Implementing social software in public libraries: An exploration of the issues confronting public library adopters of social software.

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Title: Implementing social software in public libraries: An exploration of the issues confronting public library adopters of social software.
Authors: Rutherford, Louise L.1 louise@louisemtherford.com
Source: Library Hi Tech. 2008, Vol. 26 Issue 2, p184-200. 17p.
Subject Terms: *Public libraries, *Computer software, *Libraries & community, Social aspects, Diffusion of innovations theory, Technological innovations, Public librarians
Abstract: Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a research project designed to identify the kinds of social software that public libraries are using and to explore the issues confronting public library adopters of social software. Design/methodology/approach--This research uses a qualitative methodology and takes the form of open-ended interview questions using an e-mail format. The research uses Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory as a framework. Findings--The research found that blogs were the most popular social software tool being used in public libraries and that people-related issues were the most important issue for librarians to take into account when implementing social software. Library staff acceptance of social software was the most crucial success factor for social software. Other important issues included staff training, the steep learning curve involved in becoming a social software user, and human resource constraints. Originality/value--This paper provides public librarians with a basis on which to assess potential adoption decisions for social software and to learn from the experiences of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Library Hi Tech is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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PubType: Academic Journal
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  Data: Implementing social software in public libraries: An exploration of the issues confronting public library adopters of social software.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rutherford%2C+Louise+L%2E%22">Rutherford, Louise L.</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><i> louise@louisemtherford.com</i>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Library+Hi+Tech%22">Library Hi Tech</searchLink>. 2008, Vol. 26 Issue 2, p184-200. 17p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Public+libraries%22">Public libraries</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+software%22">Computer software</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Libraries+%26+community%22">Libraries & community</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+aspects%22">Social aspects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Diffusion+of+innovations+theory%22">Diffusion of innovations theory</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technological+innovations%22">Technological innovations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Public+librarians%22">Public librarians</searchLink>
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a research project designed to identify the kinds of social software that public libraries are using and to explore the issues confronting public library adopters of social software. Design/methodology/approach--This research uses a qualitative methodology and takes the form of open-ended interview questions using an e-mail format. The research uses Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory as a framework. Findings--The research found that blogs were the most popular social software tool being used in public libraries and that people-related issues were the most important issue for librarians to take into account when implementing social software. Library staff acceptance of social software was the most crucial success factor for social software. Other important issues included staff training, the steep learning curve involved in becoming a social software user, and human resource constraints. Originality/value--This paper provides public librarians with a basis on which to assess potential adoption decisions for social software and to learn from the experiences of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Library Hi Tech is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1108/07378830810880306
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 17
        StartPage: 184
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Public libraries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer software
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Libraries & community
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social aspects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Diffusion of innovations theory
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technological innovations
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Public librarians
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Implementing social software in public libraries: An exploration of the issues confronting public library adopters of social software.
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              Text: 2008
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