blogging as social networking (iaml uk/irl seminar, may 2013)
DESCRIPTION
This presentation illustrates and discusses how blogging on MusiCB3 (http://musicb3.wordpress.com/) has tried to network with the University of Cambridge's community, and how, as well as with whom, such communication sits within a broader context of using social networking which are more commonly seen as tools to engage with others (Twitter & Facebook page). A list of "dos" and "don'ts" will critically assess the opportunities and challenges of online tools to connect with your users. (May 2013)TRANSCRIPT
Blogging as social networking? Opportunities and challenges of MusiCB3, May 2013Clemens Gresser
Pendlebury Library of Music & Music Dept., Cambridge University Library
Social Media?
YouTube
Foursquare
….
Share
Comment
CommentComment
Connections & building
communities
Using blogs as social media?
Web page
often very static, linear and one-directionally structured
Blog
can be interactive, dynamic and stimulate interest (share, interact, connect)
Using blogs as social media?
Web page
perception that it “has to be studied in total” / clear pathways
Blog
encourages reading “bits” via blog tags or in chunks (months), or via “cross-references”
Using blogs as social media?
Web page
Currency of information sometimes not explicitly stated, or not emphasised
Blog
Dated posts ; (we)b log ; comments dated and time-sensitive → communication
Using blogs as social media?
Web page
Broadcast information ; web content is not open for debate
Blog
Share information and thoughts ; reader's thoughts welcome and encouraged through “comment” option
MusiCB 3 – identity, creating a connection
MusiCB 3 – identity, creating a connection
MusiCB3 – structure
First post: 8 Sept 2010
Frequency: 1 post per week (Fridays at 8:45!)
'Broadcast': via Facebook and Twitter
MusiCB3 – the “story” so far … cont.
Posts: 135 posts
Bloggers: 8 core bloggers (124 posts) plus
9x 1-timers & 1x 2-timer (11 posts)
MusiCB3 – the “story” so far … cont.
134 posts by core bloggers:
Bloggers A-D = 106 posts
Disclaimers about number of posts
Bloggers E, F, G, H:
Volunteer, contractor...
1 Blogger 'only' started working with us
in July 2013
1 Blogger 'only' started blogging in May 2012.
MusiCB3 – as social medium, connecting as team
- sharing information, experiences and news amongst our teams in two libraries
MusiCB3 – connecting as team
Music Pilot = Cambridge University Library & Pendlebury Library of Music working together
staff working across both libraries to provide services and advice
MusiCB3 – blogging together & connecting collections
Some posts point to holdings at both libraries
System of serialist posting
Principle: no post until each other core blogger has post published, but...
sometimes no inspiration/idea for blog post
“being busy” means lack of time
time-sensitive posts need to be published on specific dates
Still relatively good mix
Series & major themes in MusiCB3
Exhibitions
(15 posts, 6 bloggers)
Anniversaries
(10 posts, 4 bloggers)
Bygone concert venues
(7 posts, Susi Woodhouse)
Series & major themes in MusiCB3 – cont.
Deryck Cooke Archive
(5x Mark Doran plus 1)
Cambridge collectors
(4 posts/3 bloggers; tie-in with CUL exhibition)
Impact, reach, and connecting
Total 'views': 31,219 views, but 'views' search result display!
Subscribers/followers: 42 people, but: only 23 email followers ; 3 MusiCB3 bloggers.
Comments: 141 comments, but 35 by MusiCB3 bloggers
Comments = social media & connecting?
Title of post
Use of Naxos versus CD borrowing at the Pendlebury
ONLs are not everyone’s cup of tea
Cambridge, oh musical city
Number of comments
8
8
7
Comments = social media & connecting?
Title of post
Bygone concert venues no. 1: Exeter Hall
To celebrate, to commemorate : Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
'Turning over an old leaf...'
Number of comments
5
4
4
Comments = social media & connecting?
Title of post
Composer anniversaries for 2012
A Librarian needs your help
To celebrate, to commemorate : Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
Number of comments
4
4
3
Ebooks vs. ONL – discussion on MusiCB3
Ebooks vs. ONL – discussion on MusiCB3
Ebooks vs. ONL – discussion on MusiCB3
Ebooks vs. ONL – discussion on MusiCB3
Facebook and promoting posts
And your overdue fine will be, publ. 12/4/13
Impact, reach, and connecting – via Facebook
“Total Reach” on Facebook for the 'Overdue' post = 430 people
Normally: 30-60 people
seen “share” of MusiCB3 post.
Another popular post...
…. another popular one...
Enticing readers
Enticing readers...
Enticing readers...
How to promote a Blog?
Promote via Facebook
How to promote a Blog?
Promote via your emails:
Add a link and tag line to email signature file
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Aim for diverse range of topics
Mix “high” with “low” brow
Don't
Get dismayed about “low” impact
Focus on 1 measure for success
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Post about services & “mundane”
Use Facebook & Twitter to share posts
DON'T
Shy away from “newsy” posts
Be unrealistic about social media use for academic needs
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Plan publishing on day when you have time to monitor comments
See Comments as opportunities to engage
DON'T
See blogging as simply 'broadcasting'
Rush commenting or promotion of posts – it shows!
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Regard promotion of posts as integral part of blogging
Experiment and try things
DON'T
Be cynical about social media; you might miss out on a chance to connect with some readers
Questions?
Now, later or via [email protected]