Assignment: Social Networking

To begin, peruse some of the social networking sites discussed in the introduction. Take a look around Facebook, LinkedIn, and Ning (in particular, lawlibraries.ning.com).

1. Select a network that appeals to you and follow the steps to create a profile. If you already use one of the networks, this is an opportunity to explore a new one. While working on your profile, don't forget to customize your profile's privacy settings to your comfort level!
2. Use the search features of the network to find colleagues, friends, or family members on the network and connect to some of them. Optional: use the network's messaging feature to post a message on the profile of one of your new connections, or send one of them a private message through the network.
3. Take a look at the ways the network connects those with similar interests. Try to find and join some groups or pages in your network that match your professional or personal interests.
4. (Optional) If you're feeling daring and have permission, consider creating an institutional presence for your library at the social networking site you have chosen. These features vary from service to service, so have a look at what other libraries are doing if you need ideas.
5. Blog your thoughts about your exploration of social networking sites. Some possible questions to explore: What did you enjoy about it? What made you uncomfortable? What opportunities do you see in social networking professionally or personally? How might your patrons react to a library presence at a social networking site? What drawbacks or roadblocks do you foresee? How do you feel about the privacy and security issues associated with social networking?