MySpace

MySpace is a free service where people can post a variety of information about themselves and their interests through the creation of their individual MySpace page. Content is entered into templates with options for blog and photos, music, and video posting.

The Fairfax County Public Library's MySpace presence was launched in April, 2006 and can be seen at: http://www.myspace.com/fairfaxpubliclibrary

Why would a library create a MySpace area?

To make ourselves available on a site where millions of people and organizations have a presence, so the opportunity is there for them to discover our library and its services. If we're not there, we don't have that opportunity.

Our content focus has been on a teen and 20 year old audience but is subject to change as the demographics for MySpace have changed -- the current average age is now 35.

How do we handle content for MySpace?

The same channels as we use for our Web site content. The content is prepared, edited, and posted by library staff.

What about MySpace friends?

The name of the game is to have friends and lots of them. Friends can exchange personal messages, view each other's photos and blog, and interact with each other's friends and network! We receive several requests to be friends most days.

Our current approach is to review all requests, to accept requests from authors and publishers as well as other libraries and librarians. We do not accept "friendship" fo questionable people.

What about Event Invites and Bulletins?

While we haven't invested effort into these at present, we see them as powerful and easy ways to target communications with MySpace Friends and local groups about library information and programs.

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