ASU’s Library Channel - the four C’s of Social Media

I was really amazed by the ASU (Arizona State University) Libraries’ "Library Minute" YouTube videos: their professional look; the succinctness of the content delivered, with impact and key take away messages; the very measured inclusion of humour; and, Anali Perry’s manner, really connected with me. Consequently, it was a disappointment when visiting the ASU Library Channel website, as I expected to see more innovation happening, instead found nothing exceptional.

Facebook

Even though posts are up-to-date, there wasn’t too much discussion going on, and because of personal prejudice, I’ve decided not to include it as one of the two Web 2.0 tools for evaluation.  You see, I don’t personally believe Facebook is the best avenue for connecting and engaging with library users. In my opinion, a dedicated blog/micro blog is more valuable, but I do get the rationale around being where your users are.

Twitter

Quite a bit more encouraging with nearly 2,000 followers, and clearly there is two-way activity, even though conversations are generally not overly long. This makes more sense as a collaboration and connection space because the sharing is quick and punchy, which suits time-poor students and library staff. In this space, good quality information can be pushed and pulled between participants. Twitter connects communities of interest and practice, where participants get to choose who and what they follow, rather than having to filter the noise that can be experienced on alternate social media forums such as Facebook.

Vimeo

Some of the videos have had close to 100 hits; pretty low numbers given the work that has clearly gone into producing them, and an expectation of attracting thousands of students as a potential audience. YouTube seems the better channel for dissemination of the message in this format where there have been hits in the thousands for most of the Library Minute videos.

Collaboration – not convinced this is happening in bucket loads.

Conversation – Twitter appears to be maintaining a flow of current information exchange between participants.

Community – the social media tools used by ASU Libraries certainly encapsulate the intent and purpose of the community. People now need to jump on-board and grow community usage.

Content creation – no-one could argue that this isn’t happening. The content is good quality and well-delivered (particularly the Library Minute). Outstanding!!