I, myself, am a frequent user of social media sites. This blog, for instance, is a social media platform that I don't have much experience with, but am slowly getting acclimated with and enjoying. I have used Facebook for almost 10 years (yikes!). When I was in high school and early through college, I maintained a LiveJournal (www.livejournal.com). I currently have a Twitter account that I check minimally, and use primarily to follow others, not necessarily to post. I have a Tumblr, although I have little clue as to what I'm doing on that site. That being said, I have become more familiar with the journaling aspect of Tumblr from using the site as our platform in our group journaling activity. I have both Instagram and Snapchat, although I use the former far, far more frequently than the latter. I have a LinkedIn page that, once again, I'm fairly uncertain on how to utilize it. I am a YouTube junkie, but only as a viewer, not a content creator.
Social Media is here to stay, so libraries would be foolish not to embrace some of the different platforms available. I honestly think Apps (for computers, tablets, and smartphones), are one of the most versatile resources a library could use to stay connected to its patrons. The Wayne State University App is on my phone, and while I don't believe it has all the capabilities it ought to, it has been a valuable resource to me. I am able to keep up to date with campus news and events, check parking availability, manage my OneCard, and access my student account, among other things. The same ideas could be applied to a library app. One could have the capabilities to search the collections, renew a checked-out book or movie, pay late fees, and keep up to date with library classes and events.
Facebook is the most popular of all social media sites, which ought to be reason enough for a library to maintain a Facebook page. There are Facebook pages for just about anything. Not only am I able to connect with friends and family all around the world, I "like" (follow) TV programs, podcasts, favorite authors and artists, even food items! People can join groups and other community pages, which libraries could use to advertise their services. Why not appeal to book club pages, Bitch 'n Stitch groups, academics, or anything related to the makerspace the library has created? Facebook connects with a number of other social media platforms, which makes it "gateway" site, so to speak. Libraries could then utilize Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube along with their Facebook pages, with relatively little extra work.
If I had reign of a library, I would embrace social media. The page would have a well developed app that patrons could use any time of the day. I would definitely set up a Facebook page, making sure to include useful information, such as library hours and contact info, along with monthly calendars of library events. Far too often I see businesses with Facebook pages that have little information on them, and that's frustrating for someone looking to use library/business services. Instagram could be used to show new additions to library collections, or showcase events happening at the library. I would set up a Twitter account for the library, but I don't think it would be necessary to post regular updates; a few per month would be more than fine. Although I don't know if this counts, I would set up a text messaging service with patrons to remind them of upcoming due-dates, overdue materials, and upcoming library events. This would be on a subscription basis, so patrons could utilize this service at will.
In this era of technology and connectivity, it is crucial to join in. Libraries need to do whatever they can to stay connected to their patrons.
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