I just heard from the folks at Information Today that my book is heading off to the printer tomorrow! I think it’s going to spend some time there, because I was told that it will be available at the end of March or the very beginning of April. It still doesn’t feel real. Even though I’ve seen the cover design (which I love!), have seen the record in the LOC catalog, and have scheduled my book signing at Computers in Libraries, I just don’t feel like the author of a real book yet. I don’t think it’s going to feel real until I’m holding the book in my hands. I can hardly wait!
Since the book is all about social software, I absolutely had to create a nice Web supplement (on a blog of course)! Come check it out! The resources page has links to all of the sites mentioned in the book as well as things I’ve bookmarked on each subject. I also have provided an excerpt from the book. While I know most people usually offer the Introduction on their site, I really wanted to provide Chapter 1, because I think it’s a much more thought-provoking chapter. Chapter 1 is entitled What is “Social Software?” and it includes my rather unique definition of social software as well as the reasons why I think social software is absolutely amazing (and important to libraries). Let me know what you think!
I’m still adding things to the site, so expect to see more up there soon. It’s going to be a perpetual work in progress as I continue to add resources related to the topics in the book and occasional blog posts.
Here are the vital stats on the book:
Social Software in Libraries: Building Collaboration, Communication and Community Online.
By Meredith Farkas
Foreword by Roy Tennant
Here is the first book to explore the growing phenomenon of social software and how these technologies can be applied in libraries. Social software lets libraries show a human face online, helping them communicate, educate, and interact with their communities. This nuts-and-bolts guide provides librarians with the information and skills necessary to implement the most popular and effective social software technologies: blogs, RSS, wikis, social networking software, screencasting, photo-sharing, podcasting, instant messaging, gaming, and more. Success stories and interviews highlight these tools’ ease-of-use—and tremendous impact. Novice readers will find ample descriptions and advice on using each technology, while veteran users of social software will discover new applications and approaches. Supported by the author’s Web page.
2007/336 pp/softbound/ISBN 978-1-57387-275-1 $39.50
Very cool! I can’t wait to read my autographed copy after CIL. Congrats again on a huge accomplishment.
Congratulations! Ditto on the autographed copy! Hee hee.
Excellent!
Congratulations!!!!
Yay! Congratulations Meredith.
Congratulations Meredith! I’m sure your book will be very useful to those of us trying to wrap our minds around the phenomenon of social software and its application to libraries. BTW, I enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great work!
MS
Pub. Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
Congratulations, Meredith! I bet the book is great!
The first chapter (thanks for posting that instead of the introduction!) is great for whetting the appetite. Can’t wait to read the rest. 🙂
Wow! This is great. I hope you sell lots of copies. Way to go!
Vuoden 2007 kirjakevät: 2.0:aa pukkaa…
Blogeissa on mainostettu piakkoin julkaistavia ja jo julkaistuja kirjasto 2.0 -aiheen ympärillä liikkuvia teoksia. On Ellyssa Kroskin Web 2.0 for Librarians and Information Professionals, Meredith Farkasin Social Software in Libraries: Building Colla…
Congratulations Meredith. I’m looking forward to seeing the book!