Myspace and Facebook: Reaching our students with their technology of choice Yvonne Nalani Meulemans Sciences and Health & Human Services Librarian California State University San Marcos Melanie Chu Outreach Librarian California State University San Marcos LOEX National Conference May 5, 2006

What are Myspace and Facebook?

Myspace/Facebook as Computer-Mediated Communication CMC’s strengthen existing ties. Strong ties will often use more CMC types. Weak ties tend to use a single type of CMC.

Myspace/Facebook as Computer-Mediated Communication Bulletin boards facilitate beyond classroom communication. May support student social life beyond classroom.

Myspace/Facebook as Computer-Mediated Communication Bulletin boards allow for “determination of self-presentation” Myspace/Facebook can be significantly customized; a means to determine “self- presentation?”

First-year student usage survey 3608 Myspace pages by current CSUSM students (appx 7500 FTE) Of 89 responses: 49 had both 38 had Myspace page only 2 had Facebook page only

First-year student usage survey A fair, positive correlation between number of visits per day and time spent per visit was found (r(89)=.4). Many use their pages to communicate with people they already know offline.

First-year student usage survey Of those who reported they had both a Myspace and Facebook page, 90% said they use it to communicate with others about school, professors, or courses. Of those with only a Myspace page, 50% said they use it to discuss school professors or courses.

Focus group Discussion points: First contact Typical session Benefits/problems Academic use Role at CSUSM Recent press coverage

Focus group Demographics: 2 first year, 1 junior, 1 senior Variety of majors All have Myspace, 2 have both Typical usage: “20 times a day”

Focus group Benefits Keeping in touch with friends Learning about new people Drawbacks “Melodrama” Time-consuming Myspace/Facebook v. WebCT

Focus group Findings reiterated survey results: CMC literature Academic potential Usage

Practical integration Make your own page. Post bulletins with search tips, create an anonymous comment box, or start a blog on research. Can support “just in time/point of need” reference.

Practical integration Add to existing outreach efforts. Promote and create awareness of library services and events. Create profile for library with multiple librarians contributing. Support learning communities.

Concluding points Analyze user population Determine learning objectives Assess impact Further research Myspace v. Facebook

Yvonne Nalani Meulemans Sciences and Health & Human Services Librarian Melanie Chu Outreach Librarian