[Web4lib] web 2.0 havoc

[Mary Beth Faccioli]

I’m currently working with a group that is developing a large “23 things” –type project in the state where I reside.  For those who are unfamiliar – these projects help library staff to learn about different kinds of Web 2.0 tools and technologies – Flickr, YouTube, blogs, wikis, RSS, etc.  

I’m working on this project as an instructional design/continuing education/trainer-type person, but I’m also a web person and am building the site that will deliver this content.  

As a web person I know that public services staff going out on their own and creating a web presence for a library using Web 2.0 technologies can…  how you say… cause problems.  I know of libraries working to develop a coherent web presence, while their staff is churning out blogs, wikis, facebook pages and the like without regard to planning, understanding of policies, branding/PR, etc.  

I would like to add a small bit of info to this “23 things” site, for staff or trainers, that presents this idea of coherence around a library’s web presence.  Perhaps some kind of suggestion about talking to any IT/web staff or PR staff, or inquiring into any web-related planning that may be ongoing.  The kind of incoherence that’s possible when everyone is empowered as a web author can be maddening to web staff, and I’m experiencing guilt about releasing a whole new cohort via this project :-).

If you have any ideas about what I might suggest to these freshly empowered web authors, I’m interested to hear from you.  Ways in which your library has handled this issue might give me ideas on what to include.  Humorous anecdotes are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Mary Beth Faccioli, MLIS
Instructional Design and Technology Consultant
Colorado State Library