Using Social Media for Promotion

Wilson, Shibrie

Dankowski, T. (2013, July 16). How Libraries are Using Social Media. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/07/16/how-libraries-are-using-social-media/

There are many different ways of interacting with users from library and one emerging outlet is Google Hangouts. Creating blogs in which patrons can post different subject areas and librarians are able to gain more knowledge about those they serve. Social media is in regards to cost and is not limited to a particular size library. A library in Fredericksburg, Virginia  created a parody video using famous disco song "I Will Survive" and to their surprise the video went viral. Some libraries have used social media in form for campaigning for funds and have been very successful when doing so. One community in particular is Charlotte Mecklenburg, NC in which community members came together and raised money and this was all thanks to social media outlets. Promoting awareness of libraries by using social media has deemed to be immensely successful for those who use this method. 

Opinion:  
To sum this article in one word, I must say it brilliant. Libraries are being proactive using social media in order to bring awareness to what is taking place. This also shows how communities truly appreciate libraries to go as far as raising money in order to keep libraries open. Promoting on social media with an intended goal is great to use. 

Is anyone paying attention to Library posting on Social Media?

 Wilson, Shibrie

Dowd, N. (2013, May 7). Social Media: Libraries Are Posting, but Is Anyone Listening? Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/05/marketing/social-media-libraries-are-posting-but-is-anyone-listening/

Considering amount of people using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, certainly this can be an outlet for libraries to use as a platform for marketing. This is article noticed that this can be both yes and no. According to a recent survey by Library Journal's Survey "86 percent of libraries said they were using social media. The top two social media platforms used by libraries were Facebook (99 percent) and Twitter (56 percent)." Issue with using social media outlets is that some libraries do not have a strategic plan to implement goals. There must be a sense of direction when creating social media in order to connect patrons to utilize services provided. Allowing the social media site to be fun and interactive is another concept in which some libraries are struggling with. Just as Dowd stated in article that you want to be able to engage users and use visual techniques and also make it fun. Challenge people to like your post or follow you and it will increase over time the amount of individuals that are actually paying attention to the Library on social media.

Opinion:
Using social media can be great for some libraries and a fail for many. This article addresses different techniques in which I agree with as to why some libraries are unsuccessful with their social media accounts while others are prospering. Everything is about marketing and how you are engaging users, and keep it social and interactive. After all that is why it is social media and platform for interacting users and advertising. 

How are Libraries engaging your readers with fun?

Wilson, Shibrie

Mackenzie, P. (2014, July 22). Libraries engage young readers with fun . Retrieved from http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2014/07/18/libraries-find-creative-ways-engage-young-readers/12864743/

In central Jersey libraries are becoming more engaging and fun for young patrons. Creative programs are in implemented in an effort to encourage children and young adults to read when school is not in session. There are different programs offered to young patrons during summer months for example a Night Owl program, science workshops for students, bringing books to life, children being able to act out the stories. These are all wonderful programs and libraries in central Jersey have a tremendous success rate with such. "Super Summer Reader" is a book club for young readers and is membership only. To emphasize different books and share reviews using social media sites such as twitter. For this reading program readers of all ages are encourage to participate. This reading program encourages free reading opposed to choosing books readers.

Opinion:
I will definitely consider some of these programs when brainstorming ideas for patrons. It is important to use different outlets to engage readers aside from traditional library marketing. I like the concept that this cause patrons to become involved with their library experience in regards to acting out books, participating in hands on workshops, and making books come to life. 

Towards Library 2.0: The Adoption of Web 2.0 Technologies in Public Libraries

Curtin, Shane.

Anttiroiko, A., & Savolainen, R. (2011). Towards Library 2.0: The Adoption of Web 2.0 Technologies in Public Libraries. Libri: International Journal of Libraries and Information Services, (61)2, 87-99. DOI: 10.1515/libr.2011.008

This article explores libraries' attempts to reinvent their services through the implementation of Web 2.0 tools such as RSS feeds, live chat, blogs, and book rating and user tagging systems. The article makes a distinction between social media and Web 2.0, claiming that the former is just a subset of the latter. To address the "terminological ambiguity" the authors divide Web 2.0 tools into categories including social networking, special interest networks, media communities and content based SNSs. blogs, short messaging/feeding, sharing news/opinions/views, reference works, and collective intelligence (with examples of sites of each type and their utilization in libraries).  The article also discusses the purpose and potential of the tools public libraries have adopted, the ensuing formation of the concept of "Library 2.0" and its role in bringing about social changes such as "Government 2.0". The authors found that public libraries use Web 2.0 tools for four main purposes: communication, content sharing, social networking, and crowdsourcing. In many libraries, the reference department offers instant messaging for patron questions. Other oft-used tools include blogs, Twitter, Facebook, user enabled tagging for library catalogs (taking advantage of the "wisdom of crowds") and collaborative tagging via programs like Delicious. Many librarians surveyed in the authors'  research complained that maintaining Web 2.0 services increases workload, but also that their patrons report greater ease of use and satisfaction with library services. The authors call on libraries to move from an "evolutionary to a revolutionary" and integrate Web 2.0 fully into their identities.

Evaluation:

This article raised interesting questions, but provided no answers. It was effectively and overview of the ways in which select American libraries used Web 2.0 tools. I suspect that in 2011, when it was published, it seemed more original. I was quite interested in the larger implications of social media in libraries, but the article spent little time on these. It did emphasize that the library can use it's position in the community to become a launchpad for Web 2.0 understanding, and thus aid in the empowerment of individuals who learn how to effectively use these tools. "Government 2.0" as mentioned in the article, is a concept I have been hearing a little about lately- a scenario in which people use Web 2.0 to become more active participants in their government. In the years since this article was written, Twitter has become the main vehicle for Government 2.0. Certainly libraries have a role in the Web 2.0 revolution (given our operational tenants of free expression and freedom of access), but I think Web 2.0 is something that is moving forward  independently of us. Our responsibility is merely to keep up with it, and make sure we provide our users with the kinds of tools to which they are accustomed.