wk12 Social networks

I like the British Library in Facebook, particularly with a catchy heading "Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?" Then there's a hyperlink that allows a virtual curator's sharing the treasure of the Library, explaining the significance of Magna Carta and its connection to modern world. I think making history relevant to today's life is a fun part of this set up.

There was also one on Harold Pinter, where a curator shares the experience of seeing one of Pinter's play being performed and was sharing the archived reviews of the same play when it was first performed. Again, it's bringing the historical into the present, making the connection and evaluating the difference in attitude and interpretation of the work. I find this very engaging.

I can also imagine social network tools applied to create a more approachable, friendlier image of the library, giving the institution a more human appeal. Library users would probably be curious about staff members' (including the CEO's and the Executives') views and stories of major projects undertaken in the Library. Users can set up their own Space, blog about their learning experiences, the services and events of the Library. Again it facilitate sharing of knowledge. It's also a way for us as service provider to keep a pulse on what services are required, or, can be improved on, as well as what we are doing well in. The discussions can gage qualitatively the institution's relevance to its community, which in turn validate the annual government funding.

I can't say I like the 'look' of sites like My Space. It can look a bit like dog's breakfast. If it can somehow linked to the main home page of the Library, and not having a prominent visual space it should be fine.