Web 2.0 provides opportunties for collaboration

Hunch--web 2.0 outsourcing of opinion

Magazines & newspapers online have components that print versions do not
What is a "publication" any more?

Does your mgt appreciate the power of the social?
You can't lump all the social tools together; each one is different

Guidelines for evaluating social software not all that different than for other things; is it appropriate, will it meet the need, etc.

To recommend something, you may have to get outside your comfort zone and engage others not in the library

Technology should solve a problem, not be looking for a problem to solve.
What is the BEST solution to the problem?
Now I'm going to look at products on the open web to see if they are the solution I want.

Who owns the data, if it's something like a mashup or on Facebook? What are the advantages, the pros, cons? Just like you evaluate any other technology

Common objections:

• "This stuff just wastes time"--wasting time is not unique to social networking
• "Invasion of privacy"--Collaborative, internal projects, not an issue. Can lock it down to certain people/groups
• "Security violations"--usually from IT. Check out http://blogs.state.gov
• "Employees could share sensitive info"--this is a mgt issue, not a technology issue
• "It's a fad"--Talking to other people is a fad??

These concerns aren't trivial and need to be addressed. What are the serious objections and the not-so-serious objections and be prepared with an answer. "Yes, that's a concern, and I've thought about that. Here's how it can be addressed."

Who are the stakeholders? HR, IT? Strategic planning groups? Different world views. Everybody sees tech through their own prism.

What kind of org do you work for? Risk averse? Dynamic?
Make the business case. What outcomes will there be? Align with the org's goals. Be prepared with answers to those who object. Do your research.

Take timing into account--will budget cuts affect it or not? Stuff that's free CAN have a cost in time and maintenance and be prepared to justify it.

Delivery of proposal: bullet points, executive summary paragraph, brief narrative. Don't say "So and so said to do this at CIL." Anecdotes--who else in your industry is doing this?

Mgt. buy-in never guaranteed. Don't hide if you decide to "just do it." Communication is vital. Don't surprise them.

Measuring success--marketing is essential. Just bringing in 2.0 apps not the end. Metrics are important.

No tinselware--don't do something just because the cool kids are doing it.