The missing LinkedIn

I'll admit it - I've had a LinkedIn account for some time but have not used it much. I had a general impression that it was quite corporate, and much more serious than Facebook. However, because of 23 Things, I've gone back to the site, and seen that it is not all grey pin-stripes. However, it still can't offer anything as diverting as Cafe World. But I digress...

Being connected to a large network of contacts has many advantages - especially, I imagine, for a freelancer who needs to find prospective clients and provide trusted recommendations. And of course if one were looking for a job it would be a real asset.

I keep having to remind myself that Web 2.0 sites don't stand still, but change over time, adding features and shifting focus. Something that was initially underwhelming can become incredibly useful. And vice versa, a once promising site can be taken over by celebrity gossip and advertising (yes Technorati, I am talking to you.)

Libraries on Facebook

I decided to have a look at how some other libraries are using Facebook, so searched facebook "Pages" for "libraries". I was attracted by the magnolia flower icon of the Smithsonian Libraries in Washington D.C., so decided to visit their page. Because the Smithsonian Libraries consist of 20 individual libraries, they have a wealth of varied material to draw upon, and it looks as if they are good at keeping their page active by frequent posts that link their collections to current events. OK they may stretch it a little at times - National Noodle Month? But a nice example of this was their wall post about the new octopus at the National Zoo (which is also part of the Smithsonian) illustrated by a beautiful print of mollusks, and with a link to the zoo's octopus cam. I have to say that I quickly got drawn into the the Smithsonian's photostream on Flickr by following links from their wall posts.

Such a large group of libraries has many public events, so the Events tab in Facebook is a great place to inform their readers/Fans about them.

The Info tab was used well, it had a very good clear description of what the Smithsonian Libraries are, a bit about their history and current endeavours.

I will be going back to visit more library Facebook pages; I was very impressed by this one.