Frustrated that some students were using library computers for personal use while others needed the machines for homework, officials at Middle Georgia College began blocking access to social-networking sites in some campus locations this fall.
“It’s not that we’re opposed to people doing social networking and socializing,” said Mary Ellen Wilson, vice president for academic affairs, in an interview Tuesday. “There are other open labs on campus where they can do that.”
She says no one has complained to her about the policy. But an article in a local newspaper in Macon, Ga., quotes one student as being frustrated that he can no longer check Facebook between classes.
Have other colleges adopted similar blocking of Facebook and MySpace in libraries and classroom buildings? Is that a good idea?
Many librarians themselves are enthusiastic Facebook users. Several college librarians have written in this week noting their use of Facebook, after I invited Wired Campus readers to join my friend group. Among my other new virtual friends are graduate students, professors, and administrators, indicating that there’s more happening on Facebook than just students wasting time. Or are those in academe just learning the joys of wasting a few minutes here and there? —Jeffrey R. Young
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