Marketing can have untapped potential for the library, but mix that with social networking and you can reach a whole new demographic. Facebook is about to hit 1 billion users, Twitter is in the 500 million range, and there are over 164 million blogs. Libraries can use this trend to get the word out about the resources it possesses and can provide for its patrons. With a tech savvy librarian at the helm, daily posts can inform followers about new books, new programs, new periodicals, new classes--the potential is limitless. Even the Library of Congress has jumped on the social networking band wagon. They have a Facebook accout, a Twitter account and several blogs. Recently, the Library of Congress advertised on all three and then hosted a book festival where 200,000 book lovers heard from and met their favorite authors and went home with arms full of books. One of the bloggers was courteous enough to post a photo of a lost Hello Kitty, looking for the owner. This is a great example of how, if used correctly, social networking can not only bring back the library's current patrons, but find new ones that can enjoy and utilize the library resources they might not have known was there.
Many of the patrons I have seen love to use storytime facebook accounts to get information about upcoming events or a chance to look at what themes are going to be talked about.
ReplyDeleteWith so many consumers using social media to obtain information, it is important for libraries to utilize such tools to market their services. Social networking provides a greater level of connectivity between libraries and their patrons, as well as the community.
ReplyDeleteSocial media can be a great asset to any library. One great example is Facebook Reader Advisory Challenges. Last year my library set aside a whole day where people could ask for book recommendations from librarians on our Facebook page and expect a very quick response. We had librarians and library assistants stationed to monitor the Facebook the entire day, so most people received a recommendation within minutes. This article gives an account of another libraries experience with their own Facebook Readers Advisory Challenge. The event was such a success we'll be doing another in November. I believe this could also work well using Twitter.-Kate Wheeler
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