I’ve recently started teaching basic classes focused around web resources and tools (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, RSS readers, etc.). At a Facebook Basics class last month, a couple of participants )parents of local high school students) suggested the library host an information session about responsible, conscientious use of social networking tools for parents and teenagers to attend. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it was something my branch could successfully provide.

CC Image courtesy of Ann Douglas on Flickr

After rolling around the idea in my head (and getting over the initial fear about presenting to parents about social networking), I decided that it was a perfect opportunity to collaborate with other librarians in the area. I was lucky enough to have a Youth Services librarian from my branch, as well as the media specialist from the local high school, agree to help the conceptualize and present.  Both were equipped to contribute fabulous personal experiences, as well as a keen knowledge about social networking.

The main point of the session was to clarify some common misconceptions about social networking, as well as to help start a dialogue between parents and their teenagers about safe and responsible social networking.  The challenge: creating balanced content for an audience of parents and teenagers.  We wanted participants to leave the session knowledgeable about responsible social networking, not scared to death of it.

CC Image courtesy of sunside on Flickr

Rather than doing a straight presentation with powerpoint slides, we decided to go with a more interactive apporaoch.  We created 10-12 statements that participants would vote on whether they were fact or fiction.  Participants were given cards to vote in response to each statement.  It gave us a great overview as to what the audience really knew, didn’t know, or were unsure about.  After each statement, the answer was revealed, and the “panel of experts” (made up by the three of us) gave examples and covered talking points related to reasons the statement was either fact or fiction.  In between each statement, there was a steady flow of questions from the participants, especially when discussing why a certain statement was true or false.

All in all, the presentation was a success.  Participants seemed appreciative for the opportunity to attend, as well as for the materials they walked away with regarding social networking etiquette, safety, and resources.  Out of the 20 people that attended, only 3 were teenagers.  It would have been a nice perk to get more of the parents’ children there.

As always, not everything was perfect.  There are a few things we may do different for the next time:

1. Provide an overview and/or demonstration of Facebook and MySpace.  This presents a challenge, because showing the anatomy of a Facebook profile can be an hour-long session on its own.
2. Provide screen shots of examples from Facebook and MySpace.  Some of the statements we discussed revolved around “tagging” photos.  An image of what a tagged photo looks like, as well as the information it conveys, would be a nice addition.
3. Revamp some of our Fact/Fiction statements.  Toward the end of the session, some of the statements seemed repetitive.  It gave us a way to see if participants were starting to understand certain concepts to social networking, but it certainly could be perceived as redundant by participants.

All in all, it was a positive experience.  And I love the foundation we’ve set for future presentations.  I look forward to presenting it again in March with some updated, revamped materials.  If you’re interested in the Fact/Fiction statements we used, please feel free to contact me.