(M233) Check-ins … not just for books! – NUS Libraries’ experience with Foursquare

Mar 30, 2012 | 5/6/2012 (1050-1225), Technology & New Media | 1 comment

Singapore has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world. Social network usage is also among the highest in the world, with a recent report showing that users in Singapore spend the longest period on Facebook in the world (All Facebook, 2011). The increasing usage of mobile technologies and social networks is particularly widespread among young people. This presents a good opportunity for academic libraries to tap on mobile technologies to promote and market their services. NUS Libraries has been engaging users through social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube with good results and as such we are exploring new social media and mobile technologies to extend our virtual reach to the users. One of the latest mobile technology and social media platform being explored is Foursquare. Foursquare, a location based social networking site allows users to “check-in” and share their location and tips with friends. Given that NUS libraries is the most “checked-in” venue in NUS despite lack of official recognition, it shows great marketing potential for libraries to offer ‘Specials” to promote library activities and events on FourSquare. This paper will describe the implementation of various Foursquare ―Specials‖ in our different library branches, correlation of physical visits with the number of Foursquare check-ins, consideration of incentives, reactions from users and the lessons learnt. Future implications of Foursquare and similar services would also be touched on.

Aaron Tay Chee Hsien
Aaron Tay Chee Hsien National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries

Aaron joined NUS Libraries in 2007. Much of his work has focused on extending the digital reach of the library by launching chat reference, Facebook, Twitter & other social media initiatives. Aaron was voted best speaker at LAS Libraries for Tomorrow seminar & recently LAS Outstanding Newcomer. He was also named an international Library Journal Mover & Shaker. He blogs library ideas regularly at Musings about librarianship & is on Twitter @aarontay.

Georgiana Glass
Georgiana Glass National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries

Georgiana joined NUS Libraries in 2009. She is currently based in Central Library, Information Services department. Prior to joining the library profession, her work experience was in marketing and promotions. She will graduate with a MSc in Information Studies from Nanyang Technological University in July 2012. Outside her work, music is her passion and she is active in supporting/promoting the local indie music scene.

Chew Shu Wen
Chew Shu Wen National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries

Shu Wen joined NUS Libraries in 2010 upon graduating with a degree in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry. Currently, she is based in NUS Medical library as a Pharmacy Resource Librarian. Other than performing day to day librarian duties such as manning the reference desk, conducting information literacy programs and advisories, Shu Wen enjoys connecting with students via social media channels. She is planning to pursue Masters in Information Studies at Nanyang Technological University in August 2012.

 

1 Comment

  1. The Naked Librarian on June 5, 2012 at 11:50

    Ok, so I know these guys personally. They are inquisitive, driven, smart and fast. They rock.

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