OLJ task: Library 2.0 at ASU libraries

The Arizona State University Libraries have developed a very active online web based marketing and outreach program. The libraries "Library minute" infotainment video casts which broadcast on social media a range of library services news and events are certainly testament to the energy with which outreach is currently pursued. The library also maintains an active presence on some of the biggest and most popular social media platforms around today notably Facebook, twitter, Youtube, flickr, and itunes. Go to where the clients are is the new mantra. The library is certainly trying to do this. It is now developing platform independent web based services. Students can now search the libraries catalogue or utilize Ask a librarian services from a hand held device. One of the more impressive offerings was the libraries catalogue. It had Incorporated effective elements from web based platforms that the current web users would be most familiar. These include Web 2.0 elements such as RSS feeds. I found the catalogue to be both attractive and easy to use.

How has the ASL's pursued the four underling principles (Four Cs) that have come to associated with web 2.0 practices and attributes?

Collaboration: From what I can see there is very litle in the way of active collaboration between the library and its clients in the production and dissemination of content. Participation is encouraged but there generally seems to be only a one way conversation. Although to the libraries credit it has campaigned to try and get students/clients to talk to the library via catchy and entertaining video casts.

Conversation: The video channel for example is essentially a blog that allows users to post comments on videos that may be of interest to users. However from what I have seen this is rarely used. The was some activity on the Youtube channel but not a great deal. However as I have already mentioned the library has actively promoted and marketed all its feedback channels.

Community: Despite some of the limitations mentioned above the library is presenting an attractive face to the university community that is refreshing. It is seeking to actively engage with library clients and users. It has also importantly sort to streamline and simplify the search process for clients resulting in barriers to information and librarians being reduced. I can see these things being good for moral in the organization as engagement and institutional and individual learning have become a bigger part of the life of the library.

Content creation: As I have mention above most content is created by the library. However students are encouraged to become actively involved with content creation through various competitions and events.

However I do wonder about the cost of maintaining these digital spaces. These activities do employ a large number of staff. Do the benefits out way the costs? What is forgone? Would the interests of students and academic staff be better served through more journal subscriptions etc. Does an attractive marketing campaign have the same value as a more comprehensive collection? How are libraries going to move beyond marketing to a platform paradigm which sustain and fosters learning communities.