Week 4: Social Media Policy and Instagram

Managed to open up the power point for the class I missed on the 12th, but couldn't get any sound.  That was frustrating as I spent some time dinking around the settings, etc. trying to fix that.  Gave up and went with viewing the slides.

Our board of trustees did put a social media policy together and approve it for the library.  They started by going to the ALA website and did look at the YALSA guidelines and then went to other libraries that had their policies posted on their websites.  However, our policy is very short...one paragraph...but it seems to cover the basics since at this time our only social media is our library blog.  It can certainly be revised as we move forward.

I've never done anything with instagram but it seems to me that it was similar to pinterest?  Or am I misunderstanding?  I know that pinterest is pinning things of interest, but it appears that both are visual social media venues.  I guess one is more for bringing people together who have similar interests while the other is more of a marketing device.  At least that's my take on it.  Correct me if I'm wrong.

I looked at the Boston Public Library Instagram
This library posted pictures there for:
1.  sharing their library space (outside and inside library pictures)
2.  show off events (game time at one of their branch libraries and opening of new library branch)
3.  digital marketing (reminding patrons to pick up their new library brochures or teen summer program "zines")
4. gave a sneak peek at development projects (Johnson Building improvement display)
5. took patrons with them (to the ALA convention)
6. show off their books (including digital additions)

They seem to be doing a great job of marketing their library through instagram.

I also looked at the Birmingham Public Library Instagram
 This library used their account for:
1.  showing off their books (A Very Klingon Christmas?)
2.  showing off events (Jan Brett author visit!)
3.  showing off services (cool stuff you get when you become a friend of the library) 
4.  show off their library space (new bike racks at one branch)
5.  to market their giving Tuesday campaign for library donations

This library seemed to post a great number of historical pictures from Birmingham's history as well as promote their library.  Great way to partner with the community in which they are embedded.