MySpace, Social Networking and Its Impact on Library Services : MySpace, Social Networking and Its Impact on Library Services John Houser Senior Technology Consultant, PALINET 800-233-3401


What is Social Software: What is Social Software The term Social Software refers to a range of web-enabled software programs that allow users to interact and work collaboratively with other users. It includes the ability to browse, search, invite friends to connect and interact, share film reviews, comments, blog entries, favorites, discussions, events, videos, ratings, music, classified ads, tag and classify information and more.


Nature of Social Networking: Examples of Social Software: Nature of Social Networking My Space Facebook Flickr Blogs Wikis Second Life Ebay IM (ICQ, Skype, AOL) Geocities.com Digg Role Playing Games Linked-In


Motivations for  Social Networking: Motivations for Social Networking Anticipated Reciprocity - contribute valuable information; expect that one will receive useful help and information in return Increased Recognition - individuals want recognition for their contributions Sense of efficacy – contributors believe that they have had some effect on this environment or community From "The Economies of Online Cooperation: Gifts and Public Goods in Cyberspace", Peter Kollock, 1999


Role of Librarians: Role of Librarians Librarians can use social software as a way to Market library services Provide useful links and information Share photos and information about library and community events Share the opinions or expertise of staff members and humanize them Create a constant, two-way dialog with customers Create a collaborative Web space Supplement distance learning activities


Role of Librarians: Role of Librarians Librarians can use social software as a way to Support just-in-time reference, since students may find it easier and more comfortable to communicate with a librarian through this medium than in traditional ways Provide the means to learn more about students, which can help libraries better meet their needs


Impact on Librarians: Impact on Librarians Librarians interested in utilizing social software tools will need A small amount of training to become familiar with tools Support from administration (time, tools) Input from colleagues Technical support (but only of tools are used in unconventional, customized ways)


Three Key Sites: Three Key Sites MySpace Facebook LinkedIn


MySpace: MySpace MySpace is an organized online community where users can personalize their interests and activities on the Web. http://www.myspace.com/


Facebook: Facebook “Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.” http://www.facebook.com/


LinkedIn: LinkedIn “LinkedIn is an online network of more than 14 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.” http://www.linkedin.com/


Recommendations: Recommendations Create guidelines for online participation Review safety procedures with staff, students, and patrons Generate conversation to disclose any issues Discuss your brand—how do you want to portray your library? Is this account for a specific purpose or group within your library? Define your audience Who will you accept as a friend? Who will you try to add as a friend?


Keys for Online Safety: Keys for Online Safety Encourage conversation about MySpace and Facebook with staff, faculty, students, and patrons Do not publicly post your full name, address, phone number, IM, hangouts, etc. Remember, these are public spaces MySpace members must be 14 years of age or older Must be 18 for LinkedIn Must be 13 or in college for Facebook People should not lie about their age, but the fact is—they do Change passwords often Do not post anything that you don’t want others to see or know Harassment, hate speech and inappropriate content should be reported


Keys for Online Safety: Keys for Online Safety Beware of Phishing (Phishing is a method used by fraudsters to try to get your personal information, such as your username and password, by pretending to be a site you trust. ) For more information: http://www.onguardonline.gov/phishing.html Always look at the URL of the page you are directed to login to make sure that it stays in MySpace, prior to login Make sure Windows and Flash are updated. People are not always who they say they are. Be careful about adding strangers to your friends list; remember, it is OK to deny a friend request


Internet Safety Resources: Internet Safety Resources OnGuard Online: FTC safety tips Internet Crime Complaint Center Netsmartz.org SafeTeens.com WebWiseKids.org BlogSafety.Com Common Sense Media SafeFamilies.org


MySpace Resources: MySpace Resources MySpace Safety http://www.myspace.com/Modules/Common/Pages/SafetyTips.aspx MySpace FAQ http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=misc.faq MySpace Privacy http://www.myspace.com/Modules/Common/Pages/Privacy.aspx MySpace Terms and Conditions http://www.myspace.com/Modules/Common/Pages/TermsConditions.aspx


Thank You!: Thank You! Thank you for your time today. Slides will be available at http://blog.palinet.org/dt Any Questions?