Thing 20 Social Networking

Social networking seems like it can be such a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it has gotten kids more into computers, uploads, creating, thinking for themselves, and developing who they are. They are also actively reading and writing. Things we adults have been trying to tell them to do for years. When I look over the shoulder of kids and see what things they are sharing, it is awesome to see how active their minds are. These are surely not the same kids we thought would never be able to create because all they did was watch TV and play video games! If safety could somehow become a non issue, it would be wonderful. It constantly amazes me how savvy kids can be about computers, and yet so ignorant about the need to be safe. As for the library's role on these sites, it first of all depends on access. I can't see a library like mine having a reason to be there as my school blocks them. I would have to do everything at home, as would the kids. But I think a public library could be very comfortable there and kids would accept it just like we accept all those ads we see. If they decide not to click on our link, then they won't. But some kids would love to put a link to their favorite books on their account. Is there a way they could link to a public or school library's Librarything account and show their faves that way? A link where kids can receive recommendations would be fun, also.