Social networking

The merits and de-merits of social networking have been trawled through a million times over and have been the subject of much debate. I'm on twitter and I wasn't on Facebook until a few minutes ago (that always feels like a startling confession to make!).  The background to it is this: what started out as it not really feeling necessary some years ago snowballed into having to stick to what seemed like a decision based on a preference for relative anonymity. The truth is, since friends have moved abroad for work and such I have thought about signing up, but am afraid. Very good reasons for being afraid are outlined in this article that was mentioned in the latest 23things update : it is a minefield, people...  Apart from common sense, a good rule of thumb, I find, is that you learn the etiquette of a community by sticking your foot in it repeatedly. Not to mention the maintenance aspects of every new thing you set up: a work blog, email acc, private email and twitter account, google reader crammed with RSS feeds, college email and portal (including a distinctly facebook-like e-portfolio) to check on a regular basis. But in the spirit of trying new things (and a little curiosity) I have now signed up with a test account. Regarding a library facebook page - it might be a good way to keep students in the loop - if you can get them on board and tackle some old library stereotypes. Regarding twitter - I'm not sure to be honest how this can be used for our library. I think tweets (and blog posts) are best with either a personal dimension or else alot of new projects and events to tweet about. I was following the New York Public library but unfollowed because of the amount of stuff received. Striking the balance between enough and too many is again key! Anyway, its the Friday of a bank hollier, this is all too heavy. Have a hungover owl.