INF506 Behaviours of digital citizens

From the video Did you know 4.0, I discovered 5 shifts/trends that impact how individuals behave as digital citizens.  Organisations will need to develop information policies to address these behaviours.

The mass digitisation of books by Google
The project of Google to digitise and provide a database of literature marks the shift in individuals’ access and use of electronic materials.  At an international level, IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations, 2009) has developed statements regarding their reactions to this project and the implications for libraries.  Further to this, libraries will need to develop their own policies regarding digital access to information and to work with publishes to develop sustainable access to these resources.

People are reading newspapers online rather than in print
This trend of individuals preferring electronic copies rather than print is seen not just in newspapers and journals but across all collections.  In order to remain relevant to their communities, libraries will need to include electronic sources in their collection development policies and negotiate terms of access.  There is still a trend to lease digital rights to resources whereas print resources are purchased outright and can be dealt with as the library requires.

Epic proportion of illegal downloads of music and movies
Within their organisations, libraries provide access to the Internet through public access computers and wireless connections.  Within their Internet access policies, libraries will need to include statements on piracy and copyright to inform patrons of appropriate online behaviour.

Mass reach of Twitter for breaking news
With Twitter as one example of social media sites, libraries who wish to engage with their communities in the digital space will need to develop policies relating to appropriate behaviour online for customers and staff.  Community members can easily create and share opinions on any given topic, and so libraries will need to be flexible to engage in topical discussion and respond to feedback on its organisation.

Companies disciplining employees for violating social media policies
Library policies are written to provide consistency, guidance and clarification to its audience (Bryson, 2007, p. 125).  By clearly setting out social media policies, organisations will have the ability to clearly define what behaviour is acceptable relating to the company and the disciplinary action that can be taken against its employees.

References
Bryson, J. (2007). Managing information services: A transformational approach. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com

IFLA. (2009). IFLA position on the Google book settlement. Retrieved from http://www.ifla.org/node/7375