Week 7 - Social Networking

I had a look at the bebo page set up at Auckland City Libraries. I particularly like the comments shares about a dream library:
I reckon, my dream library would have a cafe and loads of books and magazines for browsing, and music stations... (and I would have a hand-held e-book reader connected to the internet with games and blogs and books and music!) All this is really not so far, far away, you know... Libraries are changing and we do need to hear what our customers would like their libraries to offer so we can provide the services that continue to serve our customers in the year 2020 AD and beyond.

Apparently in New Zealand Bebo is the social networking tool of choice for teenagers, but Facebook is fast closing in on its popularity. If this is the case, then it makes sense that libraians need to be aware of this resource, comfortable in negotiating themselves around the site, aware of it's potential and using the site to communicate library services, and literary events to this "captive" market. I know that some libraries in Amercia are doing just that e.g Iowa and Brooklyn Public libaries are using Facebook to communicate to their patrons. Check out Brooklyn Public Libraries Home page below:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-NY/Brooklyn-Public-Library/

Jesus Freak