Libraries---Seize the Social Media Day!

The number one way I believe libraries should manage their brand online is by advocating their services through social media.  With more and more people using the internet to meet their information needs, it is common for the average user to become unaware of the many valuable services libraries offer.  Twittering, blogging or updating a Facebook status about the free Wifi available in public libraries or the guest speaker on job search techniques are ways that the average person may be made aware of how library services are relevant to their needs.

So, in order for the message to reach potential users, libraries must find ways to use the proper social media channels.  However, this goes beyond simply creating a Facebook account and adding friends.  Libraries must carefully plan a social media strategy that will improve the status of their brand but also be manageable for the library over time.  Managing one's online reputation requires continued maintenance and interaction with users.  The strategy must involve encouraging the input of users but that is pointless if there is no representative from the library to keep the interaction flowing.  If a library is blogging about all the great guest speakers they have lined up for next month and a user comments that they wish to see a speaker on body image issues, it is only appropriate that a library representative acknowledge that request.  Even if all they say is that the library will look into covering that topic, at least they are showing the user that their opinion is valuable to the library.