OLJ creation and first entry

(a) define what social networking is (in your own words)

Social networking is an online phenomena that has endless possibilities. Social networking sites provide an interactive platform for individuals and groups to build or be part or a community where they are free to create, contribute, connect and share regardless of their physical location. Essentially an online meeting place social networks provide a channel for fast and effective communication between users allowing them to develop and grow past, present and future relationships online.

(b) list what social networking technologies and sites you already use (for personal, work and study purposes

Social networking sites used personally include:

• Facebook - staying in touch and connected with family and friends daily
• YouTube - entertainment
• Sykpe - communication (video and chat)
• Hotmail - communication
• Blogger - browsing others blogs, mostly wedding photography
• Chat - alternative to short phone calls
• Delicious - bookmarking from home, primarily wedding sites

Social networking sites used professionally include:

• Email - daily communication with colleges, partners and networks
• Wiki - collaboration with other children's librarians
• Doodle - to effectively plan meetings and work functions time and dates
• Eventbrite - to register for seminars and conferences
• Delicious - to bookmark relevant sites, share with branch staff, access from any location
• Blogger - Web 2.1 training

Social networking sites used for educational purposes include:

• CSU interact chat - to generally discuss subject and assignment
• CSU interact forum - to post any issues or questions regarding course work

(c) describe what you expect to learn from completing INF206

On completion of INF206 I hope to learn how to further combine current/existing online library and information services with the social networking sites where our patrons/users already exist. The ability to identify what makes social networks successful and how to use them effectively in a safe and secure way would be an essential and useful skills to take away.

I am mostly looking forward to the challenges that will be presented in discovering new web 2.0 technologies and discovering what makes them tick. I hope to come away with a broader knowledge and rich experience in using the online social networking phenomena.