Social Networking

So much has been written about social networking and “library 2.0” that it is surely not necessary to describe here what it is, but rather to consider its long term implications regarding service. Perhaps the most important issue is to consider how social networking is changing not only human behaviors, but the convergence of different technologies with social networking. For example, as social networks move to the mobile platform, will they merely be ported over to a different platform, or will there be opportunities to do things differently in the mobile world that will make the social networks more robust? Perhaps the most important issue that is rarely discussed is whether we have witnessed a permanent change in the way that people work and communicate, or whether some fatigue factor or backlash will eventually set in. Surely there will continue to be many (millions?) of people who will be anxious to use the Internet to share their knowledge, expertise and opinions through blogs, online reviews, and wikis. However, the lasting effects of social networks are far too early to predict. Will this be an overnight sensation that burns brightly for a decade or so and then peters out, or will it cause an everlasting change in the way the entire world operates?

This page is part of the Environmental Scan, one of NELINET's Planning, Assessment & Accreditation Initiatives.