Why Social Media is A Fail For Some Libraries

Wilson, Shibrie

Malczweski, B. (2013, May 1). Why Social Media Isn’t Working For Your Library. Retrieved from http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/why-social-media-isnt-working-for-your-library/

Ben Malczweski provides a great description of social media, "social media is casual, spontaneous, and whimsical, the method behind the message is anything but." In order be successful with social media account there must be an organization set in place to oversee account and not just opening one and posting. There is a process and goal behind the world of social media and library utilization. Reason some libraries social media accounts are failing is driven by lack of commitment. Social Media accounts require one to faithfully update information and interact network, without such one will ultimately fail. A group of people managing and scheduling account all based on community. Malczweski also discusses creating a brand and vernacular when using social media. Social media is fun interactive and casual so using formal language will not appeal to all patrons. Failure is occurring because many libraries are opening and account without organization, and contributing old methods of marketing in which are not reasonable for social networks.

Opinion:
Out with the old, in with the new is my take on this article. Social Media accounts are easy to create but there is organization. You cannot open a Social Media account and fail to use it regularly that defeats purpose of creating account. Libraries have to be willing to create groups of people in which are responsible for these social media accounts. Being diligent and persistent are key factors to avoid failure with social media.