How are libraries using Facebook?

 in the School Library

While skimming through school library Facebook pages I noticed that high schools utilize Facebook more than the lower grade levels. I believe this is because in elementary and intermediate the teacher still takes them. By the time students reach junior high they are left to their own devices and prefer socializing to going to the library. So what better way to reach those reluctant library patrons then through social network sites like Facebook.

What do they post?

Most posts consist of events happening in the library and around school, author visits, book clubs, new book releases, book trailers, movie trailers for those made from books, contests, helpful teacher tools, library and book promotions, summer reading, book lists and more.

Are there many comments?

Comments were scarce with those few commenting on posts they really liked. There was one school that was posting book club comments. I think this could be used to our advantage if we could get them to converse with each other between club meets to discuss their book. Incorporate a book review using the comments section to post their favorite or least favorite book.

Advantages

The main advantage is connecting with those hard to reach students who run by. You know the ones who only come to the library if they have to with their teacher, for a book report, research or some other school project.  They don’t have to come to the library to see what’s going on but can view it online and just maybe something will grab their interest. Maybe it would be enough interest to draw them in to visit and find out for themselves what’s going on in the literary world.

Disadvantages

One of the disadvantages is that they are old and not kept up to date. One school hadn’t posted in over two yearw. How can it be a success if you’re unwilling to put a little effort into maintaining up to date information. If you can’t keep it up daily try to at least post once a week so that you don’t have to worry about it during the week. It could keep your patrons coming back to see what’s new. 

HITS
https://www.facebook.com/tafthslibrary
https://www.facebook.com/rwlibrary

SO SO's
https://www.facebook.com/tafthslibrary
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gloversville-High-School-Library/305643311135

MISSES
https://www.facebook.com/MarinaLibrary
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wamego-High-School-Library/253593854659902