So, the quesion was, > Is there anyone else here not on Facebook? I have this nagging feeling of shamed inadequacy about being bored by the whole social networky thing. Tried it and don't see the point.
I have a kid in college and use FaceBook to communicate, a few of his friends, to see photos, etc. I also communicate with my nieces and nephews, sisters, and brother via Facebook AND MySpace, and professional colleagues have invited me to LinkedIn. Unlike Facebook/Myspace I like LindedIN for where we go for professional contacts, outreach, but it has very little real purpose from a library perspective. The kids who use Facebook don't care about communicating with the library that way. They only care about knowing what their friends are up to at the moment. Isn't the whole "Web 2.0" concept already a bit passé. I think we need strong websites providing the information and services people are looking for in an easy to use, easy to find fashion. I like the idea of having some blogs for specific things, like adult programs, reader's advisory, issues, development, etc.. I also dream of a wiki for business, psychology patrons to add on a wide array of subjects of interest. I am looking forward a library catalog allowing reader reviews and tags, linking Google for full text and an image of the dust jacket - real promotional stuff. I also think one of the major functions of library websites should be for access to media in non-physical formats, like podcasts for instruction, eAudiobooks, downloadable video, and quick help support for new webpage designs.
On the other hand, since my niece is 3000 miles away from home, Facebook has become a lifeline between us, letting me easily see she's alive and well without her having to call or email, and letting her see what's going on with the family at home. Maybe its not that we have too little to be able to communicate with each other, but too much! I could use Skype! Sending her a Facebook message is usually the only way I can contact her when I absolutely have to get through to her, but I use private messages and only write publicly on her wall when I need peer pressure to shame her into doing something (like telling us when she will be visiting the states again). I've even been "friended" by a few of her friends. I use Facebook for purely social reasons. For library outreach or professional contacts ... I agree with many others ... I don't see the point. If the library Facebook advocates want to sing to something besides the choir, maybe they need to chat about their successes, experiences, and projects on lists, instead of creating Facebook groups. The folks who need convincing are the ones who aren't on Facebook.
You bring up a lot of good points. I find myself asking similar questions when it comes to Facebook and libraries, esp. wondering how many institutions are having success in their experiments.
I guess it really comes down to what is success? If success means that every user will fan your library page, good luck. But if it means you reach some (even just a few?) users you would otherwise not, is that not worth it?
I'm glad you brought up blogs for specific topics. Like any blog, if your library group/page on Facebook is consistent and interesting, people will listen.
I'm not sure if I am convinced Facebook in libraries will be a huge hit but I am excited to see what innovative libraries do with it; however, I agree with your Web 2.0 comment: whatever Facebooking libraries do, they need to do it soon or it may be passé, as you put it.
Very relevant post!
Posted by: Gerrit | May 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM