11.5 More Things - Thing #11

It is important that we as librarians make our students and teachers aware of the importance of being good "digital citizens" as they use technology in our libraries for web-based research and multimedia presentations. With our new technology, more students will have web access and it is important that we have in place district expectations, rules, and appropriate behaviors for all.

As stated in one of the many great articles: "Digital etiquette or netiquette is a basic set of rules one should follow to make the internet a better place for other people and oneself. When you instant message, chat, or email someone over the internet, that person can't tell if your just joking because they can't see your face. Don't say anything over the internet that can be taken the wrong way or can hurt someones feelings. To practice good etiquette, or netiquette as its sometimes called, is simple:- treat people how you wish to be treated: with courtesy and respect. People know these rules but most of the time don't follow them while on the internet. The internet takes over some peoples lives and people can get brain washed so easily when on the computer. Hacking other computers, using bad language, downloading illegally, and plagiarism are examples of having bad or no etiquette when it comes to the internet."

Students have access to social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook and need to be responsible when they access these from campus. We had a great Facebook class last fall and we all should be able to teach appropriate digital presence on the social network. Again, I see librarians as the network integrators teaching technology in all areas of the curriculum. It is something that we do all the time and we will be implementing our new technology as we receive it this fall.

Thanks to the Lifeguards for all the great articles and sites they made possible. Now back to the beach...