Myspace. Your space. Everybody's space!

I've seen the STDL teen department's Myspace before. Actually, I think the first time I stumbled across it was when I was trying to find out if the teen dept. had any job openings (job searching after finishing college. Oh, those were the days. NOT!). I like the layout --- it's creative and original, but not too busy. It looks like a teen runs the page (based on the age provided). Is that true? If it is, that's pretty cool. The blogs, calendar, and Interests section are well-developed and offer a lot of great information and tips. Overall, I like it. Hopefully more teens (and workers and patrons) become aware of the page. Think STDLteen will be my friend?

While searching other public libraries on Myspace, I came across this one: http://www.myspace.com/oleanteenspace. Another library teen space. Nice, clean layout w/ links to various resources and information. Not as much detail as STDLteen's page, though.

So, I have a Myspace. Actually, my resistance to this massively popular social networking web community didn't break until earlier this year when I finally caved in and decided to see what all the hubbub is about. My main reasons for joining Myspace were: 1. networking; and 2. communication. Well, and music. So far, it's been a little disappointing (and if you know anything about Myspace, you know all about the..."interesting" content you may find), but I do see why people value Myspace as a social networking tool.

Focusing on that, libraries can use Myspace to: 1. network with the community and its residents, local businesses, other libraries, and even musicians, artists, and authors; 2. implement a popular and interactive way of spreading information (using blogs + bulletins, uploading photos, and personalizing pages w/ audio and video); and 3. give "friends" the abilities to post comments and leave feeback all on the same page. Because it's so popular and accessible, Myspace can benefit libraries in these ways. Well, as long as word spreads AND it's accessible to people of all ages (because, generally speaking, Myspace is more popular among teens and young adults). If STDL ever made a general Myspace for the library, it would have to be advertised somehow (i.e. linked on the STDL website or mentioned in newsletters) so that people are aware of its existence. I mean, I'd be the library's friend, no problem!

But along with utilizing the web come the worries about security, privacy, and safety. Cyber bullying, cyber stalking, hacking, and viruses are all concerns. Internet safety is a pretty hot issue, especially when it comes to children and teenagers. I think it's really important for parents/adults to teach kids about using caution and common sense when it comes to the Internet. They need ground rules and examples. When it comes down to it, though, we --- particularly teens+ --- have to be responsible for our own actions, and we need to be aware of the various threats out there.

As an adult, my main concern is security (i.e. getting hacked), but I'm pretty good with creating nonsensical passwords and keeping my private information, well, private. I also use discretion, common sense, and tact when I post anything anywhere on the web. You can never be too careful in this technological day and age.