Networking in the New Library Environment: Extending Library Roles with New Technologies

Networking in the New Library Environment:Extending Library Roles with New Technologies Terence K. Huwe Institute of Industrial Relations University of California, Berkeley

Overview • How the UC Berkeley’s Institute of Industrial Relations Library used digital media to take on a Library 2.0 profile • A look at the links between “digital convergence” and “social networking” • Three recommendations that may transfer to your own firms and settings Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Library 2.0:Environment Dictates Opportunities • Library 2.0 is the “socially networked library” • Digital media are mutable • Library 1.0 provides the right focus to guide the transition to 2.0: Collection, Counsel & Preservation • The challenge: embed Library 2.0 into the 21st Century organization • The good news: Library 1.0 skills are a sound basis for strategic planning Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Unmet Needs Defines Strategy • In the era of information overload, what is being overlooked? • What special knowledge do we possess that others do not regard as strategic • How do we apply it? • By taking action Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

The Institute of Industrial Relations • Supports multi-disciplinary research and doctoral level study • A “community of practice” that is far flung and loosely connected • A principal building that is located off campus—and has a homey feel • The Library plays an active role in trying to build community —and extend services Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Digital Conversations at IIR • U.S. universities relied on email as a primary communications tool as early as 1990 • Often email discourse is left alone to grow organically • At IIR, no one managed “digital conversations” • So we did: listserv, emails alerts, SDI • In 2006: we are the most trusted voice online • Digital Conversations extended our “brand” recognition Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Running the Web Opened Doors • In 1994, the Web could still be “student-run” proposition • We volunteered—quintupling our workload • By 2001, staff and budget had tripled, Web downloads topped 4 million per year and the IIR Web focused on original content • In 2006: We are the “go to” shop for Web solutions Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

From Webmaster to Publisher • Remember: digital media are mutable • If you have the content for the Web, you can repurpose it • Good Web designs skills are now equivalent to good desktop publishing skills • We became publishers—of newsletters, working papers, conference proceedings, and more Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

From Librarian to Digital Repository Custodian • By 2002, Library digital collections and services have been “mainstreamed” • The Library was ready to take the role of digital repository manager Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

From Blogger to Publicist • We started blogging in 2002 • It’s exploded—our news blogs average 2,000 hits per month • Users really, really like these blogs • Blogging isn’t not rocket science—but it does showcase “high touch” Library 1.0 skill very effectively in research settings Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

From Publisher to Curator • What goes on the Web and in the newsletter can also go on the walls • We had already gained much experience curating labor photography exhibits • We became the design staff for showcasing research through highly polished wall exhibitions Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

What We Learned • Follow the media • The tenets of Library 1.0 –Collections, Counsel, Preservation—are all still applicable • Make Library 2.0 a social venture Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Three Recommendations • Do an information audit of your organization at least once every three years • Why? Because technology keeps rewriting organizational rules. But is anyone noticing? • “Discover” how people are using—or not using—new technology. Use social software to fill the gaps • Don’t wait for permission—take action Internet Librarian International | Terence K. Huwe

Networking in the New Library Environment:Extending Library Roles with New Technologies Terence K. Huwe Institute of Industrial Relations University of California, Berkeley

Networking in the New Library Environment: Extending Library Roles with New Technologies