Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time in a library knows the unspoken code of courtesy and silence that is expected of its patrons.  When someone disrupts the balance you can almost feel individuals’ shoulders tense and hear the collective sighs of anguish.  Why is it that some people feel they are immune to rules of common courtesy?  Is it because they just don’t understand how to behave?

Similarly, when you visit and begin engaging with others on any social media platform, there is a common understanding that you should conduct yourself in a certain way that does not blatantly disturb the others around you.

Different online communities have different atmospheres, but no matter what social network you’re using, it is extremely important not to make a fool of yourself by posting something inappropriate.

There are simple guidelines that can help you avoid embarrassment online and at the library.  Your goal should be to encourage polite and effective communication in both environments, and the best way to do this is by familiarizing yourself with “library etiquette.”

When you present yourself in public it is important to be aware that virtually anyone could be watching.  Although the quiet atmosphere of a library might trick you into feeling alone, you cannot forget that you are still surrounded by other individuals that can see and hear everything your doing.  The same applies to sharing your thoughts over social media.  There is always someone lurking behind the stacks or sitting in an adjacent study room who is very aware of the shouting match you just got into after answering your cell phone.  Adjust accordingly.

Another thing to be conscious of is the message you’re projecting.  Don’t talk just to talk.  Although each individual has different reasons for being in the library or logging onto Twitter and Facebook, they most likely didn’t visit to hear about what you ate for lunch.  Everyone knows that if a person speaks out, whether in a library or on the Internet, it better be about something relevant or important.  Otherwise, expect to be reprimanded or get some sort of backlash.

We all coexist in a world where we’re bound to end up in shared public spaces at some point or another.  Always be aware of your behavior online because what you put on the Internet will last forever.  Having an online presence is fun, but in order to be successful at it you have to stay savvy about how you’re presenting yourself and engaging with others.  At the end of the day, nobody wants to friend or follow someone who is not put together.