The second workshop I ran at the CoFHE/UC&R Joint Conference was aimed primarily at new professionals, although much of the content was relevant to all – it was titled “New professionals: build your network using social media”. I updated some of the material from similar presentations I have given previously, and extended the scope to include tools and tips to help build a network.

The main focus of the presentation was blogging and microblogging as they are the social media tools I’ve gained most from personally. I also touched on the use of social networking and we had interesting discussions around Facebook and LinkedIn.

Some of the tools I mentioned to find library and information professional’s blogs and tweets to follow included:

• UK Library Blogs wiki
• UK Library Blogs Custom Search Engine (see earlier blog post for more information)
• TweepML list of British Librarians
• Twitter lists (such as the #exeter10 list or the #npc2010 list)

I also discussed some tips for promoting accounts including:

• Add your accounts to relevant lists and directories
• Include links in your email signature
• Add to business card (or create networking card)
• Link your accounts
• Engage in conversation
• Keep content fresh and unique
• Share your passion!

You can view a copy of the presentation below:

It was quite a small, (“elite” according to @llordllama!) group – I guess that’s to be expected with a focus on a specific group of attendants (and the first session of the morning after the conference dinner!) – but I was really pleased that those who came along were willing to share their experiences and advice. I enjoyed the discussions, and hope the attendees took something of value from the session.

Do you have any further tools, tips or advice I’ve overlooked?

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