Facebook use in libraries: an exploratory analysis

Abstract

Purpose -The current study aims to present an exploratory analysis of the use of Facebook in American public and academic libraries, with the purpose of understanding patterns of Facebook use in libraries. Design/methodology/approach -This study presents both a statistical descriptive analysis and a content analysis. Findings -The research findings show that both kinds of libraries use the information section and the wall and that there is a difference in the use of other Facebook sections, which was surprisingly limited in both kinds of libraries. In addition, public libraries use the wall and the photos section as major channels of information more than academic libraries. Concentrating on the content of the Facebook wall posts, it appears that there are some differences between the two sections (categories and sub-categories). However, it seems that both kinds of libraries use Facebook simply as a way to deliver information to users, rather than as a venue for discussion. Originality/value -Research findings enable librarians and information scientists to better understand the Facebook phenomenon in different kinds of libraries.

Applications of Mobile Social Media: WeChat Among Academic Libraries in China

“…While often used in China's top academic libraries, WeChat official accounts are somewhat less prevalent compared to different parts of the world on the use of other social media tool applications such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter to promote services, collection, events, and resources (Aharony, 2012;Boateng & Liu, 2014;Chua & Goh, 2010;Han & Liu, 2010;Linh, 2008;Mahmood & Richardson, 2011;Saw et al, 2013). Indeed, libraries adopting this emerging technology will need time to overcome the challenges or barriers mentioned.…”

“…In China, local libraries face challenges when adopting WeChat tools, namely inadequate technical skills (unwillingness of librarians to accept new innovations or technology); inadequate awareness of the benefits; inadequate supportive policies, strategies, and plans; and inadequate financial resources (Aharony, 2012;Baro, Ebiagbe, & Godfrey, 2013). It is inferred that some of these university libraries could face human resource or financial restrictions, which may prevent them from engaging WeChat technology in their library services.…”

Usage of Social Media by Medical and Dental Students at Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan

“…In 1997, social networks started with Six.Degrees.com. SNS motivates learning communities that are being interconnected with each other (3,15). The findings of this study reveal that 87% respondents were members of different social networking sites.…”

Content Generation and Social Network Interaction within Academic Library Facebook Pages

“…After finding that approximately 35.5% of the posts on American academic library Facebook pages fell into a miscellaneous category, Aharony (2012) concluded "that academic librarians do not know how exactly to use this platform and thus assign many miscellaneous items on the wall" (p. 368). Gerolimos (2011) took this criticism of academic library pages one step further and noted, "Librarians create posts that could be characterized as unnecessary or even unprofessional" (p. 8).…”

“…Gerolimos's consideration of user interaction helped inform the definition of response used in this study. Aharony (2012) explored the differences in Facebook use between 10 public and 10 academic libraries. Like many other authors mentioned here, she conducted a content analysis on the types of posts, but she also further examined library use of various Facebook page components.…”