Thing 7 Web 2.0 Communication Tools

RCLs use of IM really hit home this week with IM unavailable. I hated having to phone other branches, especially. Isn't it amazing how something you think has no value for you becomes invaluable? Has IM improved productivity? You bet! No more waiting to complete something while waiting for someone to email you back. No waiting because someone is not returning phone calls.

And email! Again this week, a couple of days with no email had me feeling completely out of touch, stuck in the dark ages again.

I have been contemplating adding instant messaging to my cell phone because of the convenience. But I hadn't thought about the silent communication aspect of instant messaging until I watched the YouTube clip. Maybe we need to add huge signs to all of our doors "Cell phone use for instant messaging ONLY. No talking & no ringtones!"

I do think, though, that for a public library, IM and Chat are less valuable communication tools than they are for an academic library. I expect this may change as the population ages.

I've been aware of Opal for quite awhile. It's something I wish RCL could participate in. In the past, they've offered some interesting sounding conferences. I have yet to particpate in a Webinar mostly because I hear of technology problems, mostly on our end, with accessing them.

Over a year ago, a colleague and I tried out Twitter. We both found it to be extremely annoying and not of value for the library system.