Administrators at the Charles V. Park Library are looking for the most up to date ways to communicate with students.

To make this task easier a few weeks ago a Facebook page was designed to keep students informed on what’s happening at the library.

“We noticed a lot of students inside the library were always on Facebook so it just made sense to make a page” said Michael Lorenzen, head of reference services. “The goal of the Facebook page is to make sure our references are available to our patrons and how they want to use them.”

For now, the page is being monitored by two of the library’s staff, Lorenzen and Joyce Salisbury, administrative secretary. The page is expected to gain more attention in the fall when students are back in class.

“We just put it up a few weeks ago and people were already becoming fans of the page before we were done with it” said Lorenzen.

The Facebook page provides more interaction between students and the library, allowing students to post questions that librarians can answer without face to face interaction. The page will also post announcements about upcoming events and speakers along with photos.

Other useful information such as contact information, hours, and changes in the library staff is also on the page.

“It’s a great way for students and alumni to know what’s going on around the library,” Salisbury said.

The library is also considering other modern uses of communication such as Twitter and text message updates.

Anne Belecki, a Clinton Township junior, thinks the Facebook page is a practical way for the library to stay in touch with students.

“Everyone’s got a Facebook,” she said. “You can actually see upcoming events at the library and stay informed.”

To become a fan of the library’s Facebook page, type in Central Michigan University library in the top right corner and click on their page.

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E-mail the author: William Axford