beyond the buzz: planning library facebook initiatives grounded in user needs

Beyond the Buzz:Planning Library Facebook Initiatives

Grounded in User Needs

David BietilaElizabeth EdwardsThe George Washington University

Facebook What is it? Who uses it?

Facebook & Libraries

Growing library interest in Facebook Friending students Announcing events through Facebook

messages Publicizing new resources

Our Library & Facebook

Our University

Our Library

Creating this Study

Research Questions

What role does technology play in our students' study habits?

What role does Facebook play in the lives of GW students?

How can the library use Facebook to connect with GW students?

Methodology

Ethnographic approachThree phases: Review of profiles and observation of

student activity on Facebook Survey of GW students Semi-structured interviews with

Facebook users

Interview Questions How does Facebook as a recreational

practice impact your study habits and academic life?

How would you feel if a librarian “friended” you? Under what circumstances would you feel comfortable “friending” a librarian or accepting a librarian’s friend request?

What sort of information would you expect/want to find on a librarian’s profile page?

Findings

Findings: Why do students use Facebook?

5

10

42

59

9

22

43

29

22

52

13

7

67

20

5

9

To facilitate academicgoals and coordinate

study with friends

To keep informed of on-campus events

To maintain socialrelationships with friends

on campus

To maintain long-distance socialrelationships

1 (most important) 2 3 4 (least important)

Findings: Students use Facebook to…

Findings: Use and Affects

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

How frequently do students use Facebook for academic purposes?

How do they feel Facebook use affects their academic performance?

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Negatively

Positively

Findings: Perceptions of Staff

How do you feel about university staff having Facebook profiles?

I don’t know

I’m uncomfortablewith it

I’m comfortablewith it

I like it

Findings: Getting Help

If you needed help with your research or had a question about the library, would you feel comfortable communicating through

Facebook with a staff member about it?

63

2418

39

47

19

Yes No Not Sure

Librarians

Faculty

Recommendations

Recommendations

When developing a virtual presence, consider students’ actual perceptions of the library.

Recommendations

Also consider how students view and interact with librarians in the real world.

Recommendations

Provide resources, but don’t be surprised if students don’t use them.

Recommendations

Recognize that Facebook may play a role in librarians’ lives too.

Thank you!

David Bietilabietila@gelman.gwu.eduElizabeth Edwardsedwards@gelman.gwu.edu