What aspects of social media and emerging technologies could be beneficial for use by our libraries and in what ways?

As we have seen in the previous video, emerging technologies and social media can offer many benefits to today's libraries.  For example, by creating a Facebook page or engaging in Twitter, libraries are able to connect with patrons, promote library events, and reach a larger number of prospective users than by other ordinary methods. Additionally, academic libraries are experimenting with embedding library services within the Facebook page itself for a true outreach program (Dickson, 2010).

Based on research done by Terra Jacobson, many libraries are using Facebook primarily as a marketing tool, and it may be valid to assert that this is currently the best use in the library realm.  However, uses for communication from patrons or "fans," communicating library needs, and as a forum/discussion space for users may not be an ideal use at this time (Jacobson, 2011).

Dickson, A. and Holley, R. (2010),"Social networking in academic libraries: the possibilities and the concerns”, New Library World, Vol. 111(11/12), 468-479.

Jacobson, T. B.  (2011).  Facebook as a Library Tool:  Perceived vs. Actual Use.  College & Research Libraries, 72 (1), 79-90