tumblr with photos, style ideas, interviews with stylists, and more.  Again, comments are positive and fairly regular.  Pintrest is another avenue ModCloth shares style ideas and advertisements.  I feel that these websites are all fairly similar, but may reach a different audience each time with positive reviews, and just as much care and attention from the ModCloth team.  With this company, no social media site is forgotten.  It doesn’t stop there, there is even a YouTube channel devoted to ModCloth with fashion tips, employee interviews, and more.  All really well done and well viewed., one video had 8,000 hits, who knew headband styling was so popular!  There is also a ModCloth blog that is well maintained and has a different blogger each month to keep the information and creativity fresh.  This is a great avenue for consumers to participate and describe any concerns they may have (though that is few and far between) and feel connected to the company.  Finally, Modcloth has a Twitter feed that can be followed and demonstrates the effectiveness of ModCloth’s communication with their consumers with an easy to search (hashtags) interface.

One of the effective ways ModCloth uses social media to connect with their consumers is by asking users to “Be the Buyer.”  Through these social media avenues consumers can comment on style choices, such as color, length, or whether or not the store should sell an item.  This allows consumers to participate in the store, fuel loyalty, and generally please a customer because it feels like their opinions matter and they are being heard.

All of these sites have well attached tags so when on the site and searching for clothes in general, vintage, indie, or ModCloth, this page will be provided.  As I mentioned before, the social media sites are important to the company, not just a chore, and it shows with their own participation and the frequent posts with much creativity and consumer interest.  This company is a great example of how social media can be used to brand and engage customers, especially gaining a following and consumer loyalty.  They also demonstrate how much positive feedback can come from these websites.

I had a lot of fun learning what other’s thought of this company and was impressed with how widespread their social network is.  This company is a great model for social media tools, and the monitoring tools, like RSS,came in handy while searching through their many sites.

LIBR 246 Post Week 3

What should an organization do when they find negative things being written about them online?

Respond immediately, honestly, and in a well viewed social forum. I read the article “10 of the Smartest Big Brands in Social Media” and while it focuses mostly on the positive attributes of social media it has good advice for negative occurrences as well. One of the examples they provided of how social media can work for a company was an incident Ford faced.  Ford had a negative rumor spread through social media so they were able to catch the information early on and diffuse all negative comments.  With immediate response and honest communication on company business to consumers, Ford was able to maintain their positive and safe reputation.  Libraries should take a cue from this and maintain transparency and address any negative situations or complaints quickly and directly.  Social media can mean spreading the negatives, but it also provides an avenue to diffuse them quicker and can help avoid being talked about to neighbors or friends where we have no opportunity to address the negativity.  I would recommend this article to everyone, useful and interesting!

    Another article discussed crowding out negative blog comments or news reports with positive social media pages, articles, and comments.  That way google searches bring up the positive rather than the negative.  This was mentioned in a personal branding context, but I think it can apply to libraries by pumping up the positivity around a brand and potentially diffuses negative accusations or abnormally disgruntled consumers.

Week 1 Blog Post - LIBR246

I think it is vital for libraries to use 2.0 tools due to the widespread use and the constant evolution of these tools. Information is no longer one sided, it is participatory and libraries must embrace that aspect.  The creativity these tools offer and demand is unparalleled to anything offered in a library before.  Texting librarians makes it easy and inviting for students to have a dialog with librarians.  Before, they may have felt guarded in their questions or fearful of appearing stupid.  Now, a simple text or blog comment allows library users to feel free to participate and engage with their librarians.   Also marketing of libraries are becoming ever more important in this digital age, libraries need to appear up to date and vital to the public so use continues.  Being on facebook, providing a blog, or a twitter feed means more opportunity for the libraries name and services to be brought to the attention of the public.  Libraries lacking these tools are guaranteed to be used less than those offering web 2.0 access.  Plus, as a librarian I am excited by this re-vitalization of library technology and look forward to the creative possibilities.
Update on job...feeling confident and head is above water.  I had my first class in the library (4th grade) and they were respectful and couldn't wait to check out books!  So exciting! So far teachers require more attention...hopefully that changes soon :) 

Week 1...

Hello all!  While I am mostly starting this blog in response to the class assignment, I would also like to share my failures and successes during my first year as sole librarian in a K-12 school.  I was given great advice to start a diary of sorts and document all thoughts and perceptions of my job.  That way, when the rough edges begin to smooth out I can look back and see where I started to better appreciate how far I have come (hopefully)! Wish me luck!