Early to post, early to assist others, I always say.
(OK not really)
This (coming) week, we begin our lessons on Social Networking. For the most part, this can be summed up in one(ish) word: MySpace.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other Social Networking sites out there. FaceBook for example. Even "online dating" sites like OK Cupid could be considered a social networking site. They all have to do with sharing yourself and your interests with other users and relating to eachother through shared interests.
MySpace is different though, in that its not just for individuals. Its for people, groups, bands, businesses, and probably even an animal or two! Movie studios are using MySpace to help promote upcoming movies. Bands use it for sharing their music, giving them free exposure. And, as relates to us, libraries are using social networking sites to connect with their patrons. Especially those hard-to-get Teens.
Ordinarily, I'd have been pretty adverse to this idea. What person in their right mind would visit a site like MySpace, filled with millions of teens and 20-somethings incessantly flirting with eachother, to check out whats going on at their local library?! Seems pretty silly to me! However, in reading some of the articles posted for this lesson, I was surprised to find out this seems to more popular than I ever would have imagined! Despite all appearances, many teens really do use MySpace as a social "hub"; both a place to interact with friends, and find things to do in their community!
That doesn't mean every library system in the country should jump on MySpace and create an account. To pull off a successful MySpace page requires someone who knows what they're doing. A teen librarian who isn't just there for a paycheck, but really does connect with teens and knows whats going on in the community. One that can extend that connection onto a website. But given the right people for the job, I'm now convinced social networking and libraries really could mix well!
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