Facebook and Twitter
Facebook seems to be the new media for promoting school libraries. Most school library pages contained library news and events, book reviews, and photos of the library. Some pages contained more information than others and were more up-to-date in their postings. Some had different, interesting and informative sections such as the Frankfurt School Library (https://www.facebook.com/fslibrary/) which contained a choice selection section for books patrons would like to see in the library, and a FAQ section for frequently asked questions dealing with library services such as printing. Libraries posted stories about student projects, library activities, and even donations to their libraries. Other pages such as the Buckeye High School library page ( https://www.facebook.com/Buckeye-High-School-Library-186205981464442/ ) posted links to author interviews, morning announcements, and school activities such as a football schedule.
The most engaging pages seemed to be the ones that posted actual photos and videos of students utilizing the services in the library. Some pages also provided links to public libraries in the community such as the Tyron Elementary School Library (https://www.facebook.com/teslibrary/). Many of the pages had comments and most had a rating of likes about their pages.
The most engaging pages seemed to be the ones that posted actual photos and videos of students utilizing the services in the library. Some pages also provided links to public libraries in the community such as the Tyron Elementary School Library (https://www.facebook.com/teslibrary/). Many of the pages had comments and most had a rating of likes about their pages.
The advantages of promoting your library on Facebook is that you are able to reach a greater number of people since Facebook is one of the fastest growing mediums of communication. It is a great way of letting people know what your library offers, and a means of getting input from patrons about their likes and dislikes.
Another form of communication media that is immensely popular is Twitter. It was very interesting to read the posts by some of the leaders in educational technology such as Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) who is a very knowledgeable educational technologist and respected speaker. Her page of resources titled, "Kathy Schrock's Guide To Everything" is an educator's "must have". She is constantly tweeting about the latest technology tools and apps:
(https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/771306660514009088)
(https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/771306660514009088)
Another ed tech leader to follow is Jim Lerman (@jimlerman), teacher, author, speaker, collaborator, and networker. He provides excellent technology assistance about tools and apps that are available to enhance the learning environment such as digital storytelling. Other leaders to follow are Linda W. Braun-Consultant, Educator, Teen Advocate, and Librarian (@lbraun2000), Buffy Hamilton-Writing Teacher and Former Librarian, and the ever interesting Gwyneth Jones-The Daring Librarian (@GwynethJones). All of these leaders keep us informed about the latest technologies available to enhance any classroom and library. They also provide ideas and strategies to promote successful literacy programs such as some of the tweets about writing strategies by Buffy Hamilton (@buffyjhamilton):
https://twitter.com/buffyjhamilton/status/774261577025544192
https://twitter.com/buffyjhamilton/status/774261577025544192
Why is it important to follow these leaders and others on these media forums? It is a constantly changing and evolving digital world we are living in, and as librarians and media specialists we are our patrons greatest resource when exploring and searching for answers. We need to be knowledgeable about all the resources that are available in the 21st Century digital world we live in.
FOLLOW ME ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/Elementary-Library-188118301599718/
FOLLOW ME ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/Elementary-Library-188118301599718/
Diana, I agree as librarians we are our patrons greatest resource. In order to keep our students ahead of the game, we as librarians need to be aware of the latest technology. Technology is ever changing and we need to know who and where to turn for answers.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that as educators we need to incorporate technology into our classroom in order to keep up with our students and their way of learning.
ReplyDeleteYour post was thorough and very understandable. For a new user of social media, this is a great way to help people understand the "why" as well as adding good content, too.
ReplyDelete