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Engaging Teen Patrons: Public Libraries Harness Social Media

This research explores the role of social media in engaging teen patrons (ages 12-17) in public libraries. With a focus on understanding why teens may not utilize library resources, the study investigates the types of social media tools employed by libraries, their effectiveness, and how they can draw teens in. Using a mixed-methods approach, including questionnaires and qualitative data, the research aims to provide insights that help libraries connect with the younger demographic and promote lifelong learning through enhanced digital interactions.

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Engaging Teen Patrons: Public Libraries Harness Social Media

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  1. Staying Relevant: Public Libraries Look to Social Media to Engage Teen PatronsResearch Team 5Sandra Findley, Lori Ross, Dawn Edelen and Greta KliewerApril 28, 2012

  2. 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

  3. 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?

  4. Research Paradigm • Mixed-methods questionnaire, with an emphasis on qualitative • Allows for spontaneous responses, but draws on strengths of qualitative and quantitative research • Qualitative • Inductive • Constructivism • Quantitative • Positivist • Easy to discuss and replicate results

  5. Sampling • Mailed 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.

  6. 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 patronand 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.

  7. Ethical Considerations • Working with human participants; not yet legal adults • Transparency regarding research aims • Parental permission and authenticating signatures • Non-compulsory • Anonymity (Privacy)

  8. Limitations • Multiple 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.

  9. 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 teens • Gives teens a voice in the library

  10. Questionnaire • What 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 hoursg. More than 10 hours

  11. 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? • _______________________________________________

  12. Conclusion • Libraries need to connect with teens • Encourages lifelong users.

  13. Questions?

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