The document provides five tips for libraries to start implementing social software despite common objections. The tips are to 1) provide training to staff on social software, 2) focus on early adopters to guide others, 3) measure participation over financial returns, 4) work with IT staff who may not understand social software, and 5) start small prototypes without permission to prove benefits to users. The document advocates for libraries to overcome fears and try social software.

1. Five tips to stop thinking and to start doing

2. Rob Coers Internet trainer and consultant The Netherlands Worked in the (public) library sector Working for the (public) library sector www.robcoers.nl Internet Librarian International 2007

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4. What is this about? Why social software in your library? Commonly heard no’s and but’s 5 tips on how to address them Internet Librarian International 2007

5. Why social software in your library? It doesn’t matter in what type of library you work Public library Academic library School library Corporate library Special library (art, music, medical…) Internet Librarian International 2007

6. Why social software in your library? It’s free It’s easy It’s practical It’s about people It’s about interaction! Internet Librarian International 2007

7. Which software? Weblogs Internet Librarian International 2007

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9. Which software? Weblogs RSS Internet Librarian International 2007

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11. Which software? Weblogs RSS Photo sharing Internet Librarian International 2007

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13. Which software? Weblogs RSS Photo sharing Video sharing Internet Librarian International 2007

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15. Which software? Weblogs RSS Photo sharing Video sharing Social bookmarking Internet Librarian International 2007

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17. Which software? Weblogs RSS Photo sharing Video sharing Social bookmarking Wikis Internet Librarian International 2007

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20. Which software? Weblogs RSS Photo sharing Video sharing Social bookmarking Wikis Enriched library catalogs Internet Librarian International 2007

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23. Benefits of social software for you and your users Vital, targeted information on their desktop (if they want*) as news happens Of course they want! Saves time for your busy client / patron / user Get in contact with people who share interests, both intern and extern Supports learning and networking in any organization Internet Librarian International 2007

24. Benefits of social software for you and your users Get solutions, answers to your “problems” in a fast and innovative way A great chance to get rid of the zero-mistake-culture in organizations : encourages people to speak out Syndicate your content for promotion Get in-the-picture in your community Internet Librarian International 2007

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26. "Skepticism has never founded empires, established principals, or changed the world's heart. The great doers in history have always been people of faith". Edwin Hubbell, American clergyman 1814-1880 "If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank”. Woody Allen

27. . . . And of all kind Climate change Medics Computers Web 1.0 Science Instant messaging Aromatherapy iPods Friday the 13th UFO’s Evolutional theory Tagging Web 2.0 Reincarnation North Korea Second Life Loch Ness Monster Web 8.0 Internet Librarian International 2007

28. Based on fear and ignorance Internet Librarian International 2007

29. Commonly heard no’s and but’s “ but we don’t have the tech know how” “ We don’t have the time to do it” “ We don’t have the money to buy it” “ Web 2.0 is a hype that will pass” “ But our users are not 2.0-ish” “ What if ‘they’ start to comment on us?” “ What if they take control of things?” “ I am afraid to expose myself” “ It’s threatening our IT security!” Internet Librarian International 2007

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31. 1. Training and teaching Conduct short introductions for staff 23 Things (in English, Danish, German, Dutch, …) Internet Librarian International 2007

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33. 2. Focus on the positive people 10 % trendsetters, early adaptors, leaders, US 70% followers, want to be guided and open to hear your story 20% oppose to everything what is new

34. 2. Focus on the positive people Internet Librarian International 2007

35. 3. Speak of ROP instead of ROI You can’t easily translate success into money Return On Investment Investment = minimal Result = maximal Return On Participation : measure conversations with tools like Feedburner and Technorati Internet Librarian International 2007

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38. 4. Make friends with IT Often they don’t have a clue about social software You don’t have to install software on the network Social software is so easy to use Internet Librarian International 2007

39. 5. Just do it Build prototypes and prove users the benefit of it* It’s sometimes better to ask for forgiveness than for permission Brian Matthews, 2007 Internet Librarian International 2007

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41. What are YOUR tips? Share them at the Library Success Wiki Internet Librarian International 2007