Method 8 -- Social Networking

Do you remember being "social" when you were younger? Of course you do...it meant that you talked to people and hung out either at someone's house or in some public place together. But now that has all changed, social networking has created a public place on the Internet for all of your social "get-togethers."

I have been using Facebook now for a few months and it is a great way for me to keep up with old friends and relatives that have moved out of the area. I also see the benefits of using it as a way to get information out to the public about the libraries. With the information out on the Internet updated on a regular basis, patrons would be able see when events are scheduled, new books come in and when the DVD collection had been updated. This may not only increase attendance to events but it may also increase holds and circulation statistics.

I can really see that advantages of using Twitter. Some people have the updated sent straight to their phone, so don't even have to check their computer. With this feature, as soon as the library decides that the information needs to get out there, the patron would have it in hand.

I am not a fan of MySpace. I really think that it takes too much time to upkeep the site. I really think that if a library wants to become social and be out on the Internet going with Twitter or a Facebook Fan page is the best ideas.