Social networking

Online social networking is another tool that I just don't use in my personal life. I am constantly wanting more interaction with the few people I already know, and it is hard to find time to do even that. Also, guiltily, I am more of a voyeur.

That said, as I look for new ideas for the workplace I can see how being part of a social network would be very helpful- to share information and ideas with like minded people.

A lot of creative thinking can generate from informal interactions and that is the most inspiring part of social networking. People are pro-actively participating and expressing themselves. We can't ignore the popularity of the medium...people feel very comfortable online and that freedom produces a creative environment. Libraries should have a presence in these networks because of their popularity, and because of the ease with which people use them.

There is huge potential for empowerment through sharing resources and contributing to ideas using social networks.