Social Networking in Libraries

Abstract

Social networking seems to be the way 21st century libraries provide services. Library services are changing with the change in the nature of library users; social networking plays a major role in serving the users. Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups of people with shared interests, communities. The prominence of social networking Websites has reached a peak in the last few years. This chapter examines libraries and their importance in embracing the Web 2.0 phenomenon of social networking. This chapter examines the importance of using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube to enable libraries to engage with students in the virtual environment for the promotion of the library, library events and services, teaching and learning, and humanizing the concept of the library and librarians. This chapter also examines the importance that social networking sites have with improving professional relationships within the library profession and across the university, resulting in an increase of information sharing that ensures libraries are on the forefront of changes in demands and needs of their students. If libraries fail to adopt this technology, they are in danger of finding themselves extinct.