Social Networking

Our library does a "Theirspace" workshop for parents and caregivers. Our workshop attempts to familiarize adults with the social networking that children and teens are using. We try not to scare parents. Instead we hope to get them to use the tools themselves. We also give helpful and practical tips for keeping children safe.

I did not make a Facebook or Myspace account. Our staff computers do not allow access. I did use the patron computers to look at those and other social networking sites. I have quite a bit a familiarity with children's sites such as neopets.com. I decided that I just didn't have the interest at this point in making an account. I am considering a library account, but I have been reading articles about the problems with library Myspace accounts. I also am concerned about children and teens wanting to "friend" me. We have had some problems with out young patrons finding out staff Myspace accounts and then sending very ugly messages.

I did look at the Myspace music. Though I thought that it was interesting, I do not think that Myspace is the best choice to find music. There are other sites that offer easier access to music.