Investigative Exercise 5 Social Networking
Firstly by utilizing social media, particularly sites like Facebook, libraries are able to free up some of the limited space they have on their own websites.
In order to attract new clients, especially from among the younger generations, it is integral that modern libraries communicate to them in formats they understand and utilize on a daily basis.
Without new members libraries cannot continue to sustain themselves.
Nowadays in the U.S. most libraries have an affiliation with Facebook and many other social media sites, particularly those aligned with or located in collegiate regions. Social media is a wonderful tool for helping to create a sense of community among students, a recent survey conducted by the Public Library Association of America found that approximately 96% of tertiary level students use Facebook. This same organisation has public forums on its' Facebook page.
Libraries can use social networking sites to publicize library events such as gaming nights, special events such as book launches, or to alert users to additions to collections, along with providing links to articles of interest, videos, or even web content that might prove relevant or helpful to patrons.
Social media can also play an important role in fostering relationships with the community by allowing patrons to ask questions or provide feedback about library services, along with providing information pertaining to co-operative events held in conjunction with the community itself.
Libraries are now able to provide a conduit for community information, and thereby increase their relevance and connection with society in general. This is why libraries using sites such as Facebook are advantageously placed to appeal to a far broader demographic, than those libraries who do not.
Nowadays, rather than relying on Facebook to be a static, information-only portal, successful libraries use it to hook people in, engaging with them on a more personal level. For a library, their Facebook page must be all about good communication.
My local library in Hurstville, which is affiliated with Hurstville Museum and Gallery, is a great example of how they are using Facebook, as well as other social media sites, to help publicise and promote a whole range of exhibitions, resources, public events and programmes that not only benefit the entire community, but also attract a host of prospective new members who otherwise may never have even known of these public utilities, let alone visit them.
This is a really great and detailed account of how libraries are currently using facebook, and the ways in which this can be really effective. Linda.
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