[Web4lib] web 2.0 havoc

[Louise Alcorn]

I've recently been trying to have other members of our staff be
empowered to add web content on a more regular basis through several
formats.  I run into issues not only of remaining cohesive, as you
suggest, but also being sure they know what it means to speak for the
library.

For whatever it's worth, *examples* ("do this, not this" especially)
seem to work best.  They use them as mental templates for how to "talk"
to the public via the web.  Also, having available to all any standard
clip art/logos, etc. that they might use for "look and feel" purposes
can be handy.  A standard vocabulary, as well - such as what jargon to
use/not use (e.g. are they "patrons" or "users" or "customers") can help
the 'one voice' idea enormously.  

No idea if this is helpful.  Good luck - I think you're being very
deliberate and thoughtful in even asking this question, which is
impressive!

Louise E. Alcorn
Reference Technology Librarian
West Des Moines Public Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines IA 50265
(515) 222-3573      louise.alcorn at wdm-ia.com
http://www.wdmlibrary.org   



-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Mary Beth Faccioli
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:26 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] web 2.0 havoc

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


      


_______________________________________________
Web4lib mailing list
Web4lib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/