The staff of the Brielle Public Library has found that the services offered are not reaching all audiences equally. Young adults, in particular are not utilizing the materials or the expertise of the staff.  To rectify this situation, we have found that including the young adults will require some twenty-first century thinking. The use of social software will allow these patrons to connect with the library and its staff on a new level of involvement. Social software will allow teens a better way to access library materials as well as offer information about themselves that will lead to a better understanding of this demographic by the library staff. While it is not the traditional way of providing services, the interactivity of blogs and wikis appeal to today’s young adults. 

     The library staff has already created a young adult blog and author wiki. The blog is being used not only as a communication tool to notify patrons of upcoming events specifically geared toward this age group but as place to interact with other teens about things relevant to them. Features such as Shelfari, allow patrons to connect with others who are passionate about the same books. Homework and research help is available through a variety of links. IM is also featured and the library has accounts to accommodate several different networks to reach the largest audience. Patrons can upload pictures to the library Flickr account and also participate in web polls.

     The author wiki gives them a chance to share what they know or feel about a book or author. It is a collaborative environment in which to share thoughts and opinions of an author and his work. There are links to the author’s website, videos about the author and information about purchasing titles. Patrons are free to add or subtract any information about the author. This will give the library some direct feedback to use towards collection development.

     Young adults are more geared to use social software as a mode of communication. They may be more likely to contribute and provide feedback if we use their terms. A blog will allow them to connect with us all in one place. These patrons will never have to access the library website or come to the library itself, to find out what’s happening. Subscribing to the blog’s RSS feed will bring the information directly to them, every time there is an update. The wiki will give them some control over content. Knowing that they have a say in what is taking place in the library will give teens some incentive to partake in what the library has to offer.

     Success can be gauged in numerous ways. We are able to see directly on the blog, itself how many times it has been viewed. Google analytics will allow us an in depth look into who is using our sites, how often and how much. Web polls are available through the blog, to give us direct feedback on any topic chosen. These social software sites are at no cost to the library except for the minimal amount of staff time for updates. Teen volunteers could be utilized for this purpose, further giving them a voice in the library. This social software is a winning formula for increased community involvement and patron usage.