Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Developing the Penn State University Libraries
Application for Facebook
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Video
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Overview
Why Facebook?Why the Penn State University Libraries? The Facebook App
What it does How it works
Distribution and UsageSurvey and ResultsLessons Learned and Future DirectionsIs Facebook For You?
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Why Facebook?
65 million active users6th most trafficked site in the USCollege students are the original community
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
At Penn State…
93% of students using Facebook
70% on Facebook daily or more
Facebook not specific to Penn State Something students can take after they leave PSU
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Why does it matter?
Building connectionsViral information spreadCommunityAnother opportunity to reach studentsPSUL already in Facebook
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Why the University Libraries?
Updating the Libraries Image
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Why the University Libraries?
Updating the Libraries’ ImageMaking libraries more approachable Making students more comfortable Keeping the library relevant to studentsDeliver information and research services
directly to the studentsBe where the students areMarketing the LibrariesBuilding community
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Our Goals…
Student OutreachLibrary ImageRelevance
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
How We Got Started
ETS and PSULHot teamWhite paper6 weeks ..but really just a few days
of development
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
The Libraries Facebook App
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
The App: What it does
Find books (the CAT)
Find research articles (Proquest)
Quick links to library resources
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
The App: How It Works
Basic Php with Facebook markupiFrame the CATNew window for ProquestTake a look...
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Getting Started with Apps
ASP.NET ASP (VBScript) ColdFusion C++ C# D Emacs Lisp
Java JavaScript Lisp Perl PHP Python Ruby on Rails
VB.NET
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Getting Started With Apps cont...
Content stored on your serversApproval requiredBasic tracking tools provided
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Promotion
Open HousePenn State NewswirePlasma screen ads at all Libraries entrancesLibrary Faculty used in classes Promoting Faculty awarenessLibraries NewsletterEmail lists
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Promotion
Facebook FlyersStudent videoViral nature of Facebook
application
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Usage
1800+ users
900 users from the Open House
5-20 average uses a day
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
The Survey
Open House participants contacted via email Online Survey125 responses
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
The Survey
68% underclassmen
66% female
74% spend < 1 hour a day on FB
22% spend between 1-3 hours a day
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Survey Says
70% Application helped people find resources they need
66% Used application monthly or more
10% Used application daily
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Survey Says
40% Appreciate Libraries efforts to engage students in Facebook
8% Disapprove of Libraries presence in Facebook
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Lessons Learned
More social = betterSome students just don’t use appsSome students don’t want us in FacebookSpring board for other "speaking student
language" Web 2.0 tools
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Future Directions
Ability to share records with friends and groupsMap my bookNew book listsInteractive mapHolds and overdue
remindersGamesStudent intern working on future directions and
ideas
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Is a Facebook App for you?
Engage students in a way they want to be engaged
Encourage natural participationMake personal connections
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Other Ways Facebook Can Help
ApplicationsGroupsEventsFlyers and adsViral spread of ideasBuild connections. Build community.
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Communications Video
Jaclyn Mssino
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Be Ye Warned
Authentication, privacy, and identity
Danger of academic content within Facebook - backlash
Being “part of the flood” of Facebook appsFacebook won’t last forever - there is always
something new
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Summary: Why Facebook
Relevance/ imageNon intrusive presencePersonal connectionAdding convenienceIts easy to get started...... but its not always a good idea
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Developing theFacebook Application
for the Penn State University Libraries
Resources
Facebook White Paperhttp://ets.tlt.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/facebook_applications.pdf
Facebook API Developers Guidehttp://apress.com/book/view/1430209690
Facebook Developers Wiki http://wiki.developers.facebook.com
Chris Stubbshttp://www.ChrisStubbs.com
Binky Lushhttp://www.personal.psu.edu/ful105/blogs/binkys_blog/binky-lush/2008/04/