Facebook and School Libraries

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, You tube, and Flickr to name a few, are the norm nowadays with both students and adults. School districts across the nation are now using Facebook to connect with their communities. This is a way parents, teachers, and students get the latest information quickly, and immediate feedback on postings allow schools to make adjustments based on the needs of their communities.

As I browsed through various library’s Facebook pages, some such as Austin ISD Library includes facts about upcoming and current events. For example, one post was promoting “Back to School” activities for teachers by offering a “day of learning and collaboration,” and showing them what the library has to offer. In addition they included other upcoming events such as, “Texas Teen Book Festival” in September, “Story time” offered during the summer at various campuses, and upcoming “Nominations for School Librarians.” This is a great way of sharing news with the community.

Crockett Intermediate School Library in Paris, TX, posts pictures of recommended reads, summer library hours for incoming Crockett students, end of year reminder for returning all library books. In addition, they also included photos of their 6th grade students in action, “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” and students sitting at the library tables discussing their books. This is a great way of using the media to showcase the library and its students for their parents to see. They also include an informational post on “What is a Hashtag.”

Curry Elementary School Library in Alabama, includes information about upcoming events such as student orientation for grades K-5th, reminders to pay any unpaid fees including lost/unreturned library books, a video clip promoting the upcoming “Goosebumps” movie, and other posts promoting library books.

I did browse other sites, and most did not have any comments. However, I did see a few “likes” on certain posts, but not many.

Having a Facebook page for your library has its advantages such as: being able to quickly share current information and past events with students, teachers, and parents, such as Book Fairs, Literacy Nights, and Reader’s Advisory. Also, you are able to get immediate feedback from them and find out what their needs and interests are. In addition, it can serve as a teaching tool to enhance learning for students, parents, and teachers by posting information on various topics.

On the other hand, having a Facebook page also has its disadvantage. Posting information and photos of students online is illegal, unless you have a written consent from parents as stated in district’s policies.

Social media is here to stay. As a future librarian, I foresee myself utilizing Facebook as a way to promote my library and keep a constant connection with the community as well as students, teachers, and staff.