LIS 9763

I think that it is important for libraries to have a presence on the major social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook because these modes of communication are growing rapidly in popularity.  As stated in Stutzman (2006), the vast majority of post-secondary students are using Facebook to connect with friends and colleagues.  Teenagers are also a very large user group for these sites.  While, usage is currently much more dominant in these younger age groups than with older adults, it is not likely to stay this way because as these current users get older, they are going to continue using social networking as a communication tool, which will eventually expand usage to all age groups.  Even without this expansion, there is still sufficient use of these site for communication that the library should be paying attention to it.  To not do so would be like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand in order to avoid what it fears -- and we all know that just because you can't see something, doesn't mean that it's not there.
Social networking is a valid form of communication and the libraries should consider utilizing this technology, the same way that any library should have a telephone number, an e-mail address, and a website.  By providing the maximum ways for library patrons to contact a librarian, the library can reach a much larger community.
I was particularly impressed with the Facebook site for Hennepin County Library because they included library news updates, a forum for community members to have discussions, a connection to the catalogue, and direct access to librarians using a chat program.  This library has the ability to reach users where they are.  The site provides an additional access point to library services for users that enjoy spending time using social networking tools.