New professionals: Build your network using

social media

Jo Alcock University of Wolverhampton

jo@joeyanne.co.uk www.joeyanne.co.uk

@joeyanne

CoFHE/UC&R Joint Conference 2010

Overview of presentation

Created using Wordle

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Social media

• Blogging and social networking more common online activities than e-mail in UK

(Nielsen Online, 2009)

Blogging

Microblogging

Social networking

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Social media - blogging

• Like an online diary – from term web log

• Used to share resources, experiences or views, report on new services/ideas, or as a reflective tool

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Social media - microblogging

• Short updates – up to 140 characters

• Similar purpose to blogging

• Facilitates conversation

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Social media - social networking

• Profile with career info, interests, updates of activities

• Groups to encourage conversation and sharing ideas and resources

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Benefits of professional networking?

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Professional networking

• Professional networks can be used to: – Get expert advice– Exchange ideas – Get a second opinion– Obtain a reality check– Test new ideas– Gain moral support– Engage in collaborative problem solving

(Ramsey, 2004)

• Also market yourself and your skills to others (e.g. potential employers, co-workers)

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Social media + Professional networking =

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Joeyanne Libraryanne blog

Joeyanne Libraryanne

www.joeyanne.co.uk

• Started in June 2007

• Currently 426 subscribers

• Record thoughts, share experiences and ideas

• Interesting conversation in blog comments 10

CoFHE/UC&R Joint Conference 2010

Finding blogs to follow

• UK Library Blogs wiki

• UK Library Blogs custom search engine

• New professionals bloggers bundle

• Snowball effect• Other social

networks 11CoFHE/UC&R Joint Conference 2010

@joeyanne on Twitter

@joeyanne

www.twitter.com/joeyanne

• Joined in Dec 2007

• 944 followers; following 810

• Insight into professional and personal lives

• Valuable for conferences/events 12

CoFHE/UC&R Joint Conference 2010

Finding people to follow on Twitter

• UK Librarians list on TweepML

• Exploit other’s contacts

• Search for keywords or hashtags

• Use Twitter’s lists e.g. @joeyanne/exeter10@joeyanne/npc2010

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Promoting your accounts – top tips

• Add your accounts to relevant lists and directories

• Include links in your email signature• Add to business card (or create

networking card)• Link your accounts• Engage in conversation• Keep content fresh and unique• Share your passion!

You Your network

Conclusion

“[t]he main feature of a good network is that it is mutually beneficial”

(NACM Communications Dept., 2006)

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Question time

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelinlibrarian/223839049/

Thank you

Jo Alcockjo@joeyanne.co.uk www.joeyanne.co.uk

@joeyanne

Presentation available at www.slideshare.net/joeyanne

and www.joeyanne.co.uk/presentations