Social Media Sweep
Submitted by karyn.lewis on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 14:55
Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Describe Project and Impact:
Social media accounts for established platforms will be created upon request for individual branches or departments within a branch to maintain and control, allowing real-time promotion and communication and reaching a broad demographic.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
Individual branches or departments within branches (i.e. YA, children's, etc) can request and control social media accounts for entrenched apps such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. This will not only allow for real-time promotion of books and events, but will allow librarians to engage members in a broader space, creating a much deeper community penetration, particularly for potential members who may not use the physical library or for libraries that are already physically at maximum capacity. One of the goals would be to create a more two-way communication avenue than currently exists with the centralized accounts now. It will also engage more members and potential members where they are, which will result over time in their awareness and use of the physical library locations. Account information also can serve as a point of contact for advertising/promotional materials.
Why should we select this project?:
This project would be a very low-cost project, with a positively disproportionate result. Social media is entrenched and widespread in our society and is currently quite underused at the Metropolitan Libraries, resulting in many missed opportunities to connect with both members and potential members.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
The primary limitation I have heard has been vague, but seems to be centered around the system's branding. Concerns over inappropriate content may arise, but could easily be solved by monitoring and administrative power over the accounts. The accounts will need someone to man them, but if they are limited to request only, the person requesting the account should be ready and able to maintain it.
Source of Inspiration:
The use of multiple social media accounts for advertisement, event promotion, and communication with members is common in strong library systems all around the country, particularly for teen services, as it meets the target group in the "places" they tend to inhabit. Resources abound on the Web for utilizing social media tools to work with library members, and ideas for doing so which have been implemented successfully. The idea has been professionally addressed and endorsed by organizations such as School Library Journal. An example of a very well-done Instagram account can be found at https://www.instagram.com/lpltz/.
Partner/Supporting Departments:
Information Technology
Marketing
Outreach
Public Services
Performance Indicators:
Market Penetration
Other
Other Indicator:
Followers on accounts
Environment:
Virtual
Experience:
TeXperiences
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