I think online networks are great. They allow me access to a large number of people and information which otherwise would be off bounds - not easy to go for a quick drink after work when childcare is always an issue. However, there is so much information and people to follow/read about that I tend to find it rather paralysing.
I have a facebook account which I use sporadically, mainly for personal purposes.
My LinkedIn account tends to get more attention, it's where I get many of the professional updates. It was through linkedin that I'm now connected to Webjunction and Social Media, a subgroup of Webjunction. Updates come to me via email which means I can easily check them. It was through them that I attended my first Webinar "Trends in Library Training and Learning"
http://www.webjunction.org/trends-training-learning.
Having an American based webinar in the UK meant that it took place after working hours. However, it turned out to be a bit of an ordeal as real world and the virtual one collided - partner and children on one side side and the seminar on the other. The seminar itself wasn't easy to follow - there was the speaker's voice coming out of the speakers, the presentation at the centre of the screen and the attendees/participants tapping away on the right-hand corner of the screen. Next time I must make sure to find a corner in the shed. Not yet quite sure how to deal with the interesting but constant stream of comments.
I've just signed up to LISNPN and found in it quite a lot of great stuff such as the downloads pages and blogs by Ned Potter, thewikiman. I also have now CILIP in my group of networks.
I haven't done much of the participation bit yet but hope to do it soon - too shy? too slow? maybe, but haven't given up yet.
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