Recommended tools for social media engagement

There are many ways libraries can use social media in order to increase engagement between the library and the community. One such way is blogging.

The New York Public Library employs a group of librarian bloggers, giving them the freedom to write about anything they want, with the hopes that this will translate into more visits to other areas of their website, such as digital libraries or online catalogue, as stated in this article. Between 2011 and 2012, their website visits increased by 56%. And the NYPL is not the only one that uses blogs. The National Library of Australia does as well, which not only includes blogs but also videos and podcasts, and much more.

Another tool libraries can use is video. On youtube, twitter and instragram, libraries can upload news and promotions, as well as interviews with authors, and storytime videos that anyone can access anywhere without having to physically visit the library (which is quite important in the current climate of the world). This is something that both the Inner West and City of Sydney libraries are doing.

How Libraries are using Social Media

Nowadays, many libraries have begun using social media accounts to interact and share experiences with their users. Some examples of such accounts are as follow:

• National Library of Australia - Blog –  a blog sharing a multitude of stories from Australia, ranging from folklore, history, arts, and many more.

• Inner West Library Services - Twitter – used to share information and news about events that are happening in the libraries and communities of the Inner West area.

• New York Public Library - Instagram –  as it states in their profile, "On a mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen communities."

• City of Sydney Library - YouTube – Also used to share news in regards to the community. Something to note is that this isn't a library-only account, but rather, the City of Sydney council's account as well.

• UTS Library - Facebook – To share news to the students from UTS.