What is Infographics?

Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends. The process of creating infographics can be referred to as data visualization, information design, or information architecture as quoted on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infographics.

What is Social Media?

Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, exchange and comment contents among themselves in virtual communities and networks as quoted on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media.

San Jose Public Library Collections:

• Social Media
• Infographics

More Information:

• Web 2.0

Do you know what is Web 2.0? A Web 2.0 site may allow users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where people are limited to the passive viewing of content. Examples of Web 2.0 include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies as quoted on wikipedia.org.

Examples:

• Google Docs - Real-time online collaboration
• Wikispaces.com - Create our own private wiki
• Pbworks.com - Collaborative learning for schools
• Ning.com - Create your own social network
• Classroom 2.0 - Online community for teachers
• ThinkQuest - Global learning platform
• Yugma.com - Desktop sharing & collaboration
• SMART Board Revolution - Whiteboard file-sharing
• Creative Commons.com - Share & remix media-legally
• Edmodo.com - Social platform for students and teachers

 Additional Information:

• San Jose Public Library Collections: Web 2.0
• Library 2.0
• Business 2.0
• Teacher 2.0
• Web 2.0

Confused by the new rules of job search?    Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere?  Read  The Web 2.0 Job Finder: Winning Social Media strategies to get the job you want from Fortune 500 Hiring Pros by Brenda Greene and Coleen Byrne.  

Finding a job has never been more difficult or more competitive.   The authors do a good job of simplifying the process and helping the applicant understand the mentality of Fortune 500 recruiters.   Using interviews with 35 recruiters and other research, the authors explain the necessity of using social networking tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to promote your “digital brand.”   These interviews are particularly revealing.   Recruiters explain how your “30 second pitch” is more important than a traditional cover letter that might not even get read.

The authors start by explaining how to create, develop, and maintain an online presence and brand.    They also explain clearly how to: adopt best practices for getting a job by writing skill (not job!) specific resumes, target jobs that match your skills and anticipate what a company needs.   Chapter 3 is a great introduction to LinkedIn and the “hidden job market.”  

Brenda Greene also wrote Get the Interview Every time: Proven Resume and Cover Letter Strategies from Fortune 500 Hiring Professionals.

Like it or not, social media is here to stay. Social media in some form is used by millions of people whether posting reviews on Yelp or connecting with friends on Facebook. But what does that mean for your business? Well, it means reaching masses of potential customers and strengthening current customer relationships. Businesses use social media to not only market their business but also as another customer service outlet, answering and responding to customer posts. Perhaps, you have a personal Twitter or Facebook page but not sure how to use it for your business. I found a great social media guide provided by Constant Contact. It is directed toward business users and it really is in-depth but engaging. Check it out and happy posting.

Are you a business owner looking to grow your business with social media? Or maybe you just want to know what all this social media hype is about and what it means to your business? Then please join us at San José City Hall, Thursday, June 23 for the Social Media Conference. The library and Business Owner Space have partnered to put on this huge event that will feature speakers from social media leaders like Yelp, Facebook, Living Social, among others. It will be informative,  fun, and a great opportunity for networking. Registration is recommended. 

The San José Public Library has partnered with Business Owner Space to put on Growing Your Business with Social Media. This big event will take place Thursday, June 23rd at San José City Hall with speakers and workshops all geared toward using social media to grow your business. So, if your business could use a boost using social media to market your business, this event is a must attend. Find out more info and register here http://businessownerspace.com/page/1974