Libraries are free to everyone, that’s what makes them so great. They provide free programs and services to those that use the library, but not everyone uses the library thus not everyone will get the chance to enjoy and benefit from what the library can offer. As library staff members, we must do our part finding ways to reach out to the community that is not using the library. What better way to do that then social-networking. By using social media platforms to reach out and advertise the library’s resources, the library staff members can make connections with more people, then just the ones that regularly walk through the library doors.
I’m going to start with Facebook, according to David Lee, author of Landscape of Social Media for Libraries, “…57 percent of US adults are using Facebook (pg. 10).” But what should you promote on Facebook? Libraries can use this platform to promote “Library news”. By making the Library’s Facebook Page its headquarters for library updates and events. Lee makes a valid point about the Facebook page also posting “Fun stuff”. He goes on to explain, when content is making people smile or laugh, they’ll be more inclined to press the Like button. Letting Facebook know this user enjoys the content being produced by the library’s page, Facebook will show more of it on the follower’s page.
But, how are followers getting access to Facebook, through their cellphones. Cellphones are basically attached to our hips now. Looking around, a vast majority has a cellphone or smart phone. This opens doors to other types of social platforms, such as Apps. A library can create its own app for users to download and have the library’s resources and calendar events in their hands at all times. They can set up whether or not to be notified of events, or book returns, or even when new content is available at the library. Library staff can help patrons download and use the app, by provided a quick tutorial, in person and posting a video on their Facebook page.
Other social platforms are Twitter, Intagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest , and YouTube . These platforms target a variety of age groups, young to old and can reach the underserved population. They have something for everyone- videos, pictures, short stories, tutorials, and so much more.
Above is a video titled, "Social Media tips for librarians", produced by Royal Society of Chemistry.
Works Cited
Senville, Wayne. “Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities.” APLIS, vol. 22, no. 3, Sept. 2009, pp. 97–103. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebschost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44266947&site=ehost-live&scope=site
"Social Media tips for librarians." Royal Society of Chemistry, April 2016.
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