Social Networking

The feeling I get is that libraries' use of Facebook or MySpace is a type of outreach. Young people aren't in the library, they're on MySpace, so let's go there to reach them.

I have no problem with this, and I expect that it could be useful in reaching kids who are already predisposed towards the library. As a tool they're using for communication, social networking is important, so why shouldn't libraries have their presence there?

It could be a part of a library's communication/outreach program. I don't think we're going to reach seniors there. And how much effect it would have on young people who weren't already using the library, I don't know. Are there stats on that, I wonder? "We built our YAAB group through MySpace!" That sort of thing.

Meebo Success!

Wow! It only took about half an hour, but I finally figured out how to get the Meebo widget onto my page. Hooray for me.

I think instant messaging could be very handy as a reference tool. For instance, it could be used by the deaf community much more easily than using TTY technology. And some people prefer the distancing that comes from typing rather than talking. Also, the librarian wouldn't have to try to decode what someone was saying if the person's speech was hard to understand. Of course, their spelling might leave much to be desired also, but that's life. As a quick way to do reference interviews in writing, IM seems great. Possible negatives...folks who just want to chat, inability to get some of the nonverbal communication that comes with speech--but that's what emoticons are for, right ;)--, not enough staff...

IM could also be used for interdepartment communications, like when departments are spread over different floors *coughbkccough*. Or it could be used for folks at the island check-out to call for help if they need it!