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

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

3. 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 year olds who check Facebook when they wake up
48 %
Percent of year olds who check Facebook before they get out of bed
28 %
Average number of friends per Facebook user
130

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. 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

12. 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”)

13. 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 (
Encourage your patrons to like your page

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