Thing #7: Social Networking

Social Networking

We’ve all heard the term “Social Networking”. They even made a movie about it! What is it? How does it work? Is it just for teens?

For a quick explanation, watch this video Social Networking In Plain English, from CommonCraft.

Social Networking is an online service that allows its users to build communities by connecting with others who share similar interests. These communities provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as status updates, instant messaging, or comments. Some allow users to add pictures, slideshows, audio and video clips, and even play games and quizzes. In short, social networks are about connecting people and interacting with each other.

Examples include:

• Facebook: one of the most-visited websites, A social utility that connects people, to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos. Facebook has over 500 million users. Find out more about Facebook here.
• Linkedin: the world’s largest professional network. Geared toward the workplace and managing your professional profile, Linkedin has over 80 million members. Find out more about Linkedin here.
• WebJunction: an online community where library staff gather to learn. WebJunction offers free resources on library management, technology and services; online webinars, courses and instructional materials; and discussions with other library staff. Find out more about WebJunction here.

Other social networking sites include MySpace, Bebo, Orkut, and Ning.


Online Privacy

Online communities are not without their risks and problems. Privacy is a very real concern to many people as they decide whether or not to join an online community. CommonCraft’s Protecting Reputations Online in Plain English offers some common-sense guidelines.


Libraries and Social Networking

Libraries can use social networks to market their services. The library’s page can include your contact information, opening hours, program information, photos and more. See David Lee King’s blog post, Why do Librarians use Facebook? See how some of our libraries use social networking by clicking here and visiting their sites.


Thing #7 Activity: Join a Social Networking Site

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select one of these social networking sites and join by completing their on-screen instructions:

• Facebook
• To join, click here.
• Linked In
• To join, click here.
• WebJunction
• To join, click here.

NOTE: If you already have an account with one these sites, or any other social networking site, you can skip to #2.

2. On the blog you created in Thing #4, please add a new post giving the name of the social networking site you joined and why selected that one.  Remember to tag your post "Thing 7"!


Optional Additional Resources:

Facebook

Here’s a link to Facebook’s Help Center. For more information, see Mashable’s Facebook Guide Book.


Linked In

Here’s the Linkedin New User Starter Guide. Visit the Linkedin Learning Center to learn about site features. Linkedin also offers free webinars for its users.


WebJunction

Here’s the WebJunction Getting Started Guide. Visit the WebJunction User Guide to learn about the site features. Help can be found here.