Social media at the university: a demographic comparison

an article by Alice B. Ruleman, (James C. Kirkpatrick Library, University of Central Missouri, USA) published in New Library World Volume 113 Issuse 7/8 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty and student responses to questions regarding their use of social media and to determine possible demographic differences.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based quantitative survey format utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions was selected for this research.
Findings
Both faculty and students are active users of social media. Some distinct demographic differences were found but they did not always match expected results.
Research limitations/implications
The nature of a multiple-choice survey creates some limitations although it also makes it easier to obtain responses from a broad range of individuals. The responses to this survey indicate some interesting demographic results particularly related to gender differences (or lack of) with the students and faculty, as well as the differences between the two groups even when comparing the same ages. Additional research could help to explain these differences.
Practical implications
This environmental scan can aid the library in determining potential social media to use to provide service to the campus.
Originality/value
The paper confirms that students and faculty are avid users of some, but not all, social media and the study raises some interesting questions regarding the differences between faculty and students.

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