Staying Relevant: Public Libraries

Look to Social Media to Engage Teen Patrons

 Research Team 5

Sandra Findley, Lori Ross, Dawn Edelen and Greta Kliewer

 April 28, 2012

Overview and Background

Teens 12-17 in the KC Metro Area

Social networking within the public libraries

Blogs, Wiki’s, Podcasts, RSS feeds, Twitter, social platforms (Facebook, Myspace Friendster), virtual games

Research Aim & Questions

Why aren’t teens using the library?What kind of social media do libraries use?How do libraries use this media to draw teens in?How effective are these programs/technologies?

Research ParadigmMixed-methods questionnaire, with an emphasis on qualitative

Allows for spontaneous responses, but draws on strengths of qualitative and quantitative research

Qualitative InductiveConstructivism

QuantitativePositivistEasy to discuss and replicate results

SamplingMailed questionnaires that are chosen randomly.A sample size between 500 and 1000 for this area.

There is an anticipation of non-response, and this is a large area.

There will also be advertisements via flyer to encourage participation via the online format.

This still follows the random selection sampling as we will distribute to many different areas around the metro.

Data Collection & Analysis

There are two ways offered for the questionnaire: paper or online. Only a questionnaire.

Interview or focus group would be better for a study about a particular library resource.

There will be a pilot study of 300 paper questionnaires to refine our questions.The study will run from mid-April to mid-May, giving patrons enough time to respond.

Short and concise – we want the most response without much burden to the patron and is the least invasive.Allows for parents to have more control if they want to allow their teen to participate or not.

Laptop incentivizes the response.

Ethical ConsiderationsWorking with human participants; not yet legal adultsTransparency regarding research aimsParental permission and authenticating signaturesNon-compulsoryAnonymity (Privacy)

LimitationsMultiple submissions by one person is a possibility. We hope to deter such action by limiting one entry per teen for the incentive.

Submissions blatantly identical will be discarded.

There is a possibility of forged parental consent. An email and a phone number to contact are requested for verification of consent. This also helps with the online format.Partial/incomplete questionnaires will be removed from the incentive drawing, but not from the study.

Significance of Research

Benefits for libraries:More patrons.Adds value to the library.Great way to reach out to and interact with patrons.Ability to share valuable information through the internet.Market the library at no cost.

Benefits for teens:Ability to enjoy the benefits of the library from home.Comfort level of communication.Allows interaction with other teensGives teens a voice in the library

QuestionnaireWhat is the main social networking site you use?

a. Facebook b. MySpace c. Blogs d. Twitter e. Other

How do you mainly access your social networking? a. Cell Phone b. Home Computer c. School Computer d. Library Computer e. Don’t use social media

How many hours a day do you use social networking?a. Less than 1 hour b. 1 – 2 hours c. 3-4 hours. d. 5 – 6 hours. e. 7 – 8 hours f. 9 – 10 hours g. More than 10 hours

Questionnaire Cont’d Would classes at the library on social networking be

something that you would go to? Yes or No

If equipment that is used for social networking (computers with internet, cameras for video blogging, etc.) was available at the library, would you come into the library more often? Yes or No

What would you like to see added to the library in a social media setting? _______________________________________________

ConclusionLibraries need to connect with teens

Encourages lifelong users.

Questions?