Yet another huge topic! Right, online networks: LinkedIn, Facebook, LISNPN, Librarians as Teachers network, and CILIP communities. The only one of these that I'm a member of already is Facebook, so I think I'll start there...Facebook
I don't tend to use this as a networking tool - at least, not on a professional basis. All my 'contacts' there are friends and family, and even then the account is locked down pretty heavily into different settings: immediate family, family, close friends etc. Therefore, if I wanted to use facebook as a more professional network, I would either need to set up a new privacy setting or a completely new facebook page.Whereas I could see the benefits to using facebook as networking, I like the fact that for me, it is a purely personal tool: as I've only ever used it this way, I don't think I would know exactly what I would like to do with it professionally!
I'm not a member of any of the other networks, and don't feel that I want to sign up to them all just now, so will base the rest of my post on what is accessible through the 'open' sections of each site.
I've had a look at this network via the profile pages listed on cpd23's page, and I will admit that I found it interesting. I can definately see how this could be an effective tool - it's much more 'professional' than facebook. It's pretty much an online CV, with extra space for you to expand on your knowledge and strengths: you don't have to tailor what you write with a specific job application form in mind, so you can add anything and everything that you want, so you can really sell yourself :)
While I'm not a member just now, this is one network that I think I'd like to look into further, and can see myself setting up a profile there at some point in the future.
LISNPN
Another good choice! I like the format of this network - very much the 'bulletin forum' style, which I've used in the past and enjoyed. I do like the fact that a good proportion of this site is available to non-members: I was able to have a good look around, and did enjoy what I looked at. There is a good range of topics, and a large number of members, which helps - the more members, the more up-to-date the forum is likely to be in my experience, as more people are posting.
I have a feeling that I might just be joining up to this network too - sooner rather than later :)
Librarians as Teachers network
Another 'forum' style network. First impression: the 'news' items are a bit out of date, which put me off a little. I did go and have a look around the more recent posts section though.
I'm not sure that I would get much out of this one, so I don't think I'll be joining any time soon.
CILIP communities
I'm not currently a member of CILIP, though I have been previously (I cancelled my subscription when I went on maternity leave, and never got around to re-joining) so I can't sign up to this network fully. This is a nice formatted site, with plenty of up-to-date posts which is appealing: I don't like networks that are ages out of date. There also seems to be a wide range of topics to look at.
I enjoyed browsing this site, but am not sure how often I would use it, compared to some of the other networks looked at here.
As well as these networks, I do also have a Google+ account: I only joined recently though, so am still playing about with the settings and functions there, so can't comment much just now. I'll report back on it at a later date :)
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