Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

These days it is hard to find a person who does not have a social media account. Most people have multiple accounts throughout different digital platforms. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be a good way for librarians and other educators to share information with each other and students and parents. 

Facebook

Most of the libraries in my district have a Facebook page devoted specifically to the library. If not, they use the school’s main Facebook page to promote things that are happening in the library. They might share STEAM or Robotics lessons, book fair dates, or new materials that are available to students. I noticed that most of the school library Facebook pages I viewed did not have many likes or comments. While it is beneficial to share information through social media, I do not think that people take the time to view what is posted. I also feel like the main disadvantage of Facebook is that it is the platform where people choose to be the most negative. It seems to be the social media platform where people feed off each other’s negativity and negatively comment the most. I have seen it happen many times in my own district. One person complains about something, and it opens the gate for others to follow suit. That being said, I do think the popularity of Facebook has decreased in the last several years, and I believe Facebook appeals to an older crowd. If anyone is viewing the information shared on Facebook pages, I think it is parents and grandparents who want to stay informed about things that are going on at school or in the library. Most students who are of age to have their own social media accounts are not viewing library posts through Facebook. Older students will be quick to let you know that is not their social media platform of choice.

Below are some Facebook posts from libraries in my district:

Ozobot Lesson with third-grade students

Blind Date with a Book Middle School Book Club Project

Twitter

I believe that Twitter is the most professional when it comes to social media platforms. There are a ton of exceptional educators on Twitter who share their knowledge and resources. I took some time to explore some Twitter accounts of some of the biggest names in educational technology. I really enjoyed exploring John Schu's Twitter account because he features many picture books and early chapter books and novels. He tweets "Book Birthdays" to feature books his followers may not have heard about before, and he also tweets about authors and illustrators in birthday posts. 

Instagram

The gram is where it's at for me! It is by far my favorite social media platform. I follow so many teachers and librarians on Instagram! Stories are a very popular feature of Instagram. Stories only stay up for 24 hours and include images or videos. Stories have features that help you elicit an action or verbal reaction out of them. These features include quiz questions, polls, open-ended questions, and links (if you have over 10,000 followers). If you want your story to be visible longer than the 24-hour time period, which many educators and influencers do, you can save them to your highlights. Instagram and Twitter both use hashtags that allow users to search for and follow content that appeals to them. Adding hashtags to your post means that others can find it even if they are not following your account. Some of the blog accounts I shared in my last post are also my favorite Instagram accounts to follow! Check out @teachingwithtiff, @thebookwrangler, and @hellojenjones...you won't be disappointed!

I don't have an Instagram account specifically for my library, but I occasionally post library content on my personal Instagram account. One of my goals this year was to start improving and updating the non-fiction section of the library. My students LOVE non-fiction books, so this was a story I created on my personal account.

I believe that social media is a great way to share what is happening in your library, especially during a pandemic when parents and visitors may not be allowed on campus. It is important to decide what platform is most utilized by your intended audience and post away!