Julia Gross, Oxford, Chandos Publishing, 2012, xxi+214 pp., (paperback), ISBN 978-1-84334-651-7
To preface this review, I admit that I approached reading the text with no small amount of scepticism. To my understanding Web 2.0 technology is highly relevant to library and information services (LIS) practitioners, but as a tool to be used in the workplace, rather than being “vital for your career development” (p. 1). This, however, is what the author aims to demonstrate.
Gross certainly has relevant experience to write authoritatively on the subject, being an experienced LIS professional and having participated in a wide variety of relevant roles. Chapters cover a comprehensive range of topics ranging from Web 2.0 and social networking sites and your library career, personal marketing, social networking and privacy issues, lifelong learning, e-mentoring and keeping up to date.
My interest was piqued in the opening chapter, which presented evidence from a 2009 survey showing that 45% of employers surveyed used social networking sites to screen potential employees (p. 7). The author advises that some social networking sites, which are almost exclusively casual and non-professional meeting places, still have professional uses and should be approached mindfully (p. 40).
A great deal of detailed information is presented about Web 2.0 technologies with direct professional relevance, including explanations, step by step instructions, useful web links and practical examples. Privacy and Web 2.0 is covered extensively, with cautionary tales accompanied by sensible advice equipping the reader to participate in Web 2.0 with awareness of potential pitfalls. Gross also describes the concept of the digital footprint (p. 88), which allows for the monitoring of your personal web presence.
Although participating in Web 2.0 technologies is still not at the top of my list of career building activities, I do feel more informed about the technologies that exist, how they can be utilised for professional development, and dangers to avoid in their use in order to protect my professional reputation.
© 2013, Anne Shepherd