Promoting the library is essential to keep patrons interested and coming back for more! Not all students, teachers and parents love the library. However, the love for the library can be learned and nurtured when the right tools are giving and the right person is leading. Facebook is a simple tool that can be used to promote the library and get patrons involved.
Libraries are using Facebook in many different ways. One way is to promote new books in order to encourage patrons to come in and check them out. Another example is posting pictures of events and happenings in the library. Many had photos of students reading, using technology and working on projects.
The pages that I visited did not have many comments on their posts. However, the posts had many "likes".
I believe there are many advantages to having a Facebook page for the library. One is that nearly everyone has a Facebook account and can access the page. Therefore, the librarian can reach many patrons with one click. Having a Facebook page can help promote new and old, or rarely circulated, books, provide book reviews written by students, and give important information out.
One disadvantage that I found was how often it is updated. It is not useful information if it is out of date and not applicable. The owner of the page must be willing to keep it current in order for it to be successful. Another disadvantage would be if patrons did not have access to the internet. This could be something that Title I schools struggle with.
I am currently a 3rd grade teacher and have a Facebook page for our grade level. The parents absolutely love that they can get instant information and see pictures of their kids in action. One way that I use it is to provide pictures of the anchor charts that we use in class so that they may use them at home. I moved schools this year and am the administrator for this page:
Austin Astronauts 3rd Grade
I absolutely plan on having a Facebook page when I become a librarian!
