OCLC’s (Online Computer Library Center) recent report, Sharing, Privacy and Trust in Our Networked World, presents the results of a study conducted to find out both library users’ and librarians’ opinions and practices in regards to social networking. Over 6,100 users, ages 14-84 from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom were surveyed. Survey participants included over 382 U.S. library directors and 511 college students. Some interesting findings:
- Comparison of college students’ & the general public’s online activities. See chart.
- Comparison of college students’ & the general public’s opinion on whether libraries should be involved in building social networking sites. See chart.
Results should provide some insight into how libraries should make use of Web 2.0 tools for their patrons.
Check out the full report and feel free to comment on any of the study’s findings or your feelings on the library’s role in developing and offering Web 2.0 services.
