LT130 Libraries and Social Media (Spring 2017)

Social Networking and Libraries

by Jennifer Ellis

image credit Tim Robberts/Taxi/Getty Images

"The central tension between libraries and social networks is simple: a social network gains usefulness when you are identifiable (people know who you are) and you share information about yourself (people know what you like). Libraries have, for years, operated under the general guideline that both of those pieces of knowledge are no one’s business but yours."

This statement illustrates the subtle tug-of-war that exists between some libraries and various social networks. Libraries protect users' rights and identities, but what happens when the user starts posting across multiple networks and platforms about sensitive subjects? Of course, libraries offer access to these social networks, as a service to patrons with the Library Bill of Rights' article IV in mind: "Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas." When a minor's welfare and safety come into play, however, some libraries will choose to block access to social media, rather than uphold their duty to provide free access. A library should be a safe space for everyone, yet when you let in various social media platforms, methods of bullying and harassment once confined to the 'outside world' are now available. It's quite the balancing act, and one that libraries will be refining for the foreseeable future.

What about libraries that use social networking to increase their visibility? Not only with the standard "Ask a Librarian" feature on most library websites, but when libraries create Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, they increase access to people who might not be aware of the awesome power of the library. I like to see the posts from Carlsbad Library in my Facebook feed; they might be having events that I otherwise would miss. Also, if someone has preconceived notions of a stuffy, boring library, seeing a hilarious reading meme on Twitter might change someone's mind and bring them into a branch. 

References

Griffey, J. (2010). Chapter 5: Social Networking and the Library. Library Technology Reports, 46(8), 34-37.

“Library Bill of Rights.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Apr. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Bill_of_Rights. Accessed 27 Apr. 2017.