Social Media

 Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Searching through Facebook I started looking through the elementary, middle, and high school library pages and I can honestly say that I was impressed with some pages and disappointed with others. The postings of some of the library pages consisted of videos teaching the students/parents how to navigate apps where students can find books to read online. There were also postings about virtual classrooms the students could visit to read books. One page that I really enjoyed posted pictures of books shelves that were decorated to celebrate/ remember special days like 9/11, Grandparents day, and 16 de Septiembre. The shelves were not only decorated but also contained books that pertained to that special day. I was surprised that many of the posts had few to no comments or likes.

• Advantages- Some advantages of using Facebook to promote the library are that you can keep the community updated with information about events happening in the school and school library, promote the love of reading by posting videos of read-alouds of books, and to make the students feel that the library hasn't gone anywhere and like in this situation where the students are learning virtually they will see that the library is getting prepared for their return when they can finally step into the library and check out books once again. 
• Disadvantages- Some disadvantages of using Facebook to promote the library are that not many parents are technology savvy and don't use social media. Depending on the community your school has many parents to have access to the internet. Also, social media is geared for older students so the younger students don't have the same advantage. Another disadvantage is that Facebook isn't as popular as it used to be so many people aren't using it anymore.

                                 

Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock)- Kathy tweets information about possible conferences she might be presenting in and also provides information about different technology that she uses and technology she thinks is very useful.

Kathy's Toolbox

 

Linda Braun (@lbraun2000)- Linda tweets about helping the youth and retweets much useful information about learning and librarianship.

School Library Journal

 

Alan November (@globaleraner)- Alan tweets empowering videos, online learning videos, and information, and learning podcasts.

Podcast

Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones)- Gwyneth tweets about online books, live google meet help desk for students and tech tips.

Books

Jim Lerman (@jimlerman)- Jim tweets about distance learning, apps, networking tips, video conferencing, and technology reviews.

Video Conferencing

Instagram is a great social media app that teachers and librarians use to gain great ideas from other people who use the app. You can use this in the library to take pictures or videos of books being read or activities that are being done in the classroom or library. It can also be used to share resources or even just to share words of encouragement. Like many of the other social media apps, there are advantages and disadvantages of using social media as a form of communication with parents and students. A disadvantage would be that many parents wouldn't know how to use Instagram and they would be confused. An advantage would be that there are many cool features you can use like highlights and you can also add annotations to the picture itself. 

Instagram Link: Books

Instagram link: Library