OLJ Assignment: Reasons Why Libraries Should Be On Social Media

Shirley Garcia

Student ID #: 11468539

Info 506: Social Networking for Information Professionals

Lyn Hay—Fall 2010

Below are three reasons why libraries should be on social media: 

·         Tappan Library

·         New City Library

·         Suffern Library

1.)    Patrons are using these sites!

For a variety of reasons (e.g., professional networking, contact with friends and family) library patrons are using social media websites. The time individuals spend using the internet is only increasing, as is the use of social networking websites. Yet, library website use is not increasing in this way. In order to engage patrons, libraries should seek to advertise library events and stay current by utilizing websites like Facebook.

2.)    Social Networking tools are easy to use!

Patrons use these websites because they are an efficient way to connect with others (people, organizations, groups, etc.-). If libraries seek to connect with their patrons, they should not only use these tools, but feature the links to these tools on their webpages. Links to these sites should be easy to find and engaging. Suffern Library, for example, uses Facebook, but the links are not a feature on their website. The Tappan Library has very clear and engaging graphics to all of the social networking tools they employ. Using and featuring these tools on webpages and being active on these sites is an easy way to connect with patrons.

3.)    Receive feedback from library patrons and library staff!

Social Media tools are not only great tools for patrons to stay connected and share ideas with each other (Facebook, Flickr), but they are also wonderful ways to get feedback from patrons and library staff. The New City Library, for example, makes great use of blogs. The library director and several librarians maintain blogs regarding their thoughts on the library. They encourage blog use by patrons and seek feedback on topics. This is a great way to connect patrons to the library, and library staff to what is current among library patrons, making it easier to assess the needs and desires of the library as a whole.