What about GoodReads? I've had the chance to create a group for the MLC School library during the past term as a means of promoting library services but to go a step further and provide an outlet for discussion of literature amongst the students.
I've included a screenshot of what our group page looks like if you want to remain here and not open another tab.
It is only in its early days, but the teacher librarians act as the moderators. The "rules" feature allows you to create rules relating to use of the page. Generally we decided that school expectations would apply e.g. student code of conduct and IT use policy. Also we restricted it to students and staff with a school email address as to avoid outsiders from joining the group.
I've invited students during our Drop Everything And Read sessions to join the group in addition to signing up as a member. The response has been good and students have enjoyed it so far. Very straightforward and takes just minutes to do.
I started some discussion threads which actually gives GoodReads an advantage over Facebook because the information can be organised into individual feeds and the student or staff member can go a discussion or feed that suits them.
Like Facebook, photos can be posted to create a gallery.
The page itself can be used to promote books in the library collection. Featured Books can be added to the Books list. You can find out what students had thought of it and in our discussion threads, we can add the cover of the book to help promote it.
Another great feature is the poll feature. I've included one such poll below. You can also comment.
I had a motive for putting that poll up, because I had read that some schools were getting rid of their print collections from their libraries. The poll affirms my view that print is still in vogue amongst the students and will be for some time to come. What lesson does this have for me or a school if this question pops up, consult them. If a library is to be popular and successful it has to listen to its clients. If they want print items, we are then obliged to provide them. Otherwise they will not come and make use of our services.
