Thing #27: Facebook, Networking and You

Social networks are online communities created around interests with people-to-people recommendations and communication. These specialized social networks allow like-minded users to find and interact with one another, whether around crafts or cars or any other shared interest.

There are numerous social networking sites where you can connect with other librarians, patrons, friends, and family members. Each site has a purpose and a particular feel and flavor. One thing all of the sites share is a need for commitment. You must commit to updating your profile and connecting with others. Because of this, choose carefully when deciding what site to try. In this lesson we will talk about Facebook in the most detail, but we will also mention some of the other options that are available.

What is Social Networking?

This video from the Common Craft show will explain the concept of social networking.


The Wikipedia article, Social Network Service, talks about online communities and their history.

What are my options?

Facebook – “Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.”

MySpace – “a place for friends”

LinkedIn – “Over 40 million professionals use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas and opportunities.”

Ning – “Create Your Own Social Network.”

Webjunction - "Where librarians and library staff connect, create, and learn."

List of social networking websites – this Wikipedia article lists active social networking sites. As you can see much of what is web 2.0 is considered a social networking site. Look for sites that say "general" to find ones that are similar to Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.

So which one is right for me?

It depends. (Of course that’s the answer.) Which site you use is determined by what you want and need from the site. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do I want to connect with patrons? If so, where are my patrons? Chances are you will find your patrons either on MySpace or Facebook.
  
  
• Do I want to connect with other Nebraska librarians? If so, try Facebook where a large number of Nebraska librarians have gathered.
  
  
• Do I want to connect with other professionals, either in the library field or elsewhere? LinkedIn, Facebook, Webjunction, or Ning are your best options for this one.
  
  
• Is it important to me that this be all business? If so, LinkedIn or Webjunction are your best options.

What is involved in being part of a social networking site?

Be prepared to invest some time in creating a profile and updating it. You can choose how much time you want to invest in your page, but plan on adding things occasionally. You can use your social networking site to:

• reach out to others
  
  
• find out what patrons, family, and friends are doing
  
  
• create a page for your library where you can announce upcoming events and news
  
  
• join library related groups to discuss issues and trends
  
  
• post links to interesting articles and/or library services
  
  
• post photo, video and/or music content that you find interesting
  
  
• review links and/or other content that others have posted
  
  
• stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues

Assignment

1. Sign up for a free Facebook account and create a profile. You can add as much or as little information as you like.

For help with creating your profile, check out Facebook for Grownups - Butterscotch tutorials has a 10 part series on how to do everything from create a profile to upload images.

2. Search for friends already using Facebook:

• By name using the search box in the upper right corner.
  
  
• Using "Find Friends" under the Friends menu at the top of the page.
  
  
• We are on Facebook, if you would like to friend us: Christa Burns, Michael Sauers, Susan Knisely, Allana Novotny

3. Post an update on your profile.

4. Write a message on the wall of someone you know.

5. Join at least one group. Here are some possible Facebook Groups to join: (Groups are only visible when logged in to Facebook.)

• Nebraska Library Association
  
  
• Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)
  
  
• Friends of Nebraska Libraries
  
  
• Library 2.0 Interest Group
  
  
• Libraries Using Facebook Pages
  
  
• Librarians and Facebook

6. Check your Facebook Profile at least once in the next week.

7. Write a blog post about your experience. Some blogging ideas:

• Look for ways that people use Facebook to connect and share information.
  
  
• Which groups did you join and why?
  
  
• Reflect on why Facebook may be the fastest growing social network. Is that reputation deserved?
  
  
• How can your library use Facbook to promote its services?

Challenge

Add an intereseting Facebook application to your profile.

1. Use the search box in the upper right corner to search for a service you may have tried as a previous Learning 2.0 Thing - Twitter, Flickr, Delicious, SlideShare, etc.

2. Pick one and search for it, then add the application to your profile.

3. Discuss your experience with the Facebook application in your blog post.