Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Libraries and Social Media

Photo from news.cnet.com 


What does the future of social media and libraries look like?  I really think it's about continuing to develop an online presence no matter what medium is being used.  In a few years, Twitter or Facebook may have stepped aside and a new social media giant will have taken their place.  I don't think that will matter to librarians because they will constantly learn new technologies and use them to reach out to their patrons or potential patrons.

The future is about staying current and not getting frustrated or overwhelmed by new technology.  It's about trying new things and engaging your patrons in new environments as well.  It's about book clubs using Skype, librarians teaching patrons how to use the OPAC through webinars, it's about e-books and libraries as a place in not just a physical space.  It's about creating virtual libraries and helping others find them, use them, love them.