Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

For this blog I investigated Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, 3 of the social networking sites that you can use to communicate about your library and learn about other libraries.  Each one of them are unique and different, but all have their advantages to using them as a librarian.  

Facebook

I have a personal Facebook page, but do not have one for a library.  Many librarians are using the "Pages" section of Facebook.  Libraries such as the Barbara Bush Middle School Library in NEISD use it to publicize events in the library first and foremost, so that the community will know and attend.  They also tell about curricular activities that are happening in the library, and some use FB to share ideas about other things that libraries can do.
Facebook is not as popular as it once was, I think in part to how political is has become.  I also think that it is a forum that many use more personally than professionally.

Posts on Facebook by Libraries : Most are pictures of events in the library or books that they want to highlight.

Pros of Facebook : 

• You can communicate about your library to others.
• You can follow other librarians to get ideas.
• It is easy for others to find out more about your library.

Cons of Facebook : 

• It is a public form, full of opinions and a lot of political viewpoints.
• People can comment on your posts and pages, and they may not always be favorable.

Twitter

I have been utilizing Twitter for over 2 years now (@mrssjennsclass) to share events that happen in my classroom and at my school.  Before I started utilizing it I was nervous about joining, mainly because I didn't realize how public or private I could make my Twitter feed.  But now that I am someone who "tweets" I can see the advantages behind it.

I checked on the Twitter pages of several people who are well known in the library science field.  

Kathy Shrock @kathyshrock

    Kathy is an Ed Tech presenter.  On her feed is shares about her sites, as well as helpful tech tips for educators.  

Linda Braun @lbraun2000

    Linda is a former YALSA president, librarian and learning consultant.  A large part of her feed she uses to advertise all things YALSA.

Alan November @globalearner
    Alan is an author, educator and host of the BLC Conference.  He talks a lot about advocating for education, inspiring educators, workshops and networking.  He also hosts a lot of talks on Twitter.

Gwyneth Jones @GwynethJones

   Gwyneth is a librarian and presenter.  She has a very eccentric style and maintains a popular website.  On her feed she highlights education and other librarians.  She also talks a lot about tech - mainly Google.

Jim Lerman @jimlerman

    Jim is an "architect of ideas and implementation," educator, designer, author and speaker.  He has links to various articles which deal mainly with education, creativity, teachers and counseling.  Like Gwyneth, he also has a very active website.

Pros of Twitter :

• Sets you up with other professionals
• Lets you communicate happenings
• Great connection tool

Cons of Twitter :

• Anyone can ask to follow you
• There is a character limit on how much you can share on a post

Instagram

I have maintained a personal Instagram account for several years and am just starting to build a professional one (mrssjennsclass).  I love how it is full of mostly images, and does not have as many political views and opinions. 

How Librarians and Teachers Can Use Instagram :

1. Library Events
2. Highlight favorite books
3. Curriculum lessons
4. Student work - perhaps a portfolio of sorts
5. Connect and follow other librarians

Pros of Instagram : 

• Simple to use
• Less opinions 

Cons of Instagram :

• Less people seem to have an instagram page

What I Would Pick to Showcase My Library :

All of these social networking sites are wonderful and established in the internet world.  If I had to pick just one, I would pick Twitter.  It seems to be the best at helping you share about your library, and also connects you to other professionals in your field!