Maryland's Library Associate Training Institute

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Snapchat content for libraries, from the internet. 

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Snapchat

I first came across the concept of using Snapchat in a library setting while reading an article in American Libraries magazine titled "Snapchat in the Library". Interviews with academic, public, and school librarians highlighted all the ways that they were using Snapchat in their libraries; to visualize readers' advisory, for promotion and news, and to provide a peek behind the scenes were some of the ways that these librarians were making use of the platform.

Pros: - The number one benefit of Snapchat is the incorporation of teens in the content creation process. Many librarians either relied heavily on teen advisory boards or allowed their teens control in what they deemed "teen takeovers". This gave the teens a sense of ownership in the library's social media. - Many libraries were able to promote their events by using filters; geofilters can give patrons important information about location, whereas user filters can make the entire thing seem more fun (ex: adding bunny ears to the librarian snapping). - Snapchat is a fun, casual platform; because the content disappears, librarians might feel empowered to be a little bit looser with that they're posting.

Cons - Snapchat content disappears after 24 hours, meaning that content must be constantly created in order to have an active account. This might be difficult for libraries who either do not have a large teen population or librarians able to frequently post pictures/videos. - There's a little bit of a learning curve for anything other than posting content. Some of the features are difficult to use; the platform is also constantly changing and updating. - Unless multiple people have access to the account, it might be difficult to post content, as Snapchat relies heavily on "live" posting.

As far as networking with patrons, or even other library systems, Snapchat is not an ideal platform. It's hard to connect with other accounts. However, for a library looking to boost their social media presence in a more "temporary" approach, Snapchat might be fun to explore.

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Ella Alonso, PGCMLS

This was my first time exploring the New York Public Library’s Tumblr; honestly, I love it. I love that the system consistently generates or reblogs vibrant, graphic, eye catching posts. This particular post (NYPL Labs’ Brian Foo had some fun combining his love of street art and computer wizardry with the new Google Street View archive) appealed to me because of its use of bright gifs. 

I was hooked. I think that feeling of being hooked was the strongest part of the post. 

One of the things that the NYPL frequently does well is keep their posts short and intriguing; this post about the NYPL Labs simply had the gifs and a hyperlinked description. Already invested in learning more, I felt compelled to click the link to their blog.

Although I was specifically searching for a post about the library’s technology, the NYPL mainly uses their Tumblr presence to connect with their teens and provide fun readers’ advisory. Andrea Lipinski, the Senior Young Adult Librarian at the Kingsbridge Library outlines her process of creating the account on the library’s blog (”Tumbling into Tumblr with Kingsbridge Teens”) . I think that other library systems could really learn a lot about successfully working with their already established demographics.

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Twitter

Karen Kroll Washington County

This image from Boca Raton shows students learning to program a Cubetto robot. Children ages 5-8 are learning the basics of coding.

 This post shares a positive message and shows how small children are learning the basics of technology (programming)

 The post shows a successful use of social media marketing the library’s use of technology? It shows the library in a positive light and could encourage parents of young children to engage their child in extra curricular opportunities at the library.

 Twitter can be used to “brag” about current happenings and hopefully increase patron usage of library resources.

Twitter Pros: - Libraries stay up to date and share the latest trends and events going on at the library. - A popular social media platform with many users including celebrities that are constantly tweeting or messaging with many followers.

 - Updates often

Twitter Cons: - It can be a little scary for someone new to begin using this social media platform -The 140 character limit can be a challenge for some people.

Usefulness to the Library:

Accessible from all mobile platforms

Keeps the local community informed

Appeals to a younger audience

Positive media sharing

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FOURSQUARE

This Social media platform allows anyone to look up locations of businesses anywhere in the world. You can choose from many different topics of search such as food, coffee, shopping, breakfast, night life, and fun. I looked up food in Russia just to see what would happen… it really did give options of restaurants. However, I would need to be able to read Russian to know what people said about any of the locations. I love the bright, colorful photos and the fact that you can read about the experiences people had when they went there. I have nothing much to say about the cons, except maybe that not every location has much in the way of info. Out of curiosity I typed in the library closest to me (Bel Air) and saw that it has not been updated for a long time. That’s unfortunate because if people knew that we recently renovated and about the events we had, it might draw in more patrons.  I could see this network as beneficial to libraries as a way to keep up to date with what is “ in” right now for places to go and maybe even use it as a database for programs like Books on tap which is when we go out to a bar or restaurant in order  to discuss a book.

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Everything about this social media post is great; the bright, loud and festival nature of it makes me wish I could have been there. The Colorado Springs Library uses this social media site to perfectly showcase the important event information and how the concept of S.T.R.E.A.M. throughout the entirety of the fair. It’s a no-brainer why any library would be inspired by this post; every person in the video looks happy to be there and there’s just so much to do! Personally, I am thinking of making programs using the cardboard village idea, as well as making drums out of gourds! The possibilities are endless!

-Dasha Casciero, https://vimeo.com/109760435, Pikes Peak Library District Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Foursquare

Hi, I explored Foursquare network and  these what I found:

Foursqare is a network that allows you check in in your current location and gives you personalized recommendations of places to go to near your current location.

Cons

Promotional opportunities and freebies

The network shows you promotions, reduce prices, freebies near your location and you can enjoy a cup of coffee for free  or see reduced prises for mercerize near you. Pros To enjoy your free coffee you should check-in in a coffee shop 60 times. Really????

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Tumblr

I had never been on Tumblr before this assignment so this was an eye-opening experience. Top pros were: I liked the visual aspect of it, the recommended blogs, and the ease of use. Top cons: Actually, I didn’t notice a lot of cons (at least for personal use) except for perhaps formatting, which doesn’t seem especially robust. I think it would be a good platform for libraries because it’s so accessible, plus it’s easy for customers to search for information by the first five tags listed in a post. Also, because it’s fun and so very visual in scope, it appeals to a younger generation of library users. I think more libraries should be using this great platform.

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This post appealed to me because it showed how accessible a 3D printer can be for ALL customers, not just tech-savvy ones.

It is a successful use of social media marketing because it made the process seem easy and fun at Toronto Public Library—it made me want to open the front door, climb the stairs, sit down at a computer, and design and print my creation.

Other libraries could get inspired because the video was very welcoming. It lets customers know that everyone with a library card can take the 3D Printer Certification Course, use the printer, and know that help is nearby.

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Google+

In exploring the Google+ platform, I have discovered the benefits of using Google+. These benefits are the ability to integrate YouTube videos and features seamlessly; using “circles” to selectively share updates and other information with specific people; video chats with up to ten people through “hangouts”; easy to navigate User Interface; and “sparks” which are topics you can passionately discuss with other members of your circle. Also, writers can utilize this platform to post their work and have interactions with others and create networks with other professional or amateur writers. Finally, there is a hot section that displays articles that may interest the user Like anything else in the world, there had to be a con to this platform. The con, in my opinion, is that people who are loyal and used to Facebook for example, will not make the move to Google+. Google+ could befit libraries by allowing patrons to network with other users who enjoy a particular genre. They could even be able to create virtual book clubs, post their thoughts and exchange information about titles and etc. Libraries can create networks for individual genres and interest areas like historical research of the local area or state. The possibilities are endless!

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This post which was featured on the Toronto Public Library Facebook page was appealing to me because it showed how 3D printers could be used to make items that would be useful to the public. It is very successful in featuring the use of 3D printers, this can inspire many libraries that now have one to use them in the customization of USB cords and other everyday technology items. Christopher Malcolm https://www.facebook.com/pg/torontopubliclibrary/posts/?ref=page_internal

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Vimeo

After poking around on Vimeo for a bit, I watched a video produced by the Troy, Michigan Library, and realized what a huge impact social media can have on libraries!  They changed a largely NO vote for a small raise in taxes to help fund the library, to an overwhelming YES vote by mounting a “reverse psychology” campaign to take the focus off the tax, and put it back on the library (you’ll have to watch the video to see what they did!)  1. What were the top pros and cons of this network?

The top pro is the impact that posting videos about our library can have on patron usage, programming, and maybe even funding.

The top con is that it’s a paid site, so some libraries may not be able to use it due to funding issues.

2. How might this network be beneficial to libraries?

Exposure!  By posting videos, we’d be getting the “good news” of what libraries do for their communities out there. Also, sharing videos is sharing ideas that may benefit other libraries. Here’s the link to the referenced video:  https://vimeo.com/60466782 Pam Mann - LATI Spring 2

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Pinterest

Name: Matt Ross 

I looked at Pinterest and while I think it is a useful tool for libraries, I don’t know that there is much benefit for the library to have an account for the system. It doesn’t really lend itself to marketing which is probably the main goal of the library being on social media. It is great for getting ideas for programs and crafts though, probably the number one place to go if you had to pick just one. I think it has a lot to offer in that way, but as a marketing platform it is pretty weak.  

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Marc Tolson - For assignment 5-3 of Maryland Spring 2 2018 LATI I decided on Twitter as a  social media platform to evaluate.  Full disclosure, I’m not a Twitter user, and really have no interest in joining; I like editing!

The first thing I noticed in my review was a lack of clear, concise explanation of what the platform is and, from the company’s perspective, what are its best uses.  Any explorer of the website is confronted with a lot of vague platitudes about “expression” and “connections”, but in terms of organizational effectiveness I had difficulty deciphering the platforms usefulness.  Specifically, Twitter seems to value volume over content, which could broadcast basic information quickly, but if the library has a website, for example, such a broadcast could easily be accomplished by a more versatile and detailed method.  I did find an article about how it is creatively used by a library in Scotland with unique circumstances, but I think its effectiveness was due more to the creativity of the library staff than the platform itself.

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Marc Tolson - I found this article about a remote Scottish Library’s use of Twitter quite interesting.  Because the community it serves is scattered across several islands, the Orkney Library is a destination in itself, and not a place to visit as one of a string of errands.  Social media marketing is a great way to both disseminate information about library events, and promote remote access opportunities.  The actual article can be found at:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/real-talk-who-doesnt-dress-as-whitesnake-once-a-week?utm_term=.qgaYK69rK#.siqnoYZMo

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WordPress.com

WordPress is a blogging platform. Using Wordpress, businesses, professionals, and bloggers can create customized websites or blogsites.  WordPress is a very popular web development company that runs 28.9% of the entire Internet. About 40% of Internet bloggers use WordPress as their publishing platform. WordPress is mobile friendly and from WordPress you can send posts to other social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and others. On the other hand, WordPress charges a monthly fee and the fee increases with added features and plugins.  I think that using WordPress by libraries is worth looking into. It would be a great marketing tool for library programs, book reviews etc. The only downside might be the cost. Name: Sandra Dowling  

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All of the tech programs sound interesting.  I like to sew, so the E-textiles  program sparked my interest in particular.  The idea of using conductive thread and soft circuits in clothing and even stuffed animals is something I’d like to learn more about.  This program is being marketed to teens who are interested in fashion and experimenting with fashion.  Adding technology in the mix is an added bonus.  I’d like to look into this E-textiles idea a little more and maybe plan a similar program here at MCPL. Name: Sandra Dowling(MCPL) Example:https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/library/teens-services/#menu3  Library:Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, California