Does your library have a social media presence for their
weekly children’s program? With over 23
million moms on Facebook according to an article posted on eMarketer on October
19, 2011 (http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1008649)
using social media to connect parents with children’s library services is an
ideal method to promote library connections with a regular user base. With many parents connecting to social
networks using those same networks to encourage participation in library
programs and events is an ideal method to turn users into advocates. Social networking creates networks of
families that use library activities and in turn they can spread their
experiences with library resources to others in their networks. Libraries that have strong social media
programs can include children’s programming updates to active users and develop
stronger connections with the library.
Some libraries have developed specific weekly programs that are then
shared through Facebook and other networks.
With the creation of new social network providers such as Ning the
possibilities that libraries could develop closed networks for the patrons who
use their services the most may allow for patron requested programming with a
guaranteed audience.
In the book
Doing Social Media So It Matters: A Librarians
Guide, by Laura Solomon one of the ideas that is discussed is that using
tactics to increase library advocacy across technical formats can have the benefit
of reinforcing library engagement with the technically adept. The patron base that uses social networking
programs often uses multiple formats and this will require libraries to develop
strategies that include the most commonly accessed networks to encourage
patrons to interact with their library.
Another
book that discusses some of the issues that come up in creating Facebook
connections with families is From Board book to Facebook by Adele M.
Fasick. In the book some discussion is
made about creating effective strategies within programs to use the
technological tools available can effectively increase the technological
literacy of children as well as developing the traditional literacy skills that
library story times have historically been expected to provide. Using social networking products like
Facebook, or Cafemom to connect library services with patrons is only a part of
the larger outreach and community engagement strategy of the library.
Being
Facebook friends with your local children’s librarian may be just one aspect of
the library engagement in your community but it personalizes that
connection. Facebook groups that have
formed because of library programming do offer a unique advocacy ally within
the community which can be informed about events or issues in a way that
ensures messages are received. Programming for infants and new parents also
benefits from these connections becoming more responsive to the needs of their
most likely participants.
Social
networking and story time don’t seem to be a natural fit, but they have a great
deal that they can do together.
I fully believe that social networking can have a great benefit to programs offered at the library. However I have noticed that some people become too focused on the social networking side, they forget that the old fashion methods can be just as effective, if more so. I work in an area were the only place most people check their facebook is at the library, therefore it is easier just to post the list of events on the door rather than the web. Prehaps part of social networking is combing the new with the old, so that we can reach more people and encompass a larger and more diverse demographic.
ReplyDeleteCombining tactics is a great way to reach families that have social media and keep those who don't have access together. Even in most organizations that use social media it coexists with print or other traditional media. I think that developing a following using all the tactics has the best chance of developing a strong user following.
DeleteI loved your post! Being a new mom means extending one's social circle to include more moms, especially when you are one of the first to have kids in your social circle! The library has definitely been one the best places for my daughter to meet other youngsters!
ReplyDeleteUsing social networking to get the word out about programs a library offers is really a great idea. I think families are certainly a big clientele for libraries, another great area that can be reached through social networking might be the teen group!
A teen-librarian at Portland Public Library, Justin Hoenke created a slide-show, "Connecting With Teens Using Social Media." In it he reminds us how for some teens, expressing themselves both intellectually and creatively can actually be easier in Social Mediums.
In an article, "Myspace, Facebook Promote Literacy," Debra Lau Whelan notes that "they (social networking sites) also help young people develop their interests and find people who share the same interest" (Whelan, 2008). Libraries can utilize social networking to increase their teen patronage, while at the same time giving these youngsters productive things to do (especially at an age where that is so so important!).
While social sites can have that stigma attached to them of people being alienated and only interacting through a 'virtual' world, your post and some of these articles help to remind us that there is still a lot of good that can come from them!
References
Hoenke, J. (2011, November 1). Connecting with teens using social media. Slideshare.net Retrived from http://www.slideshare.net/JustinTheLibrarian/connecting-with-teensusingsocialmedia
Whelan, D.L. (2008). Myspace, facebook promote literacy. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6573270.html?nid=3253
Thanks for your post Jackie. While meeting other new parents is sometimes nerve racking it is worthwhile to know that nearly everyone is in the same boat. While some social media sites like Cafe Mom (http://www.cafemom.com/) have worthwhile conversation sites. They sometimes feel more forced and less personal. Some of the unique sites like meetup.com have great avenues to create some fun library experiences. I recently found a post there for an Algonquin IL. Library group. http://www.meetup.com/AlgonquinMomsGroup/. Take the time you might need to find the Library group that fits but using social media is a sure bet to develop stronger groups in and outside the library stacks.
DeleteThe importance of social networking sites in today's world is immense. Indeed, the above mentioned websites are best, however there is also a latest Social Networking site MyworldGo , where you can connect with others. We are also available on iOS and android.
ReplyDelete