WebJunction

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Building the Online Community at
WebJunction.org Presented by Betha Gutsche,
Steven Bell, Max Anderson Email
community_at_webjunction.org
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Agenda

• Virtual Community
• Background History
• Community Overview
• Read
• Learn
• Share
• Behind the Scenes
• Q A

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Virtual Community

• Convening people in cyberspace
• Share common interests
• Collaborate electronically
• Create virtual networks, discussions, mailing
  lists

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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)

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WebJunction is

• a virtual community to support library staff

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WJ History

• Gates Foundations 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

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The Partners
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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

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WebJunction.org

• Launched May 2003

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WebJunction Overview

• the online community where minds meet

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Our Approach
READ
LEARN
SHARE
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Site Organization
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The Key is Community

• Community Initiated
• Feedback Suggestions
• Comments Discussion
• Articles, Handouts, Themes
• Volunteer Based
• Contributors
• Moderators
• Advocates
• Editors

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Member Benefits

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

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New Projects

• Community Partner Program
• The first five pilot statesWebJunction NM, CO,
  IA, WA, CT
• And recent additionsAZ, NM, VT
• Communities of Interest
• PAComputing.org
• Spanish Language Outreach Project
• Rural Library Sustainability Project
• SunSITE Communities

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Community Building

• behind the scenes at WebJunction

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Unique Value

• Need Based
• People Focused
• Multiple Avenues to Ideas Solutions
• Read, Learn, Share
• Personalized Experience

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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?

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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 !!!

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Q A

• you have questions, we (hopefully) have answers

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For more information

• Betha Gutsche
• Email betha_gutsche_at_oclc.org
• Max Anderson
• Email manderson_at_solinet.net
• Steven Bell
• Email bells_at_philau.net
• OR visit us at WebJunction.org!
• Email community_at_webjunction.org