Using Social Media in the School Library

When it comes to Facebook, I personally try to stay away as much as possible. I do see how this social media site could be a valuable resource for schools of all level though. I evaluated three different school library Facebook pages to see the differences and similarities in their pages. One common feature that I noticed is that all school listed their school website, hours, and a few other basic items such as book reviews and announcement. Overall, here are the features I noticed the each of the different Facebook pages.

Thomas Downey High School Library:

• book reviews and trailers
• upcoming events
• Promotions
• author interview videos
• very few comments

Buckeye High School Library:

• videos of students/school events
• announcements/promotions
• upcoming book to movie trailers
• School morning announcements
• few comments and likes

Holland Middle School:

• special events/promotions
• videos of students reading/reviewing books
• Announcements
• more comments and likes than high school libraries

Facebook is a wonderful way to disseminate information to parents and staff, but one downfall that I do see is how few students are on Facebook today. It was noticeable that middle school students were more active on their school’s page than were high school students. I think Facebook offers many features to help promote the school library, and I would love to try out a page for my school. Here is my first go at it! https://www.facebook.com/LumbertonHSLib/

 

I have been on Twitter for quite a few years, but I only started using it as an educational resource about five years ago when I realized everyone at the TCEA conference was on Twitter. Since then, I have used it for personal use, school use, and as a site for my library. Each year I learn more and more about how valuable of a resources other educators are, and Twitter is an amazing way to connect with educators around the world.

Below, I reviewed five different leaders in educational technology. Read and learn!

Kathy Schrock- @kathyschrock

• Kathy Schrock is an edtech guru who promotes different online resources, softwares, and up-and-coming devices in educational technology. She is also known for her innovative look at using technology in the classroom and her website http://www.schrockguide.net/.

Linda Braun- @lbraun2000

• Linda Braun is a librarian, educator, and consultant. She is also the YALSA past president, and that seems to influence many of her tweets. She is an advocate for your readers and for teens all over the country.

Buffy Hamilton- @buffyjhamilton

• Buffy Hamilton is a “Writing teacher who loves literacy, stories, music, dogs, poetry, sunsets on the water, & great shoes” according to her Twitter profile. Buffy is also a former librarian who is extremely active on Twitter with 17.4k followers and posts creative ways she teaches writing to middle school aged students.

The Daring Librarian- @GwynethJones

• The Daring Librarian, Gwyneth Jones, speaks internationally at educational technology conferences and uses her Twitter as a place to share technology and curriculum ideas with educators. Her blog, http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/, is more in depth with ideas and sharing.

Jim Lerman- @jimlerman

Jim Lerman’s Twitter account constantly spits out new ideas for teachers to use in their classrooms. He does link to his personal site, Into the Driver’s Seat, which can be cumbersome but extremely informative.

In searching Twitter, I realized how valuable of a resource this social media site can be. Each of these educational technology leaders is inspiring other just by simply tweeting each day. Allowing other educators a glimpse into our classrooms will allow more growth and innovation in our schools. @LumbertonHSLib