This document provides an overview of social media and tips for using it safely and effectively. It defines social media as interactive websites that connect people and information. The document recommends social media for businesses, non-profits, hobbyists, job seekers, and genealogy researchers looking to expand their network. It provides basics on creating appropriate personal profiles and limiting personal information. Tips include using separate emails and checking employer social media policies. Popular sites mentioned include Facebook, which allows sharing links and media with contacts, and YouTube for video sharing. The document stresses privacy, copyright concerns, and general internet safety.

1. Social Media: Is this for me?Mary KellyLibrarianPlymouth District LibraryLyon Township Public Library

2. What is Social Media?More than just the InternetIncludes interactive websites, networks, or groupsJust about anything connecting information and people

3. Who should be interested inSocial Media?Businesses looking to expand “presence”Non Profits Hobbyists/EnthusiastsResearchers/GenealogyCollectors/Bargain huntersCareer Development/Job Hunters

4. Personal Profile BasicsDescription of YOU!Share what is appropriate to the type of mediaBe appropriateOnly include that information that you feel comfortable sharing. Just because someone asks doesn’t mean you have to share!

5. Personal Profile Basics Limit descriptions that can identify you, specifically.Have a separate email account for online activities.Check with your employer about social networking policies

6. Over 500 million usersFounded in 2004 by Harvard student Mark ZuckerbergAttempts to model how people socialize in real life

7. NewsfeedFriends (contacts)Groups/CommunityAbility to share links, photos, videoGames/Applications

8. Privacy SettingsRead and ask questions before committing to anything!Don’t share too much even if you have nothing to hide“opt out” what does THAT mean?

11. Facebook Privacy

12. Career/Professional RecruitingResume buildingJob searchingNetworkingExpanded services are available for more $

13. Create an online resumeJoin groups and discussionsFind additional contacts

14. Mini or Micro “blog”Users share snippets in 140 characters or less each message is a “tweet”Personal profile is limitedUsers can share links and photosContent is public

15. This is insane…why would anyone do this?Industry/InterestsBusinesses should pay attention!Gossip houndsTechnology

17. ProfilesVideo sharingCommentsChannels

18. To view YouTube videos, you must have Macromedia Flash Player 7.0 or higherYouTube will allow upload various types of video

19. YouTube BasicsCreate a profile and an account (channel)Save videos or “favorites”Upload videos

20. Social Media IssuesPrivacy/SafetyNo specific addresses/phoneDon’t share timetablesAny info that could be used to establish identity (birth date, mother’s maiden name, etc)Copyright IssuesWho owns the “content”?

21. I am READY!Create a limited profileAdd friends or contacts that you know PERSONALLYCheck and Read Privacy Policy

22. General Internet SafetyIf it looks too good to be true it probably is…Anyone that wants money/credit card info—be suspiciousSeparate your personal life from your work lifeHave separate emails for work, personal and shopping or “junk”

23. Contact Me!Mary Kelly Lyon Township LibraryEmail: mkelly@lyon.lib.mi.usTwitter: @librarymary40Practical Librarianhttp://practicallibrarian.blogspot.comAwful Library Bookshttp://awfullibrarybooks.net