Social Networking

American Corner TrainingSetembro- 2009

INTRODUCTION

The practice of using a social network to establish and enhance

relationships based on some common ground—shared interests,

related skills, or a common geographic location—is as old as

human societies, but social networking has flourished due to the

ease of connecting on the Web.

INTRODUCTION

Past: Web 1.0 – site connection

Present: Web 2.0 – people connection

Future: Web 3.0 – data connection

INTRODUCTION

Past: Companies control (TV, Radio)

Present: People control (Internet)

Most popular tools

and numbers

Facebook: around 330 million (Brazil - 1,3 million)

Orkut: around 70 million of users (Brazil - 24 million)

Twitter: around 52 million (Brazil - 8,3 million)

Youtube: more than 100 million videos

Social Media and Libraries

The social Web is not being built by augmenting traditional Web sites with new tools. And a social library will not be created by implementing a list of social software features on our current sites. The social Web is being created by opening the doors to the production of the Web, dismantling the current structures and inviting users in to create their content and establish new rules. (OCLC, 2007; 8-8)

Why Facebook?

General GrowthMore than 300 million active users 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older

International GrowthMore than 65 translations available on the site About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States

MobileThere are more than 65 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.

Why Facebook?

Librarians and Facebook GroupMore than 11000 members

Library Applications GroupHas over 4700 members

JSTOR Search:The ability to search JSTOR from within Facebook. A link to JSTOR is included in your profile.

LibGuides Librarian:If your library uses Springshare’s LibGuides subject guides maker for libraries(http://demo.libguides.com/), this application allows you to display your guides in your Facebook profile and also provides a search of your library’s catalogue.

Why Facebook?Facebook Librarian:This application is essentially a virtual librarian service which provides links to books and other resources. There is also an “Ask a Librarian” service which means you can list yourself as a librarian and be available to answer queries.

Books iRead:This application is supposedly the most popular book application on Facebook and it lets you share a virtual bookshelf of titles you are currently reading, those you want to read, those you have read in the past, and books you won’t read. You can also rate titles and list books you own as well as highlight your favourite books. You can also check out your friends’ reads, and view new books added to the quickly-growing collection of 2.8 million books.

Why Facebook?

Bookshare:This is a similar book sharing application that allows you to list books that you own, like or love. You can rate books, add reviews and mark books are being available to borrow by others. Various Library Catalogues are available for searching from within Facebook including:

COPAC Search:The ability to search the union catalogue COPAC from within Facebook. A link to COPAC is included on your profile.

European Library SearchWorld Cat Search

Why Orkut?

Is the most popular social network in Brazil

A lot of communities related to library science and librarians

http://www.orkut.com.br/Main#CommMsgs?cmm=5152554&tid=2426204260046175065

Why Twitter?Think of it as a stream of mini blog posts

Think of it as an interesting news feed

Widen your network

Learn, Teach

Twitter is one more way to extend your name and brand visibility

Become conversant in rapidly-developing technology

Libraries on Facebook

Library of Congress

Brooklyn Public Library

Chicago Public Library

American Corners

Libraries on TwitterLibrary of Congress

NY Public Library

ALA Library

American Corners

How to Effectively Use Social NetworksSocial networks are so greatA wonderful place to meet and mateBut there are a few simple rulesTo make them really an effective toolVirtual communities are made of live peopleEach one is different—they are not equalSo if you want a social network to embracePut details of your life right in their facePlace tons of information in your profile pageYour interests, hobbies, links, and books—not just your age!Upload the videos and photos that you tookAnd pictures of yourself—so people know how you look…

….I said it before, and I’ll repeat it hereThe borders online are not always clear

I think it’s a good thing, that on Flickr resideProfessional and personal pictures side by side

People like to connect with others who are openIf you allow them into your world, you will be well spoken

A rich profile is a sign that you’re socially awareSo show them all of our faces, don’t be scared!

Source: Dror Gill, “How to Effectively Use Social Networks”