Sunday, May 31, 2009

The 18th Thing: MySpace and Facebook

Libraries are finding their way to social networking sites to play to the demographics they represent. An example is Jax Public Library teen page. The thinking is that teens already using social networking will find their library info accessible on these sites and perhaps be more participatory.
The challenge for libraries outside of content is site maintainance, if it has to be paid staff doing it.
Personally, I have tried both sites mentioned but do not care to have a presence on these type of sites at this time. But for those who like to have a door open to their personal and professional lives at all times and invite people in, good for them. I do think it was a comedown for Facebook to drop their edu requirement. It was a better site with only college membership.
And as for My Space....I can't say how many times I have witnessed 15 year olds pretending to be 23 on My Space and 14 year olds looking at booty shots on Urban Chat, thanks to the library.
You better be careful who you choose as friends.

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