Social Networking - What libraries could do best

If your information/computer services allows social networking applications they could be extremely useful for librarians in a hospital or academic environment. I can see potential for quality improvement projects, Magnet committees and for general hospital programs for staff to be involved in with different shift work.

I think most libraries should have a MySpace or Facebook page if the technology is accessible within their systems. In addition I think any librarians that have access to the technology and also serving consumer health should most definitely have a presence.

I think as individuals we have a responsibility for what we put on the internet just as we have a responsibility of what we say and do. I think too many parent shut kids off in their rooms with computers. In reality "they" not the government or other entities need to monitor what their children are doing. Of course the very fact that we could "make up" whatever we wanted and NOT use our real names to create these online personalities is a problem. However can you turn back the clock - no. Parents just have to teach their kids not to do stupid things. Of course that is all a part of learning as well.

I didn't like the fact that I could have created something that wasn't real. That scares me and makes it so easy to see how evil people can use these systems. It makes me wonder if we should promote them but on the other hand they are going to use them.

I will have to think on these things more.