Making a Place in Cyberspace for Me & My Friends

Libraries who establish a presence in MySpace are reaching out to the young at heart through meaningful connections.  Those Libraries and Library Organizations that splash onto the screen with music, images, and creative profiles capture the attention of MySpace visitors.  They have chosen to reach out and offer their services and resources to those who gather in MySpace, granted primarily for other purposes:  friending, socializing, planning fun or venting. 

Nevertheless, some teen in the midst of a crisis may stumble over a Library signpost which points the way to help:  whether informational reading as they face a life decision or difficulty, to leisure options like movies, music, good reads, or to practical help with the work of doing school.  A Library Presence in MySpace says we care and are there for you when you are ready to come by-in person or online.  The opportunity is merely offered but the choice is left to the independent adolescent, no pressure, no problem.

Obviously not everyone sees and welcomes such library advocacy efforts and marketing.  Facebook decided to slam the door shut in 2006, we learned.  Too bad Facebook cannot distinguish between the good guys and the bad guys as libraries exist to serve whereas predators or those who would exploit are self-serving. 

Perhaps this developmental passage signals a greater need for a safe place, privacy, somewhere to try on personalities as young adults discover their identity and calling.  Thus the closed bedroom door..

So give the younger generation space but be available to connect, commuicate, and come along side when they emerge with questions.  Librarians have always been good listeners, crystalize informational needs, and suggest means of satisfying them, whether in person or cyberspace.  And don't we all benefit from a friend in need?