being 2.0: professional development in a changing library world
DESCRIPTION
Library 2.0 is not just about changing interactions with students and faculty. It’s about transforming the way we work, about new ways of connecting: with students and faculty, yes, but also with one another and with colleagues at other institutions and organizations. It’s not easy being 2.0. Tools, techniques, and ideas continue to emerge and evolve, requiring constant learning and re-learning. The latest innovation could just as easily turn out to be The-Flavor-of–the-Month as The-Next-Big-Thing. It’s hard to keep track of it all when there’s concrete work to be done. Liss will describe the results of a summer research leave focused on developing 2.0 learning activities for library staff. He’ll talk about staff understanding and use of 2.0 tools and technologies, about 2.0 learning at academic libraries, and about programs and activities to help staff learn about Library 2.0 by using Library 2.0, leaving them better equipped to move forward in the services they provide their communities.TRANSCRIPT
Being 2.0: Professional Development
in a Changing Library World
Ken Liss, Boston College Libraries
NELINET, October 10, 2008
Overview
Ken Liss, Boston College Libraries
NELINET, October 10, 2008
• Library 2.0 & the BC Libraries Staff
• 2.0 Learning Programs and Academic Libraries
• Key Lessons for Learning
• Applying 2.0 Principles to Learning 2.0
• Plans and Ideas at the BC Libraries
Ken Liss, Boston College Libraries
NELINET, October 10, 2008
Library 2.0 & the BC Libraries Staff
• Staff survey distributed via Survey Monkey, June/July 2008
• 75 responses (approx. 50% of staff)
• From all departments and special libraries
• Approximately one-third provided free form comments
Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 ToolsTools
• 41% of respondents read blogs either rarely (less then monthly) or never.
• Less than half of those who read blogs at least monthly use a reader.
• Even among those who read blogs daily, 33% do not use a reader to keep track of the blogs they read.
Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 ToolsTools
• Other than Wikipedia and the BC Libraries Staff Wiki, respondents rarely use wikis. (17% at least weekly; 45% at least monthly.)
• Few have saved information to a web-based service like del.icio.us or LibraryThing (39%).
Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 Staff Use & Knowledge of 2.0 ToolsTools
• Less then half of respondents (43.2%) have accounts on a social networking site.
• Just over a third of respondents (36.5%) have used web-based document tools.
• Instant messaging and text messaging are used, but more for personal than professional interest.
Staff Interest in LearningStaff Interest in Learning• "I'd love to learn more about each of the tools mentioned in
this survey…. Thanks for bringing them to my attention!“
• "The possibilities have piqued my interest. I'd like to challenge myself to become acquainted and confident in the use of new tools that would support me in my job and personal life.“
• "Anything you can present will be greatly appreciated and useful. The more we are exposed, tantalized, the more we can participate, etc.“
• "This survey has motivated me to learn more about [these tools].“
• "I'm just starting to learn about many of these tools, and would like to continue to integrate them into my professional and personal work."
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning Programs& Academic Libraries& Academic Libraries
• Learning 2.0/ The 23 ThingsLearning 2.0/ The 23 Things• 5 Weeks to a Social Library5 Weeks to a Social Library• Staff Blogs & WikisStaff Blogs & Wikis• Tech Fairs/Technology Petting ZoosTech Fairs/Technology Petting Zoos• Retreats/Seminars/UnconferencesRetreats/Seminars/Unconferences• Guest SpeakersGuest Speakers• SandboxesSandboxes
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning ProgramsLearning 2.0/The 23 ThingsLearning 2.0/The 23 Things
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning Programs5 Weeks to a Social Library5 Weeks to a Social Library
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning ProgramsEmerging Technology GroupsEmerging Technology Groups
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning ProgramsStaff Blogs/WikisStaff Blogs/Wikis
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning ProgramsTech Fairs/Technology Petting ZoosTech Fairs/Technology Petting Zoos
2.0 Learning Programs2.0 Learning ProgramsRetreats/Seminars/UnconferencesRetreats/Seminars/Unconferences
Key Lessons for LearningKey Lessons for Learning• Focus on exploration and discovery
• Make learning programs voluntary
• Offer incentives
• Encourage and expect group, as well as individual, learning
• Respond to people’s fears and concerns
• Ensure support at all levels of management
Focus on Exploration & Focus on Exploration & DiscoveryDiscovery
Picture used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user
Ben and Debs Blench.
Make Learning Programs Make Learning Programs VoluntaryVoluntary
Picture used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user Meer.
Offer IncentivesOffer Incentives
Picture used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user Finsec.
Encourage & Expect Group Encourage & Expect Group LearningLearning
Picture used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user Cindiann.
Respond to People’s Fears & Respond to People’s Fears & ConcernsConcerns
Ensure Management SupportEnsure Management Support
Picture used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user C J Sorg.
Applying Web 2.0 PrinciplesApplying Web 2.0 Principlesto Library Learning 2.0to Library Learning 2.0
• There is no single right way to do it.
• But it must be done.
• Be willing to experiment.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Make it convenient for users.
•We’re competing for their time and attention.
Plans & Ideas at the BC Plans & Ideas at the BC LibrariesLibraries
• Workshop on blogs and blog readers
• Modified 23 Things program
• Emerging Technology Group for all staff
• Guest speakers
• Book discussion group
• Let the staff come up with ideas
QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION
Ken Liss, Communication Librarian, Boston [email protected] | 617-552-2183 | Or find me in Facebook