Task 11

Task 11: Recommended tools for social media engagement (Use this as your subject line)
From your examinations and investigations choose two social media applications/tools would you recommend as being of the most benefit to libraries. Give detailed reasons why you recommend these two tools?

Labels for this post: post 11, engagement, libraries, (plus include labels that describe the tools/ applications you have recommended)


Facebook
As one of the most popular and frequently used social media tools, I would recommend that any library utilise Facebook. It allows for direct engagement with library members and potential library members, and is an excellent means by which to gauge what the community wants and needs from its library. It is also an effective means by which to promote events happening at the library, and all of the benefits open to library members.

YouTube
With the popularity of online videos, YouTube is another excellent social media tool for use by libraries. For those looking for instant engagement, YouTube is perfect. Videos can be a more powerful form of communication than just text and photos, and can be more useful in imparting information. Videos about library services, events, and what the library as a whole offers are a great form of promotion. Video tutorials are also a valuable resource offered by libraries.  

Labels
post 11, engagement, libraries, Facebook, YouTube

Commenting on another blog

The post that I wrote on Sharon McGregor's blog read thusly:

"That looks like a beautiful theatre. It reminds me of my local cinema, The Randwick Ritz, which dates from a similar era. The last movie that I saw was The Coen Brothers' adaptation of "True Grit". My wife and I watched it on Blu-ray again, as we'd both just read Charles Portis' amazing book upon which it was based."

Changing the arrangement of my blog

Using the Layout functions, I clicked and dragged a few items around the page to give the page a slightly cleaner look.

Changing the look of my blog

When given the option of choosing from a variety of background images via the "Layout" and "Themes" functions, I opted for one depicting shelves of books to tie in with the Library And Information Services course.

Inserting images

How is my local public library using social media?

The Randwick City Library (https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/library) does not have a huge social media presence, but what it does have is used effectively. While Randwick City Council is across all forms of social media, its library service is present only on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RandwickCityLibrary) and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com.au/randwicklibrary/). That said, both pages are lively and appear to be updated regularly. They include current information about upcoming events and general features of the library, and provide a solid service to library members and visitors.

How libraries are using social media

The Charles Sturt University Blog can be found at https://library-blog.csu.edu.au/. It includes information about upcoming event at the library, along with notifications about significant dates on the Australian calendar, such as National Reconciliation Week, National Library & Information Week, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Simultaneous Storytime and so forth. It also includes information about Charles Sturt University.

The National Library Of Australia YouTube page can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/wwwnlagovau. It features many online tutorial videos and webinars, videos of events (story time readings, lectures, exhibitions), a series about how to use the library, and selections from the library's online magazine.

The Strathfield Library Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/StrathfieldLibrary/. It features general info about the library (opening hours, contact details, branches etc.), photos of recent events, posts from members, and information about upcoming and past events. There is also other information relevant to Strathfield Council in general.

The University Of Sydney Library Twitter page can be found at https://twitter.com/sydney_library?lang=en. It features posts about what's happening at the library, as well as posts about upcoming and past events, and significant national events.

The State Library Of NSW Instagram can be found at https://www.instagram.com/statelibrarynsw/?hl=en. It features posts and photos related to what's happening at the library, as well as posts and photos about upcoming and past events, and significant national events.

What is library 2.0?

Library 2.0 is a loose term used to describe the changing face of the modern library. This points to a library that is now much more than just a depository for books. Though books and book borrowing are still important in libraries, the term "library 2.0" reflects the concept of a library that embraces new technologies (such as online downloads, along with the likes of DVDs and audio recordings), and that reconsiders its traditional use of public space. The modern library must also be one that is adaptable to change, and that encourages participation and feedback from its users.

Expanded descriptions of the term "library 2.0" can be found via the following links:

http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/library-20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_2.0

Social media considerations/issues

The prevalence of social media in today's society has created a number of significant problems. The most dangerous and obvious issues are those that may be classified as criminal, such as identity theft (the illegal appropriation of the personal details of another for financial gain) and scamming (gaining financial gain by means of deception), and those that skirt criminality, such as hate speech (the espousing of discrimination against minority groups) and online bullying. Social media has also created an over-dependence on technology, along with new forms of anxiety, such as concerns over being "liked" on Facebook, and a sense of inferiority caused by the "over-sharing" of others ad their "perfect lives".

What are social media tools?

MuseCam (https://musecam.co/) is an app that assists in the shooting and editing of photos through the IOS operating system.

Splice (http://spliceapp.com/) is a free editing application created by GoPro.

Buffer (https://buffer.com/) is an application that allows the user to share their posts across a number of social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook etc) all from the one place.

BuzzSumo (https://buzzsumo.com/) is a tool designed to aggregate new and popular content on the web.

MeetEdgar (https://meetedgar.com/) is a social media scheduling tool that allows you to recycle old posts.

What is social media?

The term "social media" relates to websites or applications that allow users to create and upload content (including text, photos and videos) which can then be shared and commented upon by other users. This form of interaction can also be referred to as an online community. Excellent expanded descriptions can be found via the following links:

https://communications.tufts.edu/marketing-and-branding/social-media-overview/

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/social-media