Newspapers and Libraries

It’s hard not to miss the melt down in the newspaper sector. No one denies that actual news is a hot commodity but the actual newspaper hard copy format is certainly under enormous stress with more than its share of closings and lay-offs.
This should be interesting to libraries on at least two fronts. First, we depend on publishers for much of our content. We are in a state of symbiosis with the publishing industry. If the host is dying, whither libraries? Second, the news sector is a nice example of a sector that either is evolving too slowly or reacting too slowly to revolutionary change in its environment. It might be a good metaphor for some libraries. LibraryLand is evolving. Is it fast enough or are enough of us changing quickly?
Anyway, I though this post nicely summarized some of the strategies that ar being undertaken in newspapers. I was happy to see that there are a number of synergies with strategies in our sector. Read the whole post after the link.
10 Ways Newspapers are Using Social Media to Save the Industry
1. Twitter headline feeds
2. Acquiring providers of social media services
3. Creating more online events to attract readers
4. Promoting and monetizing user-generated content
5. Story-based communities
6. Collaborative outsourced news services
7. Customized delivery
8. Branded communities
9. Publishing APIs for third-party developers
10. Burning the boat that brought you
Social journalism
“The word “newspaper” will take on a different meaning, like “record album,” or “TV show.” It won’t go away, and it will continue to describe some of the most hallowed brand names in the world. Social media will play a big part in that transformation. As the dynamics of our society change, as institutions go public or private, or disappear entirely, the need to report these events in a responsible manner will be even more critical. Social journalism is more than a buzzword, it’s the way social media will save the industry.”
So, what do you think? Can you make a list of 10 key strategies that your institution is undertaking to adapt to the present and seek the future? Is there enough urgency in the implementation and experimentation? Do you feel comfortable that your organization is changing fast enough or will the maelstrom catch libraries like it caught newspapers?
How about social libraries?
Stephen