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Building the Online Community at WebJunction

Building the Online Community at WebJunction.org Presented by: Betha Gutsche, Steven Bell, Max Anderson Email: community@webjunction.org. Agenda. Virtual Community Background & History Community Overview Read Learn Share Behind the Scenes Q & A. Virtual Community.

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Building the Online Community at WebJunction

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  1. Building the Online Community at WebJunction.org Presented by: Betha Gutsche, Steven Bell, Max Anderson Email: community@webjunction.org

  2. Agenda • Virtual Community • Background & History • Community Overview • Read • Learn • Share • Behind the Scenes • Q & A

  3. Virtual Community Convening people in cyberspace Share common interests Collaborate electronically Create virtual networks, discussions, & mailing lists

  4. Building Our Community In Person • Trainings, Workshops, & Meetings • Conferences • Local Colleagues Online • Library list-servs (email, Web archives) • Blogs and News Aggregates (Web, RSS) • Virtual Communities (Web, RSS)

  5. WebJunction is… a virtual community to support library staff

  6. WJ History • Gates Foundation’s 5 year Library Program • 46,000 computers • 11,000 libraries in the United States and Canada • Targeting need-based public libraries • Providing Native American access to technology • May 2002: Gates Foundation awarded OCLC and partners a three-year grant to build a Web-based community for public access & technology support

  7. The Partners

  8. Our Beginnings • Libraries Need • Staff Training • Continuing Education • Technical Support • Management & Planning Assistance • Fundraising & Sustainability Support • Personalized Experience • Peer Networks Needs Assessment • Focus Groups • Electronic Surveys • Gates Trainer Sessions • Site visits • Industry Experts

  9. WebJunction.org Launched May 2003

  10. WebJunction Overview the online community ‘where minds meet’

  11. Our Approach READ LEARN SHARE

  12. Site Organization

  13. The Key is Community • Community Initiated • Feedback & Suggestions • Comments & Discussion • Articles, Handouts, Themes • Volunteer Based • Contributors • Moderators • Advocates • Editors

  14. Member Benefits • Courses • Discussion • Evaluation • Ownership • Member Directory • Crossroads monthly e-newsletter • Member Receptions & Programs • Individuals, then organizations

  15. New Projects • Community Partner Program • The first five pilot states:WebJunction NM, CO, IA, WA, CT • And recent additions:AZ, NM, VT • Communities of Interest • PAComputing.org • Spanish Language Outreach Project • Rural Library Sustainability Project • SunSITE Communities

  16. Community Building behind the scenes at WebJunction

  17. Unique Value • Need Based • People Focused • Multiple Avenues to Ideas & Solutions • Read, Learn, Share • Personalized Experience

  18. Results (So Far) -12,000 members -10,000 online courses -5,000+ posts on All Aboard [discussions] -20 WJ Award winners -20 moderators -15 editors -25 advocates

  19. Members Rave • I have found the hardware/software information very useful in that it has helped me to figure out some of the tough computer questions/problems that we had. • It has been helpful to see that other libraries have been facing the same issues and seeing their plans for the future. • I would be LOST without the Community Forums. We are in a rural, isolated area of Colorado without any other way to obtain needed technology support or information beyond surfing the Internet. • During the last hour of the day, if I can, I try to spend some time here in WJ …. The Junction has been an able comforter. Thanks!

  20. But they also Rant… • Site Updates • The home page needs simplification and focus on presenting links in a better way • Attract & Engage Members • I had trouble finding the forums area at first. Had no idea it was under “all aboard” • Seamlessness • I can't always go directly to what I'm looking for. • I really want to see local input

  21. Our Challenges & Goals Continue to Build Trust • Attention to Needs • Listen to feedback • Respond to everything? • Communication Through Email and Syndicated Discussions • Expert v. Community Authority Prove Value • Retrieve Information • Make Connections to People • Marketing & outreach • Archive & Record

  22. Our Challenges & Goals (cont.) High Quality Experience • Content • Balancing Resources • In-person training and online learning • Functionality • New Technology • People & Partners • Managing cultural shifts • Keep Having Fun • Too much fun?

  23. How to Get Involved… • Register • Take a course • Help us evaluate the site • Join the discussions on All Aboard • Nominate for a WebJunction Award • Sign up for our Crossroads newsletter • Network with other community members • Contribute your articles, handouts, & worksheets • Volunteer to be a WebJunction advocate or editor • Help us get the word out !!!

  24. Q & A you have questions, we (hopefully) have answers

  25. For more information… Betha Gutsche Email: betha_gutsche@oclc.org Max Anderson Email: manderson@solinet.net Steven Bell Email: bells@philau.net OR visit us at WebJunction.org! Email: community@webjunction.org

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