The document discusses the Washington State Library's use of Web 2.0 technologies and the benefits of government agencies adopting Web 2.0. The State Library uses blogs, Flickr, chat, mashups, wikis, and social bookmarking to engage new audiences and share content. Adopting Web 2.0 allows government to be more transparent, accountable, responsive and engage citizens. However, there are challenges like defining projects, gaining support, and handling comments. Strategies for successful Web 2.0 use include developing policies, dedicating staff time, knowing audiences, and encouraging participation. When used well, Web 2.0 can increase awareness of agencies and support more diverse dialogue.

1. IPMA FORUM 2008 Web 2.0 and State Government Mary Paynton Schaff Reference Librarian Washington State Library Office of the Secretary of State

2. State Library’s Web 2.0 Presence Blog on Wordpress Pictures on Flickr Chat with Meebo

3. State Library’s Web 2.0 Presence Mashups on Platial Featured books on LibraryThing Featured articles on CiteULike Featured bookmarks On Del.icio.us Documents in the News

4. State Library’s Web 2.0 Presence Internal wiki on PBWiki In progress wiki on Wetpaint

5. Why the State Library Went 2.0 To reach new audiences To push our content beyond the borders of our website To create/renew our community Improve internal communication To see if it was possible

6. Why Government is Going 2.0? Transparency Accountability Responsiveness Humanization Citizen Engagement Marketing

7. The Challenges Defining your project and audience Making your pitch Getting support from executive staff Getting support from IT Dedicating staff time Deciding how to handle comments Ethical considerations Knowing when to call it quits

8. Coping Strategies Develop policies or guidelines Budget time and some money Know your audience and the culture of social networking sites Encourage participation and feedback (internal and external Read blogs on technology and subjects of interest

9. 10 Tips for Blogging by Public Sector Executives Define yourself and your purpose Do it yourself! Make a time commitment Be regular Be generous Have a “hard hide” Spell-check Don’t give too much information Consider multimedia Be a student of blogging The Blogging Revolution: Government in the Age of Web 2.0. By David C. Wyld, IBM Center for The Business of Government www.businessofgovernment.org

10. Reap the 2.0 Benefits Increased external awareness of your agency and its activities Diversified dialogue about agency activities and goals Better internal understanding of new technologies Internal “culture of play” and willingness to experiment Peer or industry recognition

11. Questions? Comments? Mary Paynton Schaff Reference Librarian Washington State Library Contact me: [email_address] wastatelib.wordpress.com Facebook Presentation available on Slideshare.net