Social Networking Web 2.0 Facebook Project

Facebook logo by AJC1 with CC license: some rights reserved

This week for my Social Networking Web 2.o project, I explored a lot of alternate resources suggested in the assignment. I checked out stumbled upon it and truly like this source of information. This is one resource that aids one a lot like Delicious in being an information resource. It is very handy to know about. I also checked out Linked In which I already have an account with. I checked out the Facebook app, yet prefer not to have this on my Facebook page as this is not business. It is social and I like to keep the two separate. Next, I checked out Plaxo

which hosts its own ecards. Plaxo is a resource that assists in organizing your address book information. If one were to have that many business contacts, then this would be a very handy resource. Yahoo 360 is no longer open. I do utilize Yahoo Mail service and use the home website for the search engine and have also enjoyed utilizing their directories. However, I do not use their My Page. It seems to serve me little. I did use the Instant Message system for a time; however, they developed the IM into their mail system and it is no longer necessary to use the IM outside of it, so I do not have this software downloaded anymore. This provides added memory space. Utterli is in the middle of changing their website; though, I am following them through Twitter. Remember the Milk is simply adorable. It is a to do list that may be used through apps at other resources. Reddit hosts information posted across the nation. It is quite utilizable in keeping up on what is "hot" socially. I did check out the three linked libraries in the assignment, one of which has an app. Okay, I am going to try and cut the rest of this short. I looked up all of the other resources listed. Ravalry, BakeSpace, and BirdPosts were a complete hit with me. Now on to the others-I have to say that I hate chaos and with so many different resources out there, there appears to be a lot of clutter.

Twitter logo by Andriano Gasparri with CC license: some rights reserved

My biggest concern is authentication. There is a site called patientslikeme. I have to wonder who is giving recommendations or advice. My concern goes along with the concerns for Wikipedia. I think authentication should be something that websites of such nature should be required to have. I understand free enterprise and also understand that needs creates invention. My overall concern is the chaos, source of authority, validity, and security. With so many apps out there, I tend to be leery of trying something that is not the rave. Even then, I question. I think website evaluation should be included along with app exploration. Some of the apps only have a vague front page that require starting an account before one truly knows what one is getting themselves into. So those are the main questions that I pose.

I did read the difference between a group and a page from mashable social media. This is very good at keeping one up on the latest social media releases. I have a profile on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gibbs1. I joined the following groups on Facebook: Anne of Green Gables Fans, Beta Gamma Zeta Phi Theat Kappa, Beverly Lewis books, Logansport High School Class of 1987, and the Official Facebook Page Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I also have a Twitter account at http://twitter.com/#!/Tamara_Libr105. I am following several there as well. I have been comparing the differences between Twitter and Facebook. I see the value in Twitter for broadcasting. However, I think Facebook wins hands down on social networking. I joined the Libr 105 group and kept in contact with group members regarding class projects. This aids in reducing anxiety as one may discover how one is faring in relationship to other classmates. It appears that I am not lagging and am right on track! I have also had the benefit of observing catalog apps that may be an item that I could have to place into consideration in the future as I pursue my library science degree further.

What I like most about Facebook is that this is where everyone is. I had a Myspace account, yet all my friends are on Facebook. If you want to find someone, then Facebook is the place to look. I like that the chat and message service is right on the same page. Newsfeeds and privacy may be customized to accommodate the individual. I use this site to stay in touch with my classmates and family. Its nice to keep up on friends and their accomplishments educational, occupational, and new additions to their immediate family. One aspect that I enjoy about Facebook is that one may now friend someone for game apps without adding to their Facebook friend list. This is of benefit to those who wish to enjoy new found friends without risk of personal information being revealed. I also am enjoying the Spotify and have looked up many types of music in my adventures of not only social media though also music genre. One example would be symphonic metal which combines Gothic and Opera with modern instrumentation for a rather interesting representation of Scandinavian music which I have long been entranced with. I am looking forward to the new Timeline that is due to come out soon.
My public library does not have a Facebook page; however, the library in which I served my practicum does. It may be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delphi-Public-Library/188979794516341. They have recently updated their page to commercial site. This affects the way in which one receives newsfeeds. I keep closer track of their page through Google Reader than with the Facebook page due to the status of only being a "fan" and not a friend. The Delphi Public Library uses the website to keep patrons up-to-date on scheduled events as well as posting interesting facts of the day. New releases would be an item that would attract patrons. This is something that would aid in promotion of the library and their services. It also hosts location information for people to access the actual facility itself. Mashups could be used to assist patrons in understanding the layout of the library which would aid in retrieval time being shortened with the knowledge of floor plan available. Apps for OPAC information could also be made available as some have already established. Various other apps could also be made accessible to patrons through their Facebook page and broaden the scope of the library's collection with electronic resources.
Overall, this has been a rather enjoyable project. It has taken me into worlds that I might otherwise not probe. It has walked me through the chaos of congested web traffic and made key attractions represented and drawn to my attention. I have examined the difference between tweets and posted notes. I see each as a valuable contribution to social media, yet would foresee sources with different appeal for different uses and practicalities. I have also examined several apps and see the benefit that they could serve a library. Social media not only provides an outreach to online patrons, it could also extend the library collection through the many applications that could be utilized to serve. I have finished this project with a new understanding of social media and its many benefits and continue to reflect upon the potential that it possesses therein.

Here is a video that I found rather interesting and may lead you to further investigation:

New Social Media Not So New by Standford University