Social Networking & Microblogging for Museums Tristan Denmark

What’s Web 2.0? Web 2.0 refers to the new wave of interactive technology that is available to anyone with access to the Internet. Social networking and microblogging are types of Web 2.0 technology. MySpace and Facebook = social networks Twitter = microblog

Web 2.0 refers to the new wave of interactive technology that is available to anyone with access to the Internet.

Social networking and microblogging are types of Web 2.0 technology.

MySpace and Facebook = social networks

Twitter = microblog

Why is this important to me and my organization? I like to think that we all want the best for our organization. As information professionals, we can use social networking and microblogging technology to keep in touch with our patrons. We can also use these types of Web 2.0 technology to create interest in our organization – to advertise upcoming events, promote new exhibits, and solicit feedback.

I like to think that we all want the best for our organization.

As information professionals, we can use social networking and microblogging technology to keep in touch with our patrons.

We can also use these types of Web 2.0 technology to create interest in our organization – to advertise upcoming events, promote new exhibits, and solicit feedback.

Really? Many museums, particularly larger ones, have already begun creating a presence in these online communities. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. So does The Field Museum in Chicago. Even the Louvre in Paris is available on the Internet!

Many museums, particularly larger ones, have already begun creating a presence in these online communities.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York is active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

So does The Field Museum in Chicago. Even the Louvre in Paris is available on the Internet!

Are you sure? These are great venues to reach the public, and not just teenagers. A 2008 survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project showed that: 82% of adults aged 30-49, and 72% of those aged 50-64, use the internet at least occasionally Additionally, the share of adult internet users with a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled in the past four years – from 8% in 2005 to 35% in December 2008 Pew Internet & American Life Project. Demographics of internet users. [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/Data-Tools/Download-Data/~/media/Infographics/Trend%20Data/January%202009%20updates/Demographics%20of%20Internet%20Users%201%206%2009.jpg Lenhart, A. (January 14, 2009). Pew internet project data memo: Adults and social networking websites. Retrieved April 17, 2009 from http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Adult_social_networking_data_memo_FINAL.pdf.pdf

These are great venues to reach the public, and not just teenagers.

A 2008 survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project showed that:

82% of adults aged 30-49, and 72% of those aged 50-64, use the internet at least occasionally

Additionally, the share of adult internet users with a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled in the past four years – from 8% in 2005 to 35% in December 2008

Pew Internet & American Life Project. Demographics of internet users. [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/Data-Tools/Download-Data/~/media/Infographics/Trend%20Data/January%202009%20updates/Demographics%20of%20Internet%20Users%201%206%2009.jpg

Lenhart, A. (January 14, 2009). Pew internet project data memo: Adults and social networking websites. Retrieved April 17, 2009 from http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Adult_social_networking_data_memo_FINAL.pdf.pdf

So how do we do it? JUMP RIGHT IN! Bring the subject up to the appropriate people Tell them you think social networking and/or microblogging could really benefit your organization. *Hint: Show them the blog “Museum2.0”. It has great information about Web 2.0 technology and how it benefits museums. One of the best things about these 2 types of Web 2.0 technology: little to no cost!! Look online for help

JUMP RIGHT IN!

Bring the subject up to the appropriate people

Tell them you think social networking and/or microblogging could really benefit your organization.

*Hint: Show them the blog “Museum2.0”. It has great information about Web 2.0 technology and how it benefits museums.

One of the best things about these 2 types of Web 2.0 technology: little to no cost!!

Look online for help

What do we need? The basic necessities to create & maintain a social networking/microblogging page: A computer A digital camera, to capture images A scanner, to incorporate print items onto the page If you want to add video and/or audio items, you’ll also need: A microphone Headphones or speakers Audio software (Audacity is a good one to start with) Video software (Try Windows Movie Maker)

The basic necessities to create & maintain a social networking/microblogging page:

A computer

A digital camera, to capture images

A scanner, to incorporate print items onto the page

If you want to add video and/or audio items, you’ll also need:

A microphone

Headphones or speakers

Audio software (Audacity is a good one to start with)

Video software (Try Windows Movie Maker)

That’s it! So go get started! The sooner you get your page up and running, the sooner you can start connecting with your patrons. Good luck; your organization is well on its way to being Web 2.0-savvy!

So go get started!

The sooner you get your page up and running, the sooner you can start connecting with your patrons.

Good luck; your organization is well on its way to being Web 2.0-savvy!