From niche to network

Caroline WilliamsExecutive Director of Intute and Deputy Director of Mimas, The University of Manchester

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

“Can you deliver the same service but save money by using free community contribution?”

“Social tools provide a third alternative: action by loosely structured groups, operating without managerial direction and outside the profit motive”

[Here comes everybody. Clay Shirky 2008 p.47]

Social network structures and the Internetby Dongyoung Sohn

• Value of a virtual community depends on members sharing useful information

• More information shared = better group • Individuals benefit from the information provided by

others• Non contributors accepted by the group so no negative

effects for the individual if they do not contribute• If the majority behave in this way, the information shared

would be substantially reduced = lower value community

“This special kind of social dilemma is called communication dilemma (Bonacich, 1990).”

“Participation Inequality” (90-9-1)Jakob Nielsen10% contribute

User SurveyIntute

54% will contribute

Motivation to contribute – contrasting evidence

Aggregate niche to deliver network ?

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

Motivation

Contribution

Attention

1. What are the challenges for digital libraries in seeking user contribution?

2. Is it desirable and feasible to combine the outputs of niche communities into a large network e.g. Intute, university library etc.?