What do all of the images above have in common? They are all social media site symbols (they also all happen to be blue.... which is interesting, but not quite the point). Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Linked In are just a sampling of social media sites that people use to either connect with friends, catch up on news and events, and advertise.
It may not seem like it, but libraries are businesses as well. Sure they do not make a profit, but they provide materials and services to wide communities. In order to secure funding (from all levels of government) and other sources to continue to provide these services, libraries must prove that they are being utilized and are serving a large populace.
Because of this, marketing libraries and library services is growing more and more important. Normal marketing strategies have worked well in the past, but with the reliance on the internet today and the popularity of social media sites, many businesses have created pages or feeds using these tools that have attracted a large following on social media. This in turn, has increased their reputation, sales and popularity. Due to these successes - many libraries and similar institutions have now entered the world of social media to appeal to a wider public.
The key to social media is constant updates, posts on special events, and quick responses to questions asked about the library online. This should also be advertised using traditional means in order to get the word out and get people sharing about the new social media.
The library at my college has a Facebook page, a Twitter feed, and a library news blog. They are also actively exploring using other sites as well. Do any libraries that you use have pages on social media sites to advertise? If so, how do they use it and is it effective?
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