Meredith has posted an excellent article on libraries using social networking software. It’s one of my favorite library subjects these days, and she’s really written some great thoughts and included some great links. I’m looking forward to reading her book. I particularly appreciate the distinction she makes between libraries simply being on these networks, and libraries actually using these networks.
A lot of libraries have started building presence in MySpace and Facebook by creating profiles. And I honestly think this is a really good idea though unfortunately most libraries are doing it really badly. When you decide to put up a library profile on MySpace or Facebook, what is your goal? If it’s to look cool or to make students more aware of the library, don’t bother. A profile that offers nothing but a picture of the library, a blog post or two and a cutesy thing about how we won’t shush you just looks cheesy. I think there is a big difference between “being where our patrons are” and “being USEFUL to our patrons where they are.” I think some of the libraries in MySpace and Facebook have put a profile up, but they have not tried to make it useful to their patrons at all. Just putting up a profile does not make the library seem cool, nor does it make the library more visible.
I have seen two ways that libraries have used MySpace and Facebook effectively. The first is to get feedback from students. The second is to create a library portal within MySpace and/or Facebook (or whatever social networking software inevitably will come next).
Being on MySpace as an end to itself is pointless. Using MySpace as an information or communication gateway to connect with your patronage in a place where they already are and are comfortable is, for me, the entire idea behind library 2.0. She includes some links to libraries and library systems who are using MySpace in practical and active ways. You should definately go check them out.