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Libraries
make use of Social Media as a cost effective and efficient way to
promote/popularize and improve the quality of their services to users.1
How?
It
is important for a library to determine which social networking platform will
be preferred by their particular community. It is especially relevant to determine
this for those users who do not frequently visit the library but are primarily
online users. The library’s online presence does not only serve to promote
services, but is an expression of that
library’s culture.
This
video (although created for a research library) gives tips on maximizing and maintaining
any library’s social media channels:
What?
Facebook
- Library
news. Libraries are sharing about themselves—what’s happening at the
library, what will happen, and what recently happened.
- Fun
stuff. Libraries are also sharing what I’m calling “fun stuff.” These are light-hearted or humorous posts that one often finds on Facebook. These types of posts tend to make people smile and click the Like button. That’s the goal.
Twitter
Many libraries share current information and news
about their library—that “what’s happening now” type of content.
YouTube
- Reference and entertainment. Want to learn something fast? There’s probably a YouTube video about it. Want to listen to a new song? Increasingly, YouTube is where bands put their newest music (lyrics-only videos), even before the official music video is created.
- Library information. YouTube is also a great place to post library-related instructional videos.
- Social content. YouTube is a social network, too. So if you post videos, there’s a good chance people will follow your channel and comment or Like your videos.
LinkedIn
Libraries can use LinkedIn to connect with
the professional community in their service area.
Tumblr
Tumblr can be a fun, popular place for animated gifs and visual-based posts for
libraries.
Pinterest
Pin interesting content that…is happening in the library. Pin new books.
Instagram
Libraries can share photos of what’s
happening at the library—fun stuff and behind-the-scenes pictures. You can also
use Instagram to give your library a human touch—to share the human side of the
This topic has taken on an enhanced meaning in this time of sequestration.
Libraries are making heavy use of social media platforms to connect and
communicate with their patrons with relevant and timely information.
Referenced:
1. BOOKER, LATRICE, and SUBIR BANDYOPADHYAY. “How Academic Libraries
Can Leverage Social Networking to Popularize Their Services: An Empirical
Study.” Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences,
vol. 16, no. 2, May 2017, pp. 129–146. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=129365572&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
2.
King, David Lee. “Landscape of Social Media
for Libraries.” Library Technology Reports, vol. 51, no. 1, Jan.
2015, pp. 10–15. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=100279059&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
I like how detailed your blog post is, especially because you explained several different platforms and websites that libraries use to keep patrons informed about library events and resources. Each library is different, and may use different methods to reach their patrons. With many public places being closed, social media is a good way to keep people updated on developing information and to remind patrons about what resources they can access from home. Good work!
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