Thing 4 - How social networks can work for us

Of all places, libraries and archives are ideal ones to moderate dicussions and participate in the 2.0 communities. I recently joined Library 2.0 network on Ning http://library20.ning.com - it does take time to check in and out, but I found it useful to learn how other librarians implement RSS and use blogs, and what resources there are for law and other special libraries. You read how people use various sites, and you learn a lot. So, first of all, the network like Library 2.0 could be used for our library and archives staff to get professional news, find out about new technologies, and seek advice in selection of the new data managment system. Second, this could be an ideal place to invlove our membership in discussions about aquisitions of new archives, what is worth preserving, and how the copyrights and sensitive materials should be treated. All decisions are currently made by a very slow process of committee meetings where people exchange opinions, vote, etc. A social network i.e. "What makes history of psychoanalysis" could speed the process and, more importantly, bring critical researchers to brainstorm pros and cons of every aquisition with us. As we recently found out, many historians of psychoanalysis and experts live on the other side of the world. Thus, online social network, is the only chance to consider opinions of those who would otherwise be counted out. And lastly, there should be (and probably are) networks out there for psychoanalysts to discuss latest in their fields of research, post articles, and contact fellow professionals. There are also analyst-patient referral networks to connect people in need to care professionals. Psychoanalytic library can monitor and integrate all such networks, post links and descriptions on library web site, and encourage patrons to participate.