Thing 12: Putting the social into social media

In regard to the advantages and disadvantages of social networking:

Social networking has no doubt made it easier for librarians and information professionals who work in isolated or poor environments to communicate with colleagues world wide. However, the tool of virtual communication can be very expensive and not easy to acquire by an individual. For example in the third world, the majority of librarians use their offices’ computers and Internet connection to communicate virtually.

 I have used social media to develop my career professionally at a slow pace before, but after I joined cpd 23 I started to use it more often at a wider and deeper level. Cpd 23 has helped me to increase my contact list, follow blogs and join interesting professional groups. Because of this I’m spending more and more time now on social networks than ever before and I am enjoying a large number of professional debates and discussions. Therefore I will most likely try to keep and increase my contacts and groups through social networks. 

Social networking creates a sense of community in terms of giving you the opportunity to follow like minded people and join discussions where you feel your comments could be useful and helpful, and where your questions could be answered.