Thing 6: Online Networks

I joined LinkedIn sometime ago, on the recommendation of my husband - as an Engineer it's his main online network. I initially failed to see the point, so did little with my profile, except a photo, my current position and one previous post. My opinion has changed recently, particularly after Thing 3 where I thought about my online brand. Like many others, I found my LinkedIn profile near the top of my personal Google search - if someone was searching for me (and I think that's a big IF!) then that would be one of the first things they could look at. I'm not currently on the job market, but who knows what the future holds! I have worked on my profile a little over the past week, and have tried to find more contacts. This I'm finding tricky! I've gotten fairly used to Twitter and following people who just seem interesting - can I do the same with LinkedIn or do I need to know the person I connect to? I'm not too sure on LinkedIn etiquette! I've joined a few groups (23 Things for CPD) being one of them, as well as CILIP, and find these quite useful.

Facebook is mainly a personal network where I connect with family and friends. Though recently professional stuff is creeping in as I follow pages, such as Voices for the Library and C4LPT (Learning Technologies) and of course 23 Things for Professional Development. I also manage a page for the Warner Library - I try to promote this as another way of keeping up to date with library news, and as a method of contact, but it's difficult as my Trust (like many other workplaces) block access.

I am a member of the Librarians as Teachers network - teaching is a large part of my job. However, I must confess to not visiting regularly and after taking another look I know this will be a useful network.

I knew about LISNPN - it gets lots of mentions on Twitter but I haven't joined. I graduated in 1994 - I am not a new professional! However, I have taken a look, and may check in from time to time.

Another confession - I'm a member of CILIP but I did not know about CILIP communities!  I have taken a look - the home page was quite confusing with the list of "Anonymous blogged about...." - what help is that?!  However, using the links at the top of the page to blogs and forums was more useful. I found a blog for CILIP East of England so added the RSS feed to my Google Reader. It would be useful if Health Libraries Group could have a blog too.