Thing 3: Social Networks

on Facebook/LinkedIn:
Since I haven't really used Facebook in almost 2 years, the new features confuse me somewhat. There's so much advertizing on the site and outside apps that Facebook isn't as stream-lined or easy to read as I remember/was used to.
LinkedIn looks like an easy to use site, if I were seriously in need of job networking beyond my current coworkers and friends. Since I'm not actually looking for other jobs, I don't want to be misleading in creating "links" and so haven't explored too much.

on social networks' popularity:
I think that social networks are so popular for some people because it's an easy and fast way to keep in touch with people you've met. I won't even say with friends because people become "friends", at least on facebook, within hours of meeting, or without ever meeting and just knowing the same people. (My little sister friended random people who were in the same clubs as me - just because.) Social networks take very little effort, but provide hours of distraction, especially if you have a lot of friends' profiles to look at, etc. They can also be helpful for connecting people with similar interests or needs, similar to some blogs/blog groups.

on surprises:
I didn't do anything surprising. This is probably because, out of all the Things, social networks (Facebook) were what I had the most experience with and knew best.

on Library use:
I think social networks could become a great way to advertize programs and events for the library. However, this would require our target audience to be online and connected on the site we use/ or with us. I know that, at least in college, where everyone is on a social network like Facebook, many gatherings, events, and parties are only advertized through the website. Perhaps social networks would be most helpful for our teens, and as a potential secondary resource for the rest of our patrons.