Go Directly toThis Article…
January 26th, 2005Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you are at all interested in social software and its impact on conferences, take a look at this article titled Social Software and the Future of Conferences – Right Now, published in Educause Review. A taste:
“New social software technologies can support the conference experience, and perhaps go beyond, by providing such a “container” for persistent conversation and for the social presence of those participating remotely. Indeed, new technologies are emerging that not only deliver content on demand over the Web but also support what might be thought of as the social architecture of an organization or community. When these technologies are brought to bear on the experience we call “conferences,” they can significantly enhance the value and effectiveness of the learning experiences and personal interactions that occur when people gather in traditional face-to-face venues to share knowledge and ideas, explore new directions for their professional work, and connect with colleagues whom they may see only occasionally. When handled with skill, these social software technologies promise to transform the conference experience; afterward, communities might even coalesce and continue to work on their collective knowledge-building.”
This is part of the reason why I want to get library associations excited about blogging their events. Blogs (and other forms of social software) can only enhance the conference-going experience. We proved it at ALA Midwinter and we will prove it again at ALA Annual, and yet again at PLA 2006 in Boston.
Blog your events. Link to the presentations. Expand on the “face to face” that only conferences can provide. Oh, and read that article. Now. After reading through it a second time, I have a few thoughts on how librarians can make the best use of social software at these events. Stay tuned.