I hate Myspace. I hate how ugly and unorganized it is. I hate how music starts playing automatically every time I open a new page. I hate how 50% of the time my browser crashes because Myspace requires too much memory. I went to the Denver Public Library Myspace and was not particularly impressed. It looks like most of the recent comments are from authors and publishers just looking for promotion. I'm sure that's not what the Denver Library intended originally, but that's what Myspace has turned into. The Hennepin County Public Libray Myspace was pretty much the same, they even had the same "books" thanking them for the friend! Library 2.0 should be about interacting with library communities and patrons not about promoting James Patterson's new Young Adult novel. I think for Myspace to be successful as an Outreach tool it needs to be carefully maintained and moderated.
I already have a Facebook so I didn't feel the need to make a new one. I definitely prefer Facebook to Myspace. The site is well constructed with an uncluttered design and straightforward functions. While there are still spammers and fake accounts on Facebook, it's not really as annoying as it is on Myspace. There are tighter friend controls on Facebook so you can choose exactly who can view your profile and pictures. Facebook also works much better for communities and event invitations. It's super easy to find and join groups about your interests. Also the messaging and forum features are much more functional than on Myspace.
I think Facebook definitely has the advantage over Myspace for reaching teen library patrons. For young adult programming especially, Facebook could be a great way to let teens know about what's going on at the library and really get them interesting in library groups and programs. But like Meredith Farkas writes, it will take more than just putting up a profile page on Myspace or Facebook to reach teens. These library pages need to actually reach out and interact with young adults. The most successful group pages and blogs encourage conversation among users.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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