Social media can be a great tool for outreach and connection. Libraries can utilize social media to share photos and videos, promote events and programs, upload webinars and programs online, hold book discussions, and so much more.
One way that libraries can utilize social media is to share photos and videos. Instagram is great app for this use. The San Diego Public Library has an account for the main library and for the teens section of the library. Both accounts have photos and videos of events, book selections, and programs. They also both have multiple "highlights" which are story posts that are saved under specific examples. The main library has one highlight titled "Where Are We Wednesday?" where they post photos of a different spot in one of the library branches and people can write in and guess where the photo was taken. They also have a highlight called "Ask An Expert" where you can reply any question about the library and one of the staff members answers the questions for. The other highlights give information on events and programs going on in different months like pride month, comic con, and more. On the teen library page they have three highlights, "Star Wars Day", "Class of 2020", and "BHM Books".
Another great way to utilize social media is through YouTube. YouTube is a great way to post educational videos, webinars, full coverage of events, and more. On the San Diego Public Library's YouTube page, they have playlists and multiple categories of videos. These categories include how-to videos for crafts and hobbies, livestreams (past and present), special events, book recommendations, virtual author events, and information on the history of the San Diego Public Library.
TikTok is a newer way to connect through social networks. TikTok provides short form videos for quick info, but you can provide links for further information. Tons of libraries use TikTok, but surprisingly I could not find one for San Diego Public Library. One of my favorite videos on TikTok is from the Herrick District Library in Holland. This video was posted around the last eclipse. One of the library staff is outside looking up at the sky and says, "Whoa! Is that the Eclipse?". Then another library staff member comes up and says, "Don't forget your glasses!" while handing the first staff member protective glasses for eclipse viewing. The first staff member puts on the glasses, looks up at the sky, and then it switches to their point of view. Here we see two hands holding up Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers. The caption on this video says, "Come to our eclipse viewing party. . ." I think this was a great way to advertise their event and make a fun video. This library also has a video where they introduce their library staff. This is another great way to utilize social media and create community. Library users can learn about their local library's staff members and maybe feel a little more comfortable to ask questions the next time they visit.
Social media can be used to create community and share information to a large audience quickly. I think it is extremely important that libraries recognize the impact they can make through social networks.
Sources:
Herrick District Library. [@herrickdl]. (2024, April 4). Come to our eclipse viewing party at the North
Branch on April 8 from 2-4pm, where you can get your [Video]. TikTok.
Herrick District Library. [@herrickdl]. (n.d.). Herrick District Library in Holland, MI! Connect, discover,
create [TikTok profile]. Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://www.tiktok.com/@herrickdl?
Marie Keen Shaw. (2022). Using Digital Information Services in the Library Workplace : An Introduction
for Support Staff. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Pietroluongo, L. (2022, September 20). 12 social media books website owners should be reading in 2021. Elegant Themes Blog. https://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/marketing/social-media-books
San Diego Public Library [@sdpubliclibrary]. (n.d.). Posts [instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved 8
May, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/sdpubliclibrary/
San Diego Public Library Teens [@sdplteens]. (n.d.). Posts [instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved 8
May, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/sdplteens/
YouTube. (n.d.). San Diego Public Library. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@sdpubliclibrary
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