SSKS blog

The Edge 2010 conference will be held on the 25th and 26th February at Edinburgh Castle, to highlight the importance of library and information services to local authorities, e-government, lifelong learning and digital inclusion. It will showcase the latest tools and technologies available to the public sector, as well as provide opportunities to learn about innovative practice in libraries and community information.

The Edge 2010 blog site has further information on the programme, speakers and facilities.

A report just published by the Society of Information Technology Management, encourages councils to embrace social media rather block it, as some 90% currently do.

From a technical standpoint, security risks can be managed, but the main driver for change could be financial: social media may help address looming budget issues faced by public service organisations, by providing economical ways of engaging citizens, delivering services, and by empowering and supporting employees.

The report contains advice to Chief Officers and ICT managers on what they need to do in order to support and exploit social media facilities for business advantage, including a checklist of essential actions to ensure their organisation considers and decides upon appropriate action in this area.