Social Networking Tools

Q: Blog about your impressions and experiences with social networking. You may want to consider some or all of the following questions.

I have used Facebook prior to this exercise and think that it is one of the most fun and useful tools of social networking.  At first, it is a bit confusing to navigate through and figure out how to use the applications and other features, but once you get the hang out it, it’s great!  I was able to find friends from high-school and college that I lost touch with and instantly get re-connected.  It’s conveient, borderless and allows you to easily keep in touch with people.

• How can social networking be used by MLA to connect members

Social Networking CAN be used by MLA to connect members.  Like the exercise demonstrated, by using Facebook, we were all able to learn about an event and join in.  Social networking applications like Facebook can be used to allow members to communicate with one-another, possibly as an alternative to the traditional listserv because it is more personalized.

• Should your library have a Facebook or MySpace page?

I think that depends on your patrons.  In the exercise, I added the PubMed and Worldcat search applications and tested them.   Although they are both useful applications because they allow direct access to the catalogs, I do think they are limited.  The reason-unless users are on Facebook all the time, it probably easier to just visit the individual website for this information?

• Are there privacy concerns for individuals when using social networking sites.

I think there are privacy concerns that one should consider prior to joining Facebook, MySpace, linkedin, etc.  Facebook, for example displays your name, birthday, hometown, place of employment, etc.  I’ve heard many people voice concern over all of this information being easily accessible-especially in light of the identity theft.  But, like this exercise has demonstrated you can still participate without really saying who you are or even answering all of these questions.  You have the option to socially network at your own COMFORT LEVEL.

Facebook does take into consideration your privacy and clearly lets the user control that level.  For example, you set your profile so that the most anyone can do is see your profile picture, name and your friends.

TESTING