#latitumblr

[marylandlati]

Snapchat content for libraries, from the internet. 

[marylandlati]

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.

[marylandlati]

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.

[marylandlati]

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.

[marylandlati]

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.

[marylandlati]

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????

[marylandlati]

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.

[marylandlati]

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.