Social networking

On a personal level this is the one area we've looked at in all the library 2.0 training that leaves me cold. I can understand the attraction of Facebook etc if you are geographically isolated but it eludes me why people near each other would choose to spend hours on the computer rather than visiting or even talking on the phone. I must be getting old!!!!!
However, I can see that if we want IT savvy people to engage with libraries, then we have to meet them where they are. Some of the library, museum and art gallery sites on Facebook, Bebo and My Space are quite good and I can see that they really promote these services well, plus allowing people the chance to give feedback or just talk to staff etc. It would take a commitment of resources (especially staff time) to set these sites up and maintain them. The key is keeping them current, interesting and eye catching or they actually work to the detriment of the organisation. I would be reluctant to take this on in our library unless the process is properly resourced and budgeted for each year. That way we know that someone will be working on it constantly and we will always present a good image. If we can do that, then these applications have great potential for us and keep us more relevant in an increasingly technological world.
Note: Second Life, Avatars etc - I am definitely the wrong person to comment on these. I try hard to understand the attraction but have to admit I've failed miserably. Good luck to those of you addicted to this pastime. I'm sure you enjoy yourselves immensely. I'm quite happy with my social contact person to person and I get great enjoyment from a good book!
This is the end of the library 2.0 training for me. I've found the program to be excellent. I was nervous at the start but have found it all extremely informative, well structured and enjoyable, except for the immense stress involved in actually choosing what to put on this blog. Congrats to the State Library for offering it. I feel I am more comfortable with some of these new technologies than my own children (who are in their early 20s) so a big thank you for allowing me the chance to develop this knowledge. Please don't remove these links from your website for a while. If I can't remember what something is called or where to go to find it, I just get onto the library 2.0 website and it is all set out for me. Au revoir!