In 2007, the George Washington University's Gelman Library decided to take a step back from the buzz surrounding Facebook in order to ask a very important question: how do our students really use Facebook? Is there a place for the library in this social environment? This presentation will discuss the evolution of library Facebook initiatives in response to the results of this study, and will provide a framework for your own social networking campaign.

1. Beyond the Buzz: Planning Library Facebook Initiatives Grounded in User Needs David Bietila Elizabeth Edwards The George Washington University

4. Our Library & Facebook

5. Our University

6. Our Library

7. Creating this Study

11. Findings

12. Findings: Why do students use Facebook?

13. Findings: Students use Facebook to…

14. Findings: Use and Affects How frequently do students use Facebook for academic purposes? How do they feel Facebook use affects their academic performance?

16. Findings: Getting Help

17. Recommendations

22. Thank you! David Bietila [email_address] Elizabeth Edwards [email_address]