Week 12 - Social Networking

The possibilities for social networking are only limited by our imagination and even with the advent of Second Life even this has become infinite.
For libraries to remain relevent to our clients we need to keep up with what is new that's a given.
Social networking is the way for staff and clients to do this.
To be seen to be listening to our clients needs.
To be relevant in this day and age.
To be keeping up-to-date with social and cultural issues in our communities and world-wide.
To be involving all people in events and forums.
To be allowing communication via the various forms available.
Libraries tend to divide their clients into age groups - to cater to their various needs - however maybe we need to not overlook that we should also be providing opportunities for the various age groups to mix and create understanding. Libraries have for many years provide one area for social interaction to occur on a neutral and non threatening environment. Is it because equality seems to be provided to them freely.
People get to talk to each other where as in the street this is getting to be a no no. Libraries provide many opportunities to meet like minded people after all your in the same section of the library browsing.
Library blogs are a form of advertisement of up-and-coming events, forums for people to add comments and to get the opinions of the audiences. Everybody contributing together on issues allow for the brainstorming of ideas and it is surprising what can come from the collective melting pot. Bear in mind that some people are reluctant to view their ideas in person but that doesn't mean that they don't have views and ideas on how something may be improved. This is where on-line blogging can provide a cloak of anonymity.