This paper reports on outcomes from a nine month project which explored possible uses of social software to support distance learners in their use of libraries. The paper highlights key issues arising from the literature review with more in depth discussion of five case study reports which aimed to explore practical uses of social software tools in library contexts. The researchers used social bookmarking tools to provide lists of resources and to encourage students to share web based resources with others. They also used blogs in a variety of ways and explored the social networking site Facebook. A podcast was used to develop students’ information literacy skills and feedback demonstrated its potential uses. Outcomes from theproject show that uses for social software in libraries are still in their infancy and also suggest a continuing need to embed information literacy skills in course programmes which will require building relationships with academic teaching colleagues
