Brian Mathews

Bio: Brian Mathews is an academic researcher from Georgia Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electronic publishing & Library instruction. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 22 publications receiving 222 citations. Previous affiliations of Brian Mathews include Virginia Tech & University of California, Santa Barbara.

Do you Facebook?: Networking with students online

Abstract: Avec plus de 2000 institutions participantes et pres de 9 millions d'utilisateurs enregistres, Facebook est devenu le reseau social en ligne incontournable des etudiants de l'enseignement superieur. Son succes tient a son degre d'exclusivite et de securite, a la flexibilite et aux opportunites de socialisation qu'il propose. Il constitue pour les bibliothecaires un moyen d'atteindre les etudiants et d'accroitre leur visibilite sur le campus.

Think Like A Startup: a white paper to inspire library entrepreneurialism

Abstract: Facing the Future We don’t just need change, we need breakthrough, paradigm-shifting, transformative, disruptive ideas.

Moving Beyond the Reference Desk : Being Where Users Need Us

Abstract: This article suggests a variety of ways in which reference librarians can be where the users are, in addition to service at the reference desk.

Librarian as Futurist: Changing the Way Libraries Think About the Future

Abstract: Are librarians preoccupied with the future? There are countless books, articles, blog posts, webinars, and conference presentations filled with speculation about what libraries will become. This is understandable with the emergence of new roles for libraries and librarians as we determine our identity across the digital landscape. This essay offers guidance for thinking about the future. By adopting the cognitive tools and mindsets used by practitioners of strategic foresight, library leaders can position their organizations for greater impact and value. Knowing how to discover, design, assess, and address possible future scenarios is becoming increasingly critical, and this skill should become part of our professional fluency.

Findings on Facebook in higher education: A comparison of college faculty and student uses and perceptions of social networking sites

Abstract: Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook are one of the latest examples of communications technologies that have been widely-adopted by students and, consequently, have the potential to become a valuable resource to support their educational communications and collaborations with faculty. However, faculty members have a track record of prohibiting classroom uses of technologies that are frequently used by students. To determine how likely higher education faculty are to use Facebook for either personal or educational purposes, higher education faculty (n = 62) and students (n = 120) at a mid-sized southern university were surveyed on their use of Facebook and email technologies. A comparison of faculty and student responses indicate that students are much more likely than faculty to use Facebook and are significantly more open to the possibility of using Facebook and similar technologies to support classroom work. Faculty members are more likely to use more “traditional” technologies such as email.

Using online social networking for teaching and learning: Facebook use at the University of Cape Town

Abstract: Web-based learning has made learning content much more freely and instantaneously available to students who can download course notes and readings with a single mouse click. Facebook is one of many Web 2.0 tools – wikis, delicious, YouTube, podcasts – that are listed as having potential applications for teaching and learning. Moreover, it has been argued that the current generation of youth, often described as Net Geners or Digital Natives, may be resistant to traditional methods of teaching and learning. This article explores student use of Facebook at the University of Cape Town, as well as lecturer engagement with students via the new social media. Drawing on a virtual ethnography and qualitative interviews, this article shows that while there are potential positive benefits to using Facebook in teaching and learning, particularly for the development of educational micro-communities, certain challenges, including ICT literacy and uneven access, remain pertinent.

A review of research on Facebook as an educational environment

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to present a review of Facebook as an educational environment, as research on its use within education is relatively new. The study is categorized into six sections: Facebook users; reasons people use Facebook; harmful effects of Facebook; Facebook as an educational environment; Facebook’s effects on culture, language, and education; and the relationship between Facebook and subject variables. Additionally, the study compares Facebook usage in Turkey to its use on a global scale. To conclude, there has been a serious lack of research on Facebook’s use as an educational resource, as current literature reflects how Facebook might more readily be utilized as an educational environment. Finally, the study ends with practical recommendations for researchers and educators.

Checking Out Facebook.com: The Impact of a Digital Trend on Academic Libraries

Abstract: While the burgeoning trend in online social networks has gained much attention from the media, few studies in library science have yet to address the topic in depth This article reports on a survey of 126 academic librarians concerning their perspectives toward Facebookcom, an online network for students Findings suggest that librarians are overwhelmingly aware of the “Facebook phenomenon” Those who are most enthusiastic about the potential of online social networking suggested ideas for using Facebook to promote library services and events Few individuals reported problems or distractions as a result of patrons accessing Facebook in the library When problems have arisen, strict regulation of access to the site seems unfavorable While some librarians were excited about the possibilities of Facebook, the majority surveyed appeared to consider Facebook outside the purview of professional librarianship