September 12, 2010

Sharon Clapp, Web Resources Librarian, Connecticut State Library (& FOSA Member)

Social NetworkingOnline Engagement = Organizational Success

What is Social Networking?Online communication, facilitated by today’s easier-to-use web technology

Email & websites are the original web channelsNow there are sites like Facebook, Twitter, FlickrMany channels for many generations, groups, levels of web use

Who Uses Social Networking

✤ Many generations now make social networking a part of their daily lives

✤ Greatest growth in use of social sites like Facebook =

✤ Baby Boomers!!!!!

✤ Facebook just surpassed Google in popularity

Connecticut State Library

✤ Needed more outreach opportunities

✤ Wanted more engagement with end users

✤ Needed to involve more staff members in web content production without requiring them to have significant technical skills

Flickr = Photo Sharing

✤ Another way for communities to share...

✤ Another way for people to find your organization online

✤ For those who aren’t as text-oriented

Snapshot CT Libraries Project

Results?

✤ GREAT SUCCESS

✤ Increased awareness

✤ Increased engagement

✤ Increased web statistics

✤ Improved search engine optimization of main website

✤ More staff participation improved the overall web presence

✤ Meeting expectations of online users of all stripes & generations

✤ Many channels = many opportunities