More Than MySpace: Teens, Librarians, and Social Networking(Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians Series)

An accessible overview of dynamic ways that public libraries are using social networking to reach their teen patrons. More Than MySpace: Teens, Librarians, and Social Networking offers librarians not fully familiar with the broad scope of web-based social networking a way into this thriving, rapidly evolving realm—and to the lives of the teenagers who so enthusiastically inhabit it. In More Than MySpace, seven expert contributors examine the appeal of the social networking phenomena to youth, as well as its growing role in the classroom. The book then puts the spotlight on public libraries that have embraced social networking successfully, describing the approaches and methods that have helped them reach a wider teenage audience. The book concludes with an invitation for readers to continue their exploration of the topic further with a little networking of their own, collaborating with the author on a Wiki.

Table of Contents:
Series Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction: Avatars, Friends, Apps, Oh My! A Background and Overview Robyn M. Lupa What Is Social Networking? A Brief History of Social Networking Today's Social Networking Environment Politics and Activism Professional Networking and Resources Current Events Recreational Interests and Consumerism Socializing and Journaling Surfing and Sharing What Is Social Networking's Cultural Relevance? How Is Social Networking Used by Teens? How Does This Apply to Public Libraries? What Is the Purpose of This Book? Works Cited 1 Words from the Wired: A Teen Perspective Dave Moyer Works Cited 2 Friends, Fun, Fads—and Fear: Teens in the 21st Century Erin Downey Howerton The Social Web Loss of Public Space The Online Life Schoolwork Goes Online Digital Haves and Have-Nots Online and Offline Effects Online Spaces (Dangerous Places?) Portraying Victimization Behind the Numbers Cyberbullying Stranger Danger Goes Online Advocating for Youth Using Social Networks Developing Social Networking Services Works Cited 3 Technology in the Classroom: An Educator's Perspective Michelle Pearson 21st-Century Skills Teacher and Librarian Connections Works Cited 4 Practical Applications: Libraries Online Jenna Obee Social Networking Sites The Big Players Other Popular Social Networking Options Social Bookmarking Managers Library Web Pages Works Cited 5 Convincing and Planning: Developing Your Library's Web 2.0 Presence Kelly Czarnecki Why Develop a Social Networking Program? Convincing Others That It's a Good Idea Questions to Ask Yourself What to Consider Preventing Abuse Works Cited 6 Now Let's Use It: Creative Programming Robyn M. Lupa Blogs Photos and Video Podcasting Virtual Reader's Advisory Wikis Works Cited 7 Homework Help Widgets: A School–Library Partnership Andrew Wilson 8 Friending Your Colleagues: Being Professional with Web-Based Social Networking Linda W. Braun Understanding Youth Development Teen Advocacy Awareness of Teen Popular Culture Project Management Commitment to Professional Development Don't Wait; Start Connection Now Social Networking Resources for the Professional Teen Librarian Social Networking Tools Examples of Social Networking as a Professional Tool Works Cited 9 A National View: Survey—and a Challenge Robyn M. Lupa Appendix: Top 20 Social Networking Sites Dave Moyer Glossary of Terms Further Reading Index About the Editor and Contributors

About the Author :
Robyn Lupa is the head of Children's Information Services at the Arvada Libary in Jefferson County, CO.

Review :
The topic is certainly timely, and the book's treatment gives librarians handy tools to start connecting with wired teens. For young adult librarians looking for new ways to reach out to their clientele, this title offers a multitude of ideas through networking sites. This practical yet fascinating professional reference answers the question, 'What is social networking?' This book is a must for those getting started with social networking applications. Highly recommended. Colorado-based librarian Lupa provides background on social networking websites to introduce the nine contributions collected here on how libraries can employ those sites in work with teens. Chapters address the following topics: a teen perspective on social networking, online fads among teens, practical applications for libraries online, development of a social networking program for libraries, creative programming ideas, homework help widgets, professionalism within web-based networking endeavors, and teen advocacy. Case studies demonstrate successful use of the web in library outreach to teens. A wide variety of ideas for programs and activities are shared that will entice teens to gather at the public library. Young adult librarians searching for ways to bring young people to the public library should consider purchasing this activity-filled title.