General information

#NoFilter: Designing Social Media Content in Canva

othmer library reading room

Following my last post in the #NoFilter series, I received some feedback indicating that it would be helpful to describe the actual process whereby one uses Canva to create compelling visuals for social media posts. While I do again emphasize taking some time to complete Canva’s immensely helpful Design Essentials tutorials, I will use this entry to describe some of the techniques I have developed for using Canva efficiently. Canva in this discussion refers to the free version of the service. There is a Canva at Work option available as well as a Canva Enterprise option for groups of over 30 members. You can compare the different versions on Canva’s Pricing page. Before delving into any graphic design project for your library, it is important to check if your institution adheres to any style guidelines for social media content. These guidelines may be a simple list of recommended fonts and…

General information

The Lost Art of Creation

While technology is helpful, it also contributes to people becoming, well, more robotic. Siri can define the word “banausic,” eliminating the need to pull out a dictionary; while Google Maps can help you navigate to the closest ramen bowl spot, eliminating the need to look at an actual map. This series looks at technology that counteracts this trend, tools that help spark conversation, create 3-D designs, and encourage creativity. This month’s post explores YouTube and specifically the combo video/blog known as “vlog.” Launched in 2005, YouTube is a free video sharing website where users can easily upload videos and subscribe to channels.  Many libraries and library associations have dedicated YouTube Channels and it’s the 3rd most popular media outlet used by digital natives (behind Facebook & Twitter). Some people might dismiss the site as just a repository of silly videos but the site’s wide reach has sparked careers and even business ventures. Sal…

General information

#NoFilter: Creating Compelling Visual Content for Social Media

laptop notebook pencil desk

The #NoFilter series has as its focus the numerous challenges that surround social media and its use in the library. In previous posts, I discussed sources for content inspiration as well as tips for content planning. This entry will concentrate on creating compelling visual content for your library’s social media. A strong visual component for a social media post is imperative for capturing the attention of users and bringing them into dialogue with the library and forming the relationships that are key to institutional social media success.  Social media is not a one-way self-promotional tool for a library, but rather an interactive space allowing a library to engage meaningfully with users, cultivate their support and kindle their enthusiasm for the library’s work. Quality visual content in a social media post has the potential to spur conversations with/among users who in turn share the library’s content with ever-wider audiences. Below are…

General information

#NoFilter: Social Media Planning for the Library

notebook pencil othmer library reading room

The #NoFilter series explores some of the challenges and concerns that accompany a library’s use of social media. In my January 2017 post, I discussed the importance of generating thoughtful and diverse social media content in order to attract users and stimulate discussion of the library’s materials and services. Part and parcel of the content generation process is planning. Wouldn’t it be great if social media wasn’t something the library had to think about in depth? If all of the content for various platforms could just be created on the fly, a content generation process seamlessly integrated into every staff member’s workflow? It’s a beautiful idea and it does happen this way at times. For example, you are walking through your library and you come across some stunning afternoon light pouring through a window. You take out your phone, snap a picture, and share it on Instagram or another platform….

General information

#NoFilter: Social Media Content Ideas for Libraries

topsell theater of insects illustration

In my previous blog entry, I introduced the #NoFilter series which will explore some of the challenges and concerns pertaining to social media and its use in the library. For this post, let’s consider a topic that can be simultaneously fun and perplexing: generating quality content for social media! Thoughtful, consistent, and varied content is one of the keys to cultivating a meaningful social media presence for a library i.e., opening up channels of communication with patrons and encouraging enthusiasm for the library’s materials, services, and staff.  Where does one look for social media content ideas? Keeping in mind that the intricacies of each platform necessitate different presentations in content, below are three suggestions for where those in charge of a library’s social media may find some inspiration. Behind-the-scenes – The day-to-day operations in a library may not seem like the most riveting subject matter for a social media post….

General information

#NoFilter: Social Media and Its Use in the Library

Time and again we hear how useful social media is for library outreach. Use social media for advertising events in the library! Use social media to provide book recommendations! Use social media to alert patrons to library hours and services! Use social media to highlight collections! And yet for many libraries (academic, research, public, corporate, school, etc.), social media success remains elusive. We sit and grumble to our colleagues about how few followers we have on x or y platform or the lack of likes and shares our posts receive. We question whether the library is cool or hip enough with new generations of patrons. Then eventually we throw up our hands, stand on our desks, and boldly proclaim “I’m done with social media! I’m going back to papering the walls with flyers!” Dramatics aside, many of us have been in this predicament at some point. We question why we’re…