Today's libraries are relying and more and more on social media to not only promote the building, but also the programs, books, special dates, and future events to patrons on a scale that more easily manageable. Here is a list of the 10 most popular social media sites libraries can use now:
1. Facebook - this site gives a library not only a voice, but a picture too. Use this site to friend your patrons, administrators, teachers and other librarians to create a network and to share ideas. Post ideas, successes, displays, teacher librarian in action to name a few. Use the chat option if you'd like to help students with homework after hours. Take into account the option for allowing comments or not.
2. Twitter - this is fast becoming the number one site all teens are using and have accounts for. Utilize Twitter for quick updates, sharing websites and webtools, and snapping a pic. Make your Twitter handle unique enough to create a library personality and add a graphic or image (mascot, anyone?) It's up to you whether you'd like to create a separate account for professonal learning networks. Business in the front, party in the back, as they say.
3. Instagram - pictures tell a thousand words, and you can pack a lot of words with a snapshot. Use this site to show off the library and the many areas it contains. Take pictures of bulletin boards, creative signage, new books that have come in or students in action (check with your local district policy about students images). Friends colleagues and everyone in your building to grow your followers
4. Vine - a quick video is a sure way to catch action going on in the library. It can be goofy or serious, the theme is up to you. Create a vid of yourself doing a quick reminder of library events. Catch one of teachers using the library for different purposes.
5. Goodreads - link it, embed it, share it anyway you go, but an online bookshelf is a heavy hitter when it comes to books and circulation. Create any shelf you'd like and post it for your patrons to use to find the best books you recommend. Or create one of a state list, reading list on campus, teacher favorites, student favorites - the sky's the limit. Make multiple shelves for multiple book lists!
6. Shelfari - see above. Another wonderful way to share reviews and books with book lovers everywhere.
7. Tumblr - The interface is cool and so easy to use. What's more, teens are flocking to this site. So take advantage of it and create a blog by adding links, video, pictures, articles either created by you or found on the web. Tumblr has many options for backgrounds, but it's the content that makes your Tumblr unique. Search the site and see what's out there and start building a place you can call your own
8. Scoop.it - Want to share and curate at the same time? Create a Scoop.it for the library and start curating into 5 different categories. What I see most are educational sites, apps, and information but there is so much more to curate when it comes to libraries. Think about book trailers or databases; homework help sites or books by genre. If you build it, they will come
9. Pinterest - LOVE is the only description I can give about Pinterest. As a curation site, it allows you to make as many bulletin boards as you want. Create a library board about the library. Start one for the book talks you've been doing so students can look back at past titles. Find ideas to start a book club. Look at ways to decorate the library for the holidays. It's easy to start running down a rabbit trail, but boy is it fun!
10. Youtube - While this collects videos, it's a perfect site for you to create a channel and upload it with so many things. Try putting amazing book trailers on it. Or how about creating screencasts for students and teachers to use? Do one on databases or digital literacy. Create a video on the OPAC or how to access e-books. This site is not only entertaining but teaches those who use it about so many things (trust me, I've used it for tutorials myself!)
BONUS: Of course use Blogger!! Easy to use, great layouts and options for make yours personal.
Create lists to share, books to review, videos to embed, and the list goes on. It's the alternative to a library website, so tab away!
Not only does social media promote the library, but it's also a great way to show administrators how the library is being used in the millions of ways they may not know about! So go forth and get social! If you know of any other social media that is great for libraries, please leave a comment and share. See you online :)
