Checking Out Facebook.com: The Impact of a Digital Trend on Academic Libraries

Checking Out Facebook.com: The Impact of a Digital Trend on Academic Libraries
Lauri Charnigo and Paula Barnett-Ellis, Information Technology and Libraries, March 2007

A lengthy discussion of the rise of social networking web-sites and the casual attitude the academic world, specifically librarians, has adopted. Embarrassingly, the academic world has albeit ignored the possible significant uses of social networks while highlighting every ill affect (sexual predators, defamation of character) with the light of a million candles. Educators, including librarians, should be exploring the implications the communication style may have in regards to their students while identifying ways to evolve.
Libraries have often been thought of as the heart of a campus. I can recall a thousand times making plans to meet friends “at the library, 2nd floor”. If Facebook, as one of the largest online social networks, continues to grow how will the library fare in the social scene of campus? How can librarians be proactively involved to encourage administrators and colleagues to experiment with the opportunities afforded by on-line social networks?
A 2005 survey of 126 college level librarians revealed that:
12% find academic value in Facebook
19% had never heard of Facebook
3% had a library profile in Facebook
Most librarians held no disdain for Facebook unless it interrupted the study or academic work of another while a small percentage were delighted to use the vehicle to promote their services. Many librarians take the time to educate Facebook users about discreet use; advising students that anyone could access their postings so they should proceed with caution.
Much will likely change in the near future; how librarians are affected is simply up to us.
What I learned:
I enjoyed reading the study but was shocked with the lack of interest in on-line social networks from academic librarians as I view librarians as cutting edge information users. I need to keep in mind that the data is 2 years old. Sometimes people become such creatures of habit that they ignore what’s happening in the world.
Also, how long will it take until my spell check recognizes “Facebook” as one word? I don’t think Websters includes “Facebook” right now, but it will someday.