I had my reservations when I began reading Reaching Students with Facebook: Data and Best Practices – my first thought was, ‘Oh no, not another lame page to follow on FB.’ I was a fan of the TPL on Facebook (when I was still on FB) and as much as I heart the library system they weren’t winning me over with their sad page with minimal updates and activity*. But it soon became apparent that the authors were promoting a more personalized approach on Facebook as opposed to the ‘corporate’ approach. Again, reservations – probably because I’m thinking of the librarian in the public library system. Should he/she seriously consider inviting patrons to view his/her profile and then add them? The readings that we’ve looked at are aimed at academic librarians who are dealing with a different target user group and it definitely makes sense for them to have a FB presence. I’m not suggesting that public librarians shouldn’t be on FB, they might just have to participate in a different manner, ie. by monitoring and updating the (fan) page. Basically, we’re back to the point about what works for one library (or target group) doesn’t necessarily work for another, or works differently for another library/target group.
Role-playing time:
I’m an academic librarian and I’ve already got my personal profile on FB. Like most people I’ve put up pictures taken while traveling; pictures of my family,friends, and pets; and pictures taken during social (and sometimes slightly debaucherous) events. I’ve been reading articles that suggest I reach out to students using FB and I think it’s a great idea. Except now I’m a little self-conscious of what’s up on my profile. Do I try and be “authentic” and not change a thing? Or do I dive in and do some editing before adding students? Or do I set up a new account (using my work email address) and create a more polished profile presenting the good, clean, wholesome librarian (with friends who promise to only write smart and witty things on my wall)? Hmmm…
Connecting co-op and coursework (sort of):
Yes, at first I wasn’t for the idea of librarians being all librarian-y on Facebook (or the SNC of your choice). But I started to wonder if my co-op experience would be any different if I was on FB, or maybe an internal SNC, and able to network/communicate with** other people at my organization. And I think it would make a difference. I’ve only been at this library for two months and I know most of the regulars by sight – I only know a handful of names. And there are some clients (that’s what we’re supposed to call them) who come in everyday but probably have no idea who I am because they never make any eye contact. Will Facebook solve my problems and allow me to buddy-buddy up to everyone? Not likely. But it may help create a sense of familiarity and get my name and face out there. So maybe if Scientist B sees my response to a quick reference question on Scientist A’s wall, he/she might message me to ask for some help, or maybe even come by the library to SEE me! (And it would probably make me feel less removed from the organization.)
And I’m always amazed by how many students at my school are completely incapable of finding the library Web site. No, it’s not on the front page of the University’s Web site, but it’s not that difficult to find! However, I bet they’d have a heck of a lot more luck finding our library’s profile in MySpace or Facebook (if we had one).
- Farkas
I hear that! There have been server changes and website issues at work and as a result the library’s “site” is no longer external and is only available via our Intranet. Are people able to find our catalogue? Of course not. Many think they have to come into the library to access the catalogue and our e-resources when it’s actually accessible via their desktops. (I’d say slap a button on the Intranet homepage linking to the catalogue but then I met someone who hadn’t accessed the Intranet even once.) Clearly, we’re in need of portals.
*This may have changed – and I hope it has.
**ie. Facebook stalk
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Links:
LiveJournal – Toronto Student Community – An online community at it’s best (and worst); it’s super active and often incredibly helpful despite the trolls.
MySpace – London Public Library – Though there don’t seem to be any/many comments I like the fact that the blogs and content are updated regularly. And apparently after being mentioned on the library’s MySpace, the band Harry and the Potters offered to do a free show at LPL. So even if your patrons aren’t checking you out, someone else might be…
Lamebook – Where FaceBook fails are rightfully mocked