Abstract:

The development and improvement of information and communication technologies contributes to the creation of a global digital environment, providing new opportunities for communication and interaction, overcoming time and space constraints. The number of people using Internet not only for searching and acquiring up-to-date information, for electronic purchases, training or entertainment, but also for direct sharing of content and knowledge, expressing opinions, evaluations and recommendations within the existing online social media and sites.

We are living in a time of digital socializing. The popularity of social media on the Internet is constantly increasing and for the modern person they are becoming a basic medium for communication.

Social media have proven to be the fastest and most convenient means of communication and dissemination of information to large and diverse groups. Among them, the largest and most popular social medium is Facebook, which has long gone beyond its purely social role and, in addition to being a model reflecting the structure and characteristics of society, is applied worldwide to educational activities. According to statistics, every minute one hundred thousand people become friends on Facebook, every two minutes two million links to other posts are launched, and every hour about five million network users are being invited to an event.

It is important for modern library institutions to know and make the most use of the best advantages and beneficial conditions that online social media provide.
The purpose of the paper is to present examples from the practice of Bulgarian libraries in the use of Facebook space. The possibilities of this social media are analyzed as well as the way it is used in the different types of libraries in Bulgaria in view of the services they offer.

The emphasis is placed on the dynamics of the environment and the need for the fastest channels of information transmission. The possibility of successful PR and promotion of activities, initiatives and events occurring in these institutions is also assessed.

Based on the nature and peculiarities of social media on the Internet, the more important directions for their use in the activity of modern library institutions are discussed, with regard to their social, educational and other functions.

Keywords:

Bulgaria, libraries, social media, information environment, Internet.