The Speakers

Reysa Alenzuela, Ph.D.

 

Social Networking Tools and Rules for Libraries Converging in the Social-Media Driven Environs

Reysa C. Alenzuela graduated in Bachelor of Education Major in Library Science from University of San Agustin- Iloilo City in 1998. She earned her degree in Master of Library and Information Science at University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2003 and in 2007 she finished her Doctor of Philosophy Major in Educational Management at University of Iloilo. Before she became the Director of Thomas Jefferson Information Center (TJIC) in 2007, she was the Director of University of Iloilo Learning Resource Center.

Abstract

The Social Media environs is overwhelming with the ever growing components- blogs, social networking sites, microblogging, mashup, online catalog, social bookmarking, podcasts, photo-sharing, virtual spaces, etc. It's a rule of thumb that one size does not fit all. Each tool serves a purpose in different modes. To effectively use these tools, it is necessary to have a working knowledge on its basics. According to World Stat 24.5% or 24 million Filipinos use the internet in 2009. A study by Universal McCann in 2008 revealed that the Philippines is among those countries with the highest  percentage of internet users using social networks. Inferred from these data, social networking provides an opportunity for libraries and information centers to pull the interest of wider, broader and younger audiences. This paper will present a landscape of online social networking in the Philippines and some strategies for engagement. Librarians in the Philippines may not be completely comfortable to integrate web 2.0 platform into the system but familiarity is a starting point to open possibilities of delivering information fun and engaging where they can connect in meaningful ways and provide a wider venue for intellectual discussion to flourish.