Let's Get Social: The Role of Facebook and Twitter in the School Library

The introduction of social media has completely changed society.  I have often thought that I can't imagine how different my school experience would have been had social media come on the scene sooner.  With platforms like Facebook and Twitter so prevalent, it's no surprise that schools and school libraries are using them as ways to connect - both with a PLN (professional learning network) and with families and students.

In the world of school libraries on Facebook, this platform is utilized mostly to share upcoming events such as book fair or summer reading programs.  This is an easy way to communicate information about library happenings to parents, but it does not appear to be updated quite as frequently or contain many comments/interaction with viewers.  If you are looking to interact and connect with the users of your library, your students, Facebook may not be the best way to go.  If you're looking for a simple way to share information with families, Facebook is the simplest way to go. 

More recently, the Twitter space has really exploded on the education scene.  While it is often utilized by students and even parents, the major benefit of connecting on Twitter is to build a PLN.  Educators in all roles are able to share ideas and collaborate globally like never before.

One advantage to Twitter is the amount of information that can be shared simply by clicking 'retweet.'  Jim Lerman's  account (@jimlerman) stood out to me immediately because so many of his Tweets contained helpful, eye catching graphics such as the one below sharing ideas for how to use QR codes in the classroom.  There is always an article connected to the graphic, but by even stopping to read over the graphic new ideas can be born.

Teachers Guide to Using QR Codes in Instruction via @custard_cottage https://t.co/EQ9GJiNYm2 pic.twitter.com/tfsOrPn1QG

— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) May 31, 2018

Another account containing of wealth of ideas is The Daring Librarian, Gwyneth Jones (@gwynethjones).  Not only does she share articles linked through her Scoop.It, but she is a practicing librarian sharing pictures and ideas of her ideas in action.  Below is a Tweet in which she shared the reading incentive she designed to promote building a community of readers in her school.

Congratulations Top 30 @hcpss_mhms VIP Key Readers! Please stop by and get your key! 🔑Will you borrow more next year? I hope so! ....... #TLChat @hcpsslibmed pic.twitter.com/ecbE20RTEf

— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) June 6, 2018

Overall it is best to evaluate what you will be using your social media platform for in order to determine which one best meets the needs of you, your library, and the population you serve.   Make sure it's something you understand how to use and can commit to updating often.  Social networking only works if you are - you guessed it - social!  I personally find Twitter to be more useful as an educator because of its quick way to share ideas and simplicity in connecting with and growing a PLN.