Social Networking for Libraries

My first thought was why would a library want to create a profile on MySpace or Facebook? Teens are looking for their friends and wouldn't give a second glance at a library. Then one Sunday, my pastor read the passage about Paul becoming all things to all people in order to spread the gospel. That got me thinking that maybe that is a library's mission,too: to go where people are and become relevant in their lives. I appreciate Meredith Farkas' observation that merely having a site isn't enough--the library needs to show its importance. We as librarians are so familiar with our services, and we don't always realize that many people don't fully understand all we have to offer. For teens to feel empowered by being able to suggest materials for libraries to purchase--priceless! For people to realize we can get materials for them from outside our library system free of charge--another shining moment! I think we need to do all we can to spread the message about all the wonderful and free resources and programs available at the library. That's more good news people need to hear!