How to set better library social media goals

What are your library’s social media goals? At first glance, the answer to that question might not seem all that difficult.  And, if I ask you (or other library staff) this question, you might come back with answers like these: “Increase program attendance” “Get circ stats up” “Make people aware of the library” Those are… Continue reading How to set better library social media goals

Forget Pokemon Go. Your library has real problems

Ok, I admit, that’s a bit of an incendiary headline, and I’m not really advocating that your library forego taking advantage of the viral new trend that is actually pretty advantageous for libraries.  But, I do worry that libraries are spending too much time on new, shiny stuff and missing some of the elephants in our room.… Continue reading Forget Pokemon Go. Your library has real problems

10 facts about social media that might make you think

Because, numbers.  Do any of these numbers change how you think about your library’s social media strategy? Facebook: Facebook’s monthly active user base is expected to surpass 1.43 billion in the first quarter of 2015.  (Source ) Facebook still skews heavily female (Source) Believe it or not, Facebook is still tops for teens (Source) But…Organic Facebook… Continue reading 10 facts about social media that might make you think

Link roundup: things your library should be paying attention to right now

I’ve only listed the three I think are most important right now, because we all get overwhelmed. Fill up on caffeine and get reading, folks. Does Google Think Your Library is Mobile Friendly? If you ignore everything else in today’s post, that’s fine. This one is critical. Too many libraries don’t have websites that are really… Continue reading Link roundup: things your library should be paying attention to right now

5 fast ways to up your library’s Twitter game

I spend a lot of time on Twitter.  Nevertheless, it is a tricky social media tool to get right.  Things move so quickly, and engagement is perhaps more elusive than on some other platforms.  I’m always looking for new tips, so I’m sharing some of my recent finds. Use up (nearly) all the characters.  In SimplyMeasured’s… Continue reading 5 fast ways to up your library’s Twitter game

Is Facebook still free?

The answer to that question is, in short:  Sorta.  Kinda.  Maybe. This week, Facebook announced a new feature for Facebook Profiles (individual users–people–not Facebook Pages for brands/organizations).  Users now have the option to “promote” their posts, meaning that more people are likely to see them in their feeds.  The cost of doing so, per post,… Continue reading Is Facebook still free?

5 reasons why your library shouldn’t be cross-posting

I know, it’s convenient to use the exact same, exact content for your library’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.  And, yes, I know social media takes a lot of time! But, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.  And that means that your library needs to stop cross-posting the exact same content.  Here’s why:  … Continue reading 5 reasons why your library shouldn’t be cross-posting

Making the most of your social media effort: Part II

(One concern I hear a lot of is “How do we find time for this social media stuff?  We don’t have a full staff anymore and we’re already going nuts trying to do the things we have to do!”  There’s not a single, good answer that fits every library.  But, for those that have prioritized… Continue reading Making the most of your social media effort: Part II

Considering 2010 for libraries and technology

At the end of every year, lots of media outlets and assorted gurus make predictions about what is going to be happening in the next 365-odd days.  But how often do libraries stop to think about what those predictions might mean for the services they offer?  I’ve taken a selection of technology-related predictions and offered… Continue reading Considering 2010 for libraries and technology

Building social capital

If your library is on Facebook, Twitter or other social media site, congratulations.  You’ve started down the road to helping your library engage in new forms of communication and public relations.  However, just being there isn’t enough, and it may not help you in the long run.  It’s time to take the next step:  building… Continue reading Building social capital

Social Media in 20 Bite-Sized Pieces

“Winners take imperfect action while others are sitting around perfecting their plans.” –Kevin Nation Be the voice that is remembered, not just heard. Don’t take yourself too seriously.  Be willing to put yourself a bit “out there.” Be human.  Corporate speak is unacceptable. Don’t be schizophrenic.  Either talk from the perspective of your organization or… Continue reading Social Media in 20 Bite-Sized Pieces