Libraries Enter the Chat

When people think about social networking, they usually think about keeping up with friends and family, seeing the latest news, and interacting with their favorite influencers. But now libraries have entered the chat. Social networking has become an important part of how libraries connect with their patrons and stay relevant in a digital world. It is through social networking that libraries are now able to reach patrons beyond their physical walls and create new ways to engage and connect with not only their communities, but the world.

In Matt Enis’ article, “Social Skills”, he states “Social media is where people are online, so libraries need to be there, too (Enis 2017)”. Libraries can use social media platforms to share upcoming events, new book arrivals, community resources, and important local announcements. Instead of relying only on flyers or bulletin boards, libraries can now instantly reach hundreds or even thousands of people with a single post. This makes information more accessible and helps libraries stay connected to their communities in real time.

In addition to sharing information, social networking helps libraries create a stronger sense of community. In the article, “Social Skills”, IT Director for the New York Law Institute, Ellyssa Kroski states, “I have always found interacting with library patrons and fellow librarians on social media to be an incredibly enjoyable experience…” (Enis 2017).  Many libraries use social media to interact directly with patrons through comments, polls, book recommendations, and online discussions. This creates a more personal and welcoming experience for patrons and encourages participation both online and in person. 

There are still challenges that come with social networking, including concerns about misinformation, privacy, and maintaining professionalism. Enis touches on this by saying, “One challenge that any company, nonprofit, or institution faces when using social media is that individuals primarily use popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to communicate with friends and family and to follow people, topics, and news of interest. They don’t want to be spammed by marketing messages; they want to talk” (Enis 2017).  Libraries must carefully balance being engaging and informative while still representing their mission as trusted sources of information. Despite these challenges, social networking has become an essential tool for modern libraries and allows them to adapt to the modern needs of today’s society. 

Works Cited

Enis, Matt. “Social Skills.” Library Journal, vol. 142, no. 14, Sept. 2017, pp. 38–40. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=be465def-9eb7-3420-8871-8cf41d95e694.