Using Mobile Technology to Promote Library Services: TikTok and Libraries

By -

 

Using Mobile Technology to Promote Library Services: TikTok and Libraries

by Ashley Roane

It is extremely common for businesses to utilize social media to promote products, engage followers, or network to build a brand, that it almost seems unusual if a business does not have regularly updated socials nowadays. Just as libraries have evolved over time and always embraced new technology, so have they followed suit with staying current on social media trends to promote library services. 

In his article called, “What It’s Like to Run a Library TikTok,” librarian Justin Hoenke interviews Bailey Randolph the head of children’s services of a public library in Alberta, Canada. A key benefit that Randolph notes is that TikTok can reach a much larger audience than just those who follow an account. In Hoenke’s article, she also give plenty of tips for libraries interested in running their own Library TikTok. 

Randolph recommends figuring out the purpose of the account. For example, she mentions that some libraries decide they want to promote library programs, but the library that she works at uses their TikTok to primarily educate non-library users to what libraries are like today. She expresses that she also wants to show people and other libraries examples of how public libraries can be safe spaces for everyone.

In an interview with a librarian from Cedar Crest College, Daniel Pffiefer- editor of Lib Tech Insights- explores the case for why academic libraries should consider creating their own respective library TikToks. Nanette DeRemer from Cedar Crest College expresses that one of the advantages of having a TikTok account for an academic library is that it challenges the library to be creative in finding ways to engage the student body while promoting library services. 

While the future of TikTok in general may be uncertain (eg bans), I think it’s safe to say, libraries will continue to harness the use of social media as a powerful way to connect and engage with people- library users and non-library users alike. 

References:

Hoenke, J. (2023). What It’s Like to Run a Library TikTok. Information Today, 40(3), 24–26.

https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=162691212&site=ehost-live&scope=site


Why Your Academic Library Should Be on TikTok - Choice 360


Image: https://images.app.goo.gl/H2D2vNqpUDz4XR2z8

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adapted Literacy: Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions in the Library

By -
Image
  Adapted Literacy: Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions in the Library by Ashley Roane Assistive technology can help any of us meet life’s daily challenges in innumerable ways. In fact, many digital tools we utilize on a daily basis- such as voice recognition, captions, or even GPS- we take for granted and consider them more as options. But for many folks, assistive technology is essential and means accessibility.   Galyon et al. discuss ways that libraries can harness assistive technology to meet the needs of children who might struggle with literacy for different reasons. They explain this as adapted literacy and describe this as an efficient and cost effective way to improve preliteracy and literacy skills. Founded in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, adapted literacy is meant to make reading books more accessible for all learners. The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) explains that UDLs guiding principles are multiple means of engagement...
Read more

Libraries and the Digital Divide

By -
Image
Libraries and the Digital Divide Providing technology for increased accessibility Post by Jennifer Fischer The "Digital Divide" is what is described as the gap between those who have support, knowledge of, and access to modern technology for information and communication. Factors that may contribute to the digital divide are socioeconomic factors such as income or access to technology in rural areas, as well as disabilities that hinder an individuals' use of technology for communicating or accessing information. The author, Susan D. Moisey, of the article, "The Inclusive Libraries Initiative: enhancing the access of persons with developmental disabilities to information and communication technology," describes more factors that also contribute to the digital divide. Moisey discusses the role of libraries in helping bridge this gap for those with disabilities. Implementing assistive technology in libraries to help those who are unable to use modern technology bec...
Read more