Social Media in the Library

Social media can be used as an essential tool for professional growth, curriculum planning, and student engagement.  There are endless educational opportunities offered by social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  It is also a great tool to build community within the library.  Through social media, you are able to connect to students inside and outside of the school, families, and the community.  However, it is important to realize that not all social media is createed equal.

  Facebook

 When exploring Facebook, I was able to notice that librarians utilize Facebook in a variety ways.  Librarians are able to post pictures of their library.  This can include new books that have arrived, the library setup, and new decor.  They also posted pictures of students in the library, students reading, and students participating in library events or activities.  Librarians also are able to post about upcoming events, library quotes or memes, and fun pictures such as gifts or reading t-shirts.

Advantages and Disadvantages

    When using Facebook, it can come with both advantages and disadvantages.  A benefit of Facebook is that it is a great opportunity to connect to students, families, and the community.  It allows for collaboration and to communicate both inside and outside of the school.  The use of Facebook keeps students engaed outside of the classroom.  It can be a way for students to demonstrate their skills and express themselves, as well as become an active participant in their learning.  Facebook is a way for students, teachers, and librarians to share thier resources and to show off what is going on in the classroom, library, or the school.  It is a great way to advertise fundraisers and events such as book fairs or Read for a Better Life.  Facebook can be used as a research tool as well.  Educators and students can join educational groups and connect with experts.  You are able to follow these groups to get useful content and get help.

    While Facebook can provide many benefits in providing information and learning, it is important to understand and prepare for its disadvantages.  First, the use of Facebook and other social media apps can become addicting for its users-both students and adults.  There are many features such as chatting, stories, and newsfeeds that may make a user want to spend more time on that app.  Students can also be accidentally exposed to vulgarity  and/or subjected to cyber bullying.  In addition using Facebook could lead to violations with student privacy.  It is important to be aware of parents' privacy requirements for their child before posting.  

    While it is important to understand the disadvantages in using Facebook in the library, the benefits are great.  It is a great way to collaborate, communicate, and connect with each student and the community when advertising the library.

Twitter

 Twitter is another great social media tool to use in education that allows for professional development and networking opportunities.  In a few short sentences, you are able relay a message or an announcement to your followers.  You can also provide links for useful resources to both students and families.  Twitter is also a great place to tweet details about fundraiser or contests.  Like Facebook, it is important to know that Twitter can become addictive to users, there is a possiblilty of becoming indundated with bad news, and overwhelmed with tweeted updates.  I have to admit, I have not used Twitter before, so there are many features for me to still learn.  However, upon exploring Twitter and the ed leaders, I was able to see the benefits of its use.  One of the leaders in education that I followed was John Schu, @MrSchuReads.  One of his tweets is about a book that he has been working on titled This is a School.

https://twitter.com/MrSchuReads/status/1306970014910619648?s=20 Some of his other tweets include pictures of books that he purchases, networking opportunites, and Scholastic Book Fair tours. Another leader in education that I followed was Kathy Schrock, @kathyschrock. Some ways that she uses her Twitter is to tweet about professional development opportunites, as well as sharing podcasts:

https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/1432295002365906946?s=20 The Daring Librarian, @GwynethJones, is another great educator leader to follow. She uses her Twitter to tweet about her life both personally and professionally. This is a great account to follow for inspirations in creativity, resourceful articles, and just for a laugh. As I said before, I have a lot to learn about Twitter, but I do know this is a great tool to use to connect, collaborate, and grow!

Instagram

 Instagram is another popular social networking tool.  This app is utilized a lot by teens.  Having two daughters of my own, this is there go to.  Instagram can be very effective when using it as an education tool.  However, just like other social media apps, there are both advantages and disadvantages.  An advantage in using Instagram is that is another tool to communicate and collaborate.  Instagram includes visual features to allow for you to share images or videos with your followers.  Librarians can easitly post pictures that include filtering tools.  You can also create highlights to advertise important events, announcements, or videos.  When integrating Instagram into education, students will gain networking opportunities, learn good communication skills, and collaborate with peers.  It is also important to consider the disadvantages.  Like other social media sites, Instagram can become highly addictive and lead to cyber bullying or expose to vulger.  Also, the copyright of photos can be easily lost leading to other users reposting your images or videos without permission.  Even with these disadvantages, Instagram can be a highly effective tool in education, especially when promoting your library.  Here is a link to my Instagram (a work in progress) https://www.instagram.com/jrankin05/