Friending our Users: Social Networking and Reference Services
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Authors
Landis, Cliff
Issue Date
2008
Type
Book chapter
Language
en_US
Keywords
social network sites , facebook , myspace , libraries , reference services , marketing , instruction
Alternative Title
Abstract
Social networking sites are changing the way that libraries engage their users.
Sometimes called social networking software or social networking services, these Web sites
are designed to let users share their lives with friends, family, and the general public. Many
librarians immediately saw the possibilities in the proliferating social networks--by connecting
with our users in "their space," we are making ourselves readily available and removing many of
the obstacles to their information needs.
As reference librarians, our first reaction to new technology is to "set up desk"--to
provide the same services we have traditionally offered, only in a new medium. However, new
technologies demand a new approach, and recent years have seen librarians offering reference,
instruction, and other services in unique and innovative ways.
Description
Citation
Landis, C. (2008). Friending our users: Social networking and reference services. In S. Steiner, & L. Madden (Eds.), The desk and beyond: Next generation reference services. Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries.