Session Number

M233

Keywords

foursquare, location based services, academic libraries, social media

Description

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 (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.

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M233 Presentation

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Jun 5th, 12:00 AM

Check-ins... Not Just for Books! - NUS Libraries' Experience with Foursquare

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 (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.