Libraries and Online Social Networks

I think that libraries definitely have a role to play in online social networks, but as Farkas mentions, the reasons behind a library’s use of online social networks must be examined. Some libraries implement social networks just “because they’re ‘cool’ and not to serve a specific purpose” (Farkas). Really, what are they thinking? It makes no sense to implement any kind of technology if it is not going to be useful. These online social networks that “look cool” might initially attract patrons, but when the patron’s realize that the library is not offering anything helpful through their online social network, they will be turned off. I think that employing online social networks because they are the “in” thing makes libraries look very “out”, not to mention just plain silly. Like Steph pointed out in our presentation, these libraries “may seem like try-hards” (Steph) and damage their image.

I am all for libraries implementing online social networks for outreach and to make their services more easily accessible. I believe that Lackie makes a very good point when she notes that “by using online social networks, librarians can increase visibility and update the stereotypical image, but, most importantly, [they] can let students know what the library is really all about” (Lackie). By using online social networks, such as MySpace and Facebook, libraries can reach teens and young adults. I think that it is very important to target this age group, as they may be the most unlikely to visit the library because of their “everything I need I can find online” mentality. Schmidt notes that libraries can use online social networks to “refer back to the teen portions of their website” (Schmidt). Teens may not think about searching for this information on their own, but they may check it out if the information is visible on a social network and if access is simple, i.e. accessed by clicking a link. By embedding links to library catalogues, library chat rooms, library calendars, reference pages and research guides, right into the online social network site, libraries can make it incredibly easy for young people to find resources. Many students are logged into Facebook or MySpace while they are doing their homework, so it makes perfect sense for libraries to create profiles and offer services from these sites.

I enjoyed Harris’ article “MySpace Can Be Our Space” and I think that he raises some very good points. He believes that online social networks should be utilized as teaching tools. His article focuses on online social networks in the classroom, but there is no reason why this cannot cross over into the library. Harris’ article mentions copyright issues involving students adapting protected works, such as music, onto their MySpace accounts. Copyright infringement is a hot topic in the library environment and perhaps librarians could use the MySpace music example to explain copyright laws in a fashion that would appeal to students.

There are so many useful ways that libraries can implement online social networks. It is truly a shame that some libraries are not using the technology to the best of their ability. When libraries use online social networks to reach out to their patrons and garner valuable feedback, everybody wins.