Topic #2 Social Networking and Libraries

Topic #2 Social Networking and Libraries

The phrase, social networking and libraries is something that only became linked recently. In an effort to get word out for programs within libraries that were offered but no one knew about, the staff had to learn about new technology and become sufficiently trained as to how to use it properly without causing problems for the site as a whole.

One of the first social networking sites was Twitter and still is. For example, California Digital Library began using Twitter to spread word about their programs. J. Starr, writing about an experience in working on a small committee, made an article called “California Digital library in Twitter-land” that detailed some of the process that she went through as one of the staff monitoring the twitter account. Did it go smoothly? Not at first, mostly because they had to ensure that they knew what they were dealing with.  Eventually, everything did start rolling smoothly because they created an action plan beforehand as to what they would do from start to finish in order to create some impact with their work.

Facebook is another way of spreading the word, but again, staff needs training and a reliable member needs to be chosen for the task. After all, what goes out on the account for the libraries will reflect on the building as a whole, not just the individual posting the information.

There are ethics that need consideration as well. So knowing what to do and not to do is important. Guidelines are necessary as a way to create boundaries for staff and others who may access it at any time to post information about programs, special hours due to holidays and alerting patrons as to how they can find more information on the website as well.

References

Starr, J. (2010). California Digital Library in Twitter-Land. Computers In Libraries, 30(7), 23-27.

https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ896823&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Simplicio, J. S. C. (2002). The technology Hub: a cost effective and educationally sound method for the integration of technology into schools. Education, 122(4), 674+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A90188940/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=b06d03a2

Huffman, S. (2018). THE DIGITAL DIVIDE REVISITED: WHAT IS NEXT? Education, 138(3), 239+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A531709941/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=2dbdba33

Anderson, C. (1993). The rocky road to a data highway. Science, 260(5111), 1064+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A15031639/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=8546cca2