beyond the buzz: planning library facebook initiatives grounded in user needs
DESCRIPTION
In 2007, the George Washington University's Gelman Library decided to take a step back from the buzz surrounding Facebook in order to ask a very important question: how do our students really use Facebook? Is there a place for the library in this social environment? This presentation will discuss the evolution of library Facebook initiatives in response to the results of this study, and will provide a framework for your own social networking campaign.TRANSCRIPT
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!