Connell's survey resulted in some key points, several of which were also included in "Use of Facebook in academic health sciences libaries." Both articles mentioned the fact that not much library literature on the topic has yet emerged, so both (written in 2009) are valuable. Looking at both articles it seems that there may be a divide between the value academic librarians place on Facebook and the acceptance rate of the interaction with libraries by students using Facebook. It seems that there must be more focused conversations between the two groups, if Facebook is to become a valuable librarian's tool. With so many methods of communication available perhaps the division can be addressed and practical uses of Facebook become more manageable for both groups.
Both articles do indicate that many students feel more comfortable contacting librarians through an email system. However, the Connell survey revealed that 3/4ths of the students surveyed would either accept a library's friend request or proactively add the library as a friend. This is encouraging for librarians. I like the way Mississippi State University began with a closed Facebook group for student employees, found it successful, and then created an open group which was advertised during a fall orientation program, with posters, and ads. These methods allow for interested students to participate but did not force the library on those not interested, and especially by not utilizing the "friend request"
scenario.
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