Different ways libraries are using social media

In looking at social media and libraries I found most libraries are using Facebook & Twitter, some of the bigger ones are using Pinterest & Instagram too. The library at the University of Melbourne has a strong Twitter account with many tweets during each day till 5pm when the tweeter signs off for the day. The tweets are about info form the libraries collection, exam help, new additions to the collection. The State Library on their Twitter feed and Facebook also do the same but what I liked was all the articles posted re what really goes on behind the scenes at the state library;
http://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-stories/the-slv-paper-run/
As the State Library also hold an enormous archival collection, displaying them worldwide via social media is fantastic, on all their social media account they are actively doing this.

Libraries loving social media;

Frankston Library @frankstonlib
Moonee Valley Libraries on Pinterest
Library at the dock on Facebook

Instagram and Libraries

Instagram is a photo sharing app that can only be accessed by a mobile device. So, how is this good for libraries? Everyone loves an image, and with over one and half million Instagram users in Australia alone it can provide a visually pleasing way to share information to many people, fast and informative.

The New York public library uses Instagram to let clients know of current and upcoming event. At the top of their page is a link to their website, so if you see a photo and want to know more information you just have to click on the link. They also have a shop in the library and they can advertise all their products on Instagram.
their Instagram address is @nypl

Closer to home, the Yarra Plenty Library have lots of photos on their page showing clients in the library, in action, reading! Great promotion for people to get down to their local library.
check them out on Instagram @yprlibrary

best uses of Facebook by libraries

Facebook for libraries is a great tool for connecting to a wide range of people. And some of the best uses of Facebook for a library are;

• advertising events
• connecting to clients, asking them questions with access to immediate responses via the comments box, like the Melbourne Athenaeum Library 
• telling clients about other social media the library is using, such as blogs, flickr, twitter etc
• connecting to clients who are unable to come into the library
• book reviews
• updating e-resources in a quick, exciting way, check out the New York Public Library page

Facebook is used for other organisations regarding libraries, & one that is obviously of interest to me isthe ALIA National Library Technicians Group

Libraries using a variety of social media

Just from this blog and research and actual social interaction :) I am discovering the importance of social media in libraries today. Check out this link for tips for using social media in libraries, a couple of years old I know but still relevant; And closer to home the State Library website has numerous blogs that can bring clients from many places together, as it invites everyone to participate; There are a great selection of topical blogs enabling great sharing of information... more to come as I search!