Thus far, INF 206 has exposed us to the wonderful world of Web 2.0: an exciting world of collaboration, community, conversation and content creation. The educative possibilities are inspiring, the possibilities for business and other agencies are only just beginning.
However, there are very real concerns associated with our increasing engagement and reliance on Web 2.0 technologies. Cyber Crime is well-documented throughout the media, and the Australian Government has enlisted a total of 14 agencies to assist in combating this criminal activity (James, 2010, pp. 19-22).
James notes that social networking sites are particularly vulnerable to cyber crime using social engineering techniques because the end user is the weakest link (2010, p.5). Social engineering entices users to interact - downloading files without considering the source or possible implications.
As an information professional, I encourage the finding and legitimate sharing of information, staying mindful of copyright and intellectual property concerns. Social networking tools aid in this process. In my own library at Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT), the very first steps have been taken towards using social media whereby the library now has a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MSITStudentConnect?sk=wall.
This page is in the developmental stage, with the Social Media team still establishing how we will use the page, and also the protocols for those staff selected to actually engage with students online. James points to the blurring of personal and professional personas (2010, p.8) and this is an issue which is of concern to the team, but this can be managed by staff awareness and vigilance.
More worrying is the risk of hacking, and whilst the security of the MSIT network is a matter for the ICT team, our team can minimise risk by being wary of the links we share and how we interact with the page. We can also use the page to alert our clients to such issues, as well as keep them alert to privacy setting changes.
The issue of copyright, intellectual property and ethical use of websites falls under our mandate, and so educating our clients about these matters forms part of our function. The Valenza blog made me somewhat uncomfortable. Whilst I don't agree with blocking YouTube in schools, bypassing the block appears to be unethical, even more so when Valenza actively involves the children in such activity. Since librarians have traditionally rallied against censorship, perhaps Valenza could enlist their help in releasing the site so that the valuable content can be used in the classroom. Any perceived risk to students could be managed with a well-constructed social media policy and vigilance by teachers.
James, M. L. Cyber crime 2.0 versus the Twittering classes. Parliament of Australia, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliamentary Library Information, analysis and advice for the Parliament. Science, Technology, Environment and Resources Section, 24 February 2010 (2009-10). Retrieved from Charles Sturt University Website http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/Cybercrime.pdf
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