Social Networking - Week 7

As part of Manukau Libraries Learning 2.0 I have been having a look at the social networking sites of Bebo, MySpace and Facebook.

Firstly, I looked at the Bebo page set up by an Auckland City Libraries' staff member. Quite a lot to it and interesting to look at.

It makes me think back to when people had 'pen pals' in other countries and would write to each other, sometimes becoming good friends. Pen pals had to have similar interests and write to each other fairly regularly for it to work. Sometimes pen pals would eventually meet each other in person. I think it is similar with social networking.

But there is more to these social networking sites. They are like scrapbooks that people put their photos on, quizzes, favourite music/bands, videos on YouTube, widgets or anything that is of interest to them.

Then once your website is set up, people view your website and can become your 'friends' (as long as you are happy with that). Friends add their comments and photos and so it goes. A person can have hundreds maybe even thousands of friends added to their website.

These social networking sites are popular with teenage and young people who find it a great way to communicate with friends from all over the world.

The Hennepin County Library is a good example of a library making use of the social networking site Facebook. It would appeal to young people who use social networking sites and also enjoy reading. It is possible for Book Club readers to post lists of favourite books for discussion, share lists and see what other clubs are reading.

The catalog of the Hennepin County Library can be added to your website or blog, and like other social networking sites, you can become a friend, add comments or upload photos and videos. This Library has 1,125 fans already!