"ok, this is just too weird": identifying outreach opportunites in facebook
DESCRIPTION
The tremendous popularity of social networking sites like Facebook presents libraries with unique opportunities for reaching students. What many organizations fail to recognize, however, is that Facebook is perceived by its users as a primarily social space, and that the presence of professors, librarians, or parents can be intrusive, unwelcome, or just plain "weird" for the very students they're trying to reach. The George Washington University's Gelman Library decided to take a step back and ask a critical question: what do our students want? How do our students really use Facebook, and what part can the library play in this social environment? This presentation will offer an overview of this study and its findings in light of contemporary thinking and practices among librarians.TRANSCRIPT
“OK, THIS IS JUST TOO WEIRD.”IDENTIFYING OUTREACH
OPPORTUNITIES IN FACEBOOKElizabeth Edwards
The George Washington University
DISCLAIMERS
Healthy dose of skepticism. Technically a millennial. Contexts may vary.
What is it? Who uses it?
FACEBOOK: WHAT IS IT? A social networking site A community of more than 90 million active
users A development platform “A social utility that connects you with the
people around you.”
FACEBOOK: WHO USES IT?
As of 2006, 55% of all teens who use social networking sites have used Facebook or Myspace, and 48% visit daily or more often.
“The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years and older.”
GW AND FACEBOOK
OUR UNIVERSITY
OUR LIBRARY
OUR STUDENTS AND FACEBOOK
THE LIBRARY AND FACEBOOK
YourLibrarian
IsYour
Friend
THE LIBRARY AND FACEBOOK
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
Three phases: Review of profiles and observation of student
activity on Facebook Survey of GW students Semi-structured interviews with Facebook users
SURVEY QUESTIONS
SURVEY QUESTIONS
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 (social or practical)?
STUDENTS AND FACEBOOK
STUDENTS AND FACEBOOK
STUDENTS AND FACEBOOK
STUDENTS AND FACEBOOK
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
How do you feel about university staff having Facebook profiles?
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
“Weird.”
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
“Oh, well I would use that.”
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
LIBRARIANS AND FACEBOOK
“Just please don't start Poking us kids.”
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.
