Cast your net on the WWW...

Most everybody these days either has a presence on a social networking site such as Facebook or MySpace (or has at least heard of them!). These sites are most commonly used for personal use - sharing photos, news, opinions, and keeping in touch. But there are also opportunities through these forums for public institutions such as libraries to increase their visibility and expand their customer service options.

As recently noted by blogger Seb Chan of the Powerhouse Museum (http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/dmsblog/index.php/2008/03/11/applying-a-new-social-media-framework-from-forresters-to-the-cultural-sector/), social networking sites can support five key business functions, all of which are applicable in the library context:

1. Research - who uses the library and why, what services are working well, what new services would patrons like?
2. Marketing - promotion of library services and events
3. Sales - attracting new members
4. Support - provide a forum for customer feedback
5. Development - new schemes, programs and services can be advertised among members and fans

A presence on social networking sites such as Facebook benefits not only the library itself but also its members. Such pages act as a virtual meeting point for like-minded individuals and can build friendships and networks (social networking does indeed have SOCIAL benefits!!).

It does seem strange to me, however, that even in the face of such potential benefits, many employers still prohibit the use or accessing of social networking sites during work hours or from staff computers. Clearly recognition of the wide uses of these sites for professional purposes still has some way to go!