Your library on Facebook!
Making your Facebook page a full-access catalog and research tool.
Bongiwe ShongweUniversal Knowledge Software
AGENDA
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
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
TAKING IT FURTHER – BRINGING YOUR CATALOGUE TO FACEBOOK
Bringing our worlds together…
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
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING YOUR CATALOGUE ON FACEBOOK
Create your library Facebook page Include the useful elements mentioned above
including the library catalogue Market your page (you need to get those
“likes”)
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
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)
SOME TIPS ON MARKETING YOUR PAGE