Week 24 The dark side of the web

I am glad to see that this topic was included, because there is a dark and insidious side to the internet. There is unfortunately an abundance of malware, phishing, Trojans and worms just waiting to destroy your hardwork and even your livelihoods.

As the Mum of a Marvel devotee, I often have the words of Uncle Ben (Peter Parkers uncle) from Spiderman echoing in my head, saying ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’

This quote rings true, as we apply this to the internet and our duty of care to our library patrons.

Be vigilant and careful as the internet does have a dark side, but also remember it can bring wonder and amazement to your life.

As this is the final post attached to Learning 2.1 … thanks for reading.

Week 12: Social Networking and the final entry (for now)

Social networking services are increasing in popularity and any medium that gets the word of the library out to the community should be considered.

Albeit, I’m not sure that the Manilla Library should feature in Second Life, mind you my Avatar would definitely be younger and thinner!

It amazes me in a society where the spoken word is decreasing through email, texting and so forth that we are still embracing opportunities to interact and communicate.

The experts will also debate at length the pros and cons of social networking online … accusing bloggers of being introverted and avatars as those seeking escapism, but is it really so bad. Surely it isn’t, if it's not detrimental to others.

In the great words of Marvel writer Stan Lee from 1962, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ While this was written for Peter Parkers (aka Spiderman’s) Uncle Ben, it is still true. The internet creates great power and opportunity for many people; it also provides a platform of interaction and socialisation … with this power comes great responsibility.

While I see many applications and possibilities as highlighted through this course, I feel both excitement and trepidation. The world wide web could not have been a more accurate description of the internet, as you traverse a labyrinth of links, paths and sites. As a parent, you worry about the carefree exchange of information and as a librarian with many young borrowers looking to you for guidance – you again, feel incredible responsibility for their safety and wellbeing.

In conclusion, the best decision is to lead the masses to the cyber pool and see if they drink.

Thankfully technology has arrived and so let’s utilise what it has to offer.

Only being in the position at Manilla for the past six months, I have been spinning and implementing ideas at a rapid rate – now I have completed this course look out, cause there's more to come.

As I have stated throughout my many blogs … buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!!!