MODULE 4 : OLJ TASK Why should libraries be on social media

Social Networking Tools in Libraries

Library	Social Tool	Information Service Provision	Programs	Conduct Business Communication
Bond University	Instagram, Blog, Facebook, Yammer	The Blog is mainly used for announcing referencing workshops to be held and new databases being trialled.   Instagram is mostly organic and fun way to present the Library. Currently, most interactive tool with students.	Broadcast Referencing tutorials. Announcing Library events	Yammer as internal communication and collaboration. RSS feeds availabile for e-publications of new material.
University of Southern Queensland	Twitter YouTube Facebook	Facebook is a stand out-very out there, funny little e-cards, inviting competitions and photo sharing such as graduation and embedded video clips of student experience.	Usage of Twitter to announce programs and reminder of services.	Linked in for professional associations.
QUT	Blogs YouTube Twitter Facebook	Clips on YouTube range from evaluating websites, task analysis and time management getting the most hits.	Usage of Twitter to announce programs and reminder of services.	Embedded scroll for Blog and Twitter. Adds to visibility of Web 2.0.

Each of the above Libraries have delved into the world of social media to engage with their student body.  In the higher education library context, social media can be used to provide support services, and create opportunity for collaboration between libraries and users.

Why should Libraries be on social media

1. Providing a rich user experience

The use of social media at Bond University is less about information provision, educational programs and conducting business and more about trying to engage with the student body.  However, the tools are certainly used to promote events and make announcements.  As a staff member there I would say it is more around reducing anxiety around the use of the library and to construct the library as central to the Bond student experience. The student experience is a central part of the organisation goal of Bond University. Most interesting, Instagram has been the most successful with interacting with students. 

 

2. Being where the users are

The prevalence of technology in modern society has changed the way people create , consume and share information.  Web 2.0 is about online applications, interactions and tools that enable users to interact on the social internet (Kroski, 2008).  This connectivity is reflected in the rate of internet access. For example, with over 6.2 millions or 73 % having broadband access (Australian Bureau of Statistics,2011).  Mobile social networking is on the increase, providing access and delivery channels with over 16.2 million people having mobile phones with internet connection(Australian Bureau of Statistics,2012). Ultimately, this assertion raises the important issue that it is important for organisations to be engaged in this digital paradigm to provide a relevant and timely service. To illustrate, USQ and QUT have used YouTube as a channel to provide information regarding library services, assignment help, information literacy skills. 

 

3. Open communication with our users and staff

Opening up the conversation channel with students can prove difficult.  Social media provides an ubiquitous tool to connect and inviting conversation and strengthening relationships can be achieved (Dellitt & Schindeler,2012). The advantages of social media is the ease of use to publish information to a wide range of online users.   USQ has the most dynamic Facebook page of the three examples I have provided, it is interactive with video posts, little anecdotes, inviting photosharing and so on.  And it allows comments from students which enables a more interactive site.  As Farkas(2007) succinctly states,"Good ideas can come from anyone, anywhere".


References

Australian Bureau of Statistics.(2011).Household Use of Information Technology No 8146.0. Canberra: Author.

Dellit,A. & Schindeler, S.(2012). Trove: the terrors and triumphs  of service based social media. Retrieved 15 September 2013 from http://www.nla.gov.au/openpublish/index.php/nlasp/article/viewFile/2319/2757

Farkas, M.(2007). Building academic library 2.0.[video file]. Retrieved from, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_uOKFhoznI

Kroski, E.(2008). Web 2.0 for Librarians and Information Professionals. New York: Neal Schuman.