Facebook your Library...You Won't Regret It

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 Go ahead...Facebook your library

Facebook is a great way to increase your library's social media presence.  With more than 63 million active users, chances are someone will stumble upon your Facebook page.  In a day when traditional school libraries struggle to get patrons through the doors, Facebook can do all the networking for you and reach your tech savvy community while their faces are glued to their computer or cellphone screens. 

I've spent time looking at the Facebook pages of several school libraries, and here are some of the common ways school libraries are using Facebook:

Giveaways

 Who doesn’t like getting something for free? No matter what it is, from a book to a bookmark, if it’s free, I’m coming to get it.  Posting giveaways will give your patrons incentive to walk through the door.  Engaging displays and an inviting space and staff will keep them there.

Photos of Trending Technology and New Collection Acquisitions

Do you remember what the library of your childhood looked like?  I don’t have vivid memories, but I do remember earth tones and freezing temperatures.  The libraries of today are not just a repository of books and quiet study spaces, but a digital media center with computers, iPads, and other types of hands on technology.  Posting pictures of the new digital library media center can pique the interest of those patrons who are always looking for the last trend in Internet technology.  Pictures of new books will also show that the library is keeping up with what's hot in children's and young adult literature.  If there is a buzz online, you want your community to know that the library will have it. 
  
 Book Trailers

 I always love getting to the movies early to watch the trailers.  Movie trailers get the audiences excited about what’s coming out and gives just enough of the story to pique their interest. Book trailers are the literary equivalent of movie trailers.  They are quick one to two minutes clips that will keep kids attention and get them running in droves to check out books.

Library Happenings

Similar to photos of technology, showing how the library is being used on a daily basis is imperative.    Many library Facebook pages show students and faculty using the library for class, checking out books and reading incentive programs.  Patrons love seeing "You've been Tagged" show up when they log into their social media websites and won't hesitate to comment.  It will keep them coming back to see themselves and their friends on Facebook.
 

 So, what's the bottom line? Facebook is a great tool to promote your library.  It is important to check your school's and/or district's social media policies before you create a Facebook page. However, the advantages of using Facebook are numerous.   It can boost your circulation and importance to your community and administrators.  It can also create a connection to other libraries throughout the country and world to share ideas and create a sense of global community.  Don't be afraid to create an online footprint for your library on Facebook.  Your imagination is your only limitation.  

"Bloggingheat-giveaways.jpeg." BloggingHeat.com. BeathingHeat.com, n.d. Web. 27
 Aug. 2015. 

"Book-Trailers1.jpg." Kickapoo Book Trailers. Tangient LLC, n.d. Web. 27 Aug.
     2015. 

"Social-network-76532_640.png." N.d. TheSocialJeep.com. Web. 27 Aug. 2015. 

"Taking-picture-photographer.jpg." Scrapbook of Truth. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug.
     2015. 

"Whats-Happening.jpg." The Sarnia Journal. CRG, n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2015.

 Facebook Pages:
 https://www.facebook.com/EHSLibrary?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/dobielibrary?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/PHSLibraryTX?fref=ts