Week 3 Questions

Look at how productive I'm being!

Week 3 done already. I guess that's what happens when you're getting ready for vacation and know how the next couple of weeks will be.

Anyway, the questions:

• How can social networking be used by MLA to connect members

I think that these sites are very useful tools. I already belong to all three sites (though my MySpace account is languishing) and I've found that they have easily put me back in touch with folks I haven't seen for a while. They also help keep existing connections thriving. I will say that I'm not sure how useful these sites are at forming new connections.

• Should your library have a Facebook or MySpace page?

We already have a Facebook page. I think it makes the library staff happier than anyone now, but it doesn't hurt anything. I work the medical students, and I don't think they care too much about it now. It'll be interesting over the next couple of years to see if that changes.

• Are there privacy concerns for individuals when using social networking sites.

You just need to keep in mind how public these pages are. Don't include information that you don't want everyone (or even just your work colleagues) knowing about. Don't hold a private conversation on your walls unless you want an audience. Just use common sense.

• What did you like or not like about your experience with Facebook or MySpace.

I enjoy them. I'm not living on my pages like people said I might - maybe there's a longer incubation period than I originally thought.