Evaluating the Need for Social Spaces on the Internet in Libraries

"Social networking for the sake of social networking just doesn't cut it. Put simply, we want more from SNS-enabled site than association. If we're going to invest our time into a SNS site, make it worth our while. Make it a game, make it entertaining, make it useful - but don't expect us to come if you think its enough to browse our friends profiles."*

Several months ago, my library director asked me to create a MYSPACE page for the library system (http://www.myspace.com/lamarcountylibrarysystem). Instead of questioning the decision - as I had done so many times before, I quietly complied, created the account (without a single course of direction or purpose as to why) and once I was done, sent an email informing all staff.

A few people have visited the site since then but it wasn't until two weeks ago that anyone even "asked to be our friend". Since its conception, I am the only one who has posted any information. With my regular job duties including but not limited to handling IT issues (e.g., servers, Internet connectivity), along with maintaining the main library website (http://www.lamar.lib.ms.us/) and three of the four branch-level sites, I really didn't have time for such. So the important questions then and now are:

(a) "What exactly was the purpose for this space?"
(b) "Why did we need a MYSPACE account?"
(c) "Who will continue its 'maintenance' in my upcoming departure?"

Without a clear course of direction, technology decisions are often made hastening by public library administrators - who sometimes override their IT staff - in pursue of a cool, yet ultimately "time-consuming and later costly" idea. In the case of my director, she (and a few of her friends) had MYSPACE pages, so that meant the library needed one as well!!! Huh???

In the case of rural public libraries, "reactive" technology decisions are quite costly and implementing a social space is a technology decision. Coolness has never been a good determinant.

Here are a few questions to think about if your organization is seriously considering starting/implementing social spaces.

(1) Is there an audience? Who? How large is that audience?
(2) What are you aiming for through this "social space" (e.g. purpose)?
(3) Are your staff comfortable with technology in general? with the Internet? with social networking sites? They may or may not be as familiar as you might think they are. Will they adapt to such technology?
(4) Who will be responsible for maintenance? Can you afford a staff member spending their time on this?
(5) What is the organization's future course of direction concerning technology, especially in regard to social spaces? In other words, if implementing social spaces is not in your technology plan, then why do it?

Additional Readings:

Crider, J., & Farmer, J. (2007, Spring) Lamar County Library System's Experience with Thin-Client Computing. Mississippi Libraries, 7(1), 21-24. Available online at http://www.misslib.org/

Stephens, M. (2004, November 11). Technoplans vs. Technolust: A well-thought-out technology plan can help libraries stay on course. Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/

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*Social Networking: Five Sites You Need to Know About. Retrieved July 26, 2007, from http://chimprawk.blogspot.com/2006/06/social-networking-five-sites-you-need.html
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