Your library on Facebook! Making your Facebook page a full-access catalog and research tool. Bongiwe Shongwe Universal Knowledge Software

AGENDA Leaving Facebook is a stressor Think about it. In-Facebook search!!

INTERESTING FACEBOOK FACTS Total number of monthly active Facebook users 1,310,000,000 Total number of mobile Facebook users 680,000,000 Increase in Facebook users from 2012 to 2013 22 % Average time spent on Facebook per visit 18 minutes Percent of 18-34 year olds who check Facebook when they wake up 48 % Percent of 18-34 year olds who check Facebook before they get out of bed 28 % Average number of friends per Facebook user 130 http://www.statisticbrain.com/facebook-statistics/

HOW CAN BEING ON FACEBOOK HELP THE LIBRARY? Offer services and information to patrons “where they live” Interact and build community with patrons - outreach Commenting on a post Sharing posts Discussion groups Answering questions and more Marketing tool for the library – raising its profile Library news Library services Library events and more As an educational tool Sharing learning resources Two-way street with both libraries and patrons reaching out Facebook as the extension of the library environment Two-way street with both libraries and patrons reaching out Patrons can leave feedback for libraries and can make suggestions to improve services in a setting that is comfortable for the patron (Farkas, 2007). Facebook as the extension of the library environment must not be seen as a replacement. Still need the library especially the older generation to whom Facebook does not appeal Marketing library services, events, and news to patrons instantaneously through their Facebook news feeds News Feed is a constantly updating list of stories from people and Pages that you follow on Facebook. News Feed stories include status updates, photos, videos, links, app activity and likes.

WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR PAGE APPEAL TO PATRONS? Make your page a research portal/tool instead of just a plain marketing tool. Integrate the page with: Blogs Ask a librarian Discussion forums Reference services Database Search Instructional videos, podcasts etc. RSS feeds Content must be interesting Give patrons an opportunity to view, review, rate, discuss and share library materials. Be quick to respond to patrons’ comments and questions Remember to cater for mobile platforms as well Reference services virtual reference - providing assistance to library users in finding information, answering questions live reference chats? Database search Middlesex County College Library Remember to cater for mobile platforms as well be aware of the different devices out there

Bringing our worlds together… TAKING IT FURTHER – BRINGING YOUR CATALOGUE TO FACEBOOK Bringing our worlds together…

ADVANTAGES OF HAVING YOUR CATALOGUE ON FACEBOOK Your library Facebook page can now become a full-access catalog and research tool as well. Patrons can search the catalogue within a space they are familiar with. Patrons can access their library account details including checkouts, overdue material, fines etc. without leaving Facebook. Patrons can share and “like” library materials all without leaving Facebook Patrons can reserve library Material

Create your library Facebook page HOW DO YOU GET STARTED? Create your library Facebook page Include the useful elements mentioned above including the library catalogue Market your page (you need to get those “likes”)

SOME TIPS ON MARKETING YOUR PAGE Content! Content! Content! (must be interesting) You need to think of your Library Facebook page as a new service, because it is. Posters, flyers, bookmarks Mention and demonstrate the page during orientation talks as well as library tours. Mention the page in book clubs and post communication on Facebook. Encourage book club members to post their book reviews on Facebook Let patrons know that interesting library events are going to be posted on Facebook and encourage them to read them from there (http://ditchthebun.wordpress.com) Encourage your patrons to like your page

Bongiwe Shongwe bongiwe@uks.co.za http://www.uks.co.za THANK YOU Bongiwe Shongwe bongiwe@uks.co.za http://www.uks.co.za