Beyond the Buzz: Planning Library Facebook Initiatives Grounded in User Needs David Bietila Elizabeth Edwards The 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 approach Three 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?

Findings: Students use Facebook to…

Findings: Use and Affects How frequently do students use Facebook for academic purposes? How do they feel Facebook use affects their academic performance?

Findings: Perceptions of Staff How do you feel about university staff having Facebook profiles? I don’t know I’m uncomfortable with it I’m comfortable with it I like it

Findings: Getting Help

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 Bietila Elizabeth Edwards