Activity #1
I created a facebook account a couple of weeks ago and I must say this can be very addictive. I heard about facebook and myspace, at library conferences and by our new University Librarian but I wasn’t ready to get involved. My sons also have myspace accounts and my older son hasa facebook account as well. When I mentioned “facebook” they were really surprised I knew about it.
I actually waited until I was invited into “facebook” and ever since then, I’m been busy finding lost school friends and colleagues. It’s actually surprising how many of my friends are not on facebook. However, I was able to find one of my friends from my high school and was even more suprised to see my high school network group devoted to the year I graduated. I quickly joined several groups and I’m thinking this is a great way to keep in touch.
I joined several library groups including ACRL, ARL, OLA and Librarians on Facebook. I was also invited to join the “Way Back Play Back” group that focuses on music when vinyl records were the way to go and very cool.
I also have a LinkedIn account that I was also invited to join. This one is less FUN but more professional. I did see a few McMaster librarians but not too many. In LinkedIn, I had an invitation from someone who wanted to add me in their network BUT I never heard for him/her. I couldn’t tell from the message if this person was a he or she. Not knowing if I had just not remembered him/her I emailed for more information. It turns out we did NOT know each other but we passed very similar lives….. We both went to the same University, were involved in the same campus activities, worked for the government than the same library BUT at different times. It was a very interesting experience. I still don’t know if the person is male or female and I don’t think I will ever know.
As a professional tool, I think LinkedIn is great because it can be a good way to network and for referrals. I have already made some really good connections and when a tough business question comes my way, I now know I have several options including contacting someone from this network.
Facebook on the other-hand is a lot of fun and a good way of keeping up with friends and colleagues. It’s a bit distracting however, when I get an email update for any changes or additions on my account. I know I can turn this feature off and I probably will.
Jeannie
