How can social networking be used by libraries? If I were in library school, I could write a paper on this subject.
Technology with staff: Since people have several ways of learning, social networking allows us to train staff visually, aurally, and by touch to use whatever learning method a person needs. Use podcasting or YouTube to teach new techniques, to explain shelving to pages and volunteers, to engage staff rather than to disconnect them. Use GoogleDocs to share and update documents in real time. Prepare staff for promotions by creatively using Facebook, Twitter, etc. to present a good image and to show off your skills to prospective employers or your current employer. Keep up with trends without having to wait for LJ to come in the mail. Open the technology box to keep the staff who will be employeed at the library in the years to come.
Technology with patrons: Inform, educate and excite patrons with Twitter, Facebook, podcasts, webcasts, Flickr, YouTube. Make the library the creative place to hang out and to volunteer. Increase outreach with a zero online budget. The 24/7 library is now a reality. Make people want to be there.
