The Value and Significance of Social Networking for Cultural Institutions—Innovative Ideas Forum 2009
Since 2006 the National Library of Australia has organised an Innovative Ideas Forum, with the aim of highlighting new ideas of interest to libraries and other cultural institutions.
Mark Scott, Managing Director, Australian Broadcasting Corporation presenting at the Innovative Ideas Forum
This year, the forum focused on ‘social networking’ innovations, through which online services engage with their users in the development of their content, with presentations from:
- Marcus Gillezeau, Producer/Director, Firelight Productions, spoke about the all-media drama ‘Scorched’ and interactive online story telling;
- Dr Anne Summers, author, researcher and columnist, shared some of her thoughts about the challenges that social networking technologies present for cultural institutions;
- Mark Scott, Managing Director, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, gave a presentation on new and innovative ways to connect with audiences in more ways and more often, in the ever changing digital media environment;
- Rose Holley’s address dealt with collaborative text correction by user communities in the Library’s Australian Newspapers beta service;
- Darren Sharp, Senior Consultant with Collabforge, spoke about research on social networking and likely future trends;
- Jillian Dellit, Director, The Le@rning Federation Secretariat, presented on the challenges of social networking for schooling in our Federation, and;
- Jo Kay, Freelance Geek, Designer, and Facilitator, provided an introduction to creative communities in Second Life and the kinds of activities that are currently happening in these environments.
Recordings of these presentations can be downloaded from the Library, www.nla.gov.au/webcasts
In keeping with the social networking theme, the audience was invited to ‘bring your laptop and participate’ and many people did. Their insights and comments were a valuable part of the forum. The online contributions in the form of blog entries, tweets and photos can be viewed at www.nla.gov.au/initiatives/meetings/innovative-ideas-forum/2009/web.html
Supporting this level of technology proved a useful learning experience for the Library, not the least was recognising the number of power outlets required to accommodate a theatre filled with people looking to use their laptops.
Mark Corbould
Assistant Director-General, Information Technology