A lecture entitled "Social Media in Library Marketing Communications" was held on November 20, 2023. The lecture was presented by Dr. hab. Mariola Antczak, professor at the University of Łódź, and Dr. Monika Wachowicz from the University of Łódź.
The purpose of the authors was to present the issue of the use of social networks in shaping a positive image of the library, promoting its services, attracting engaged users, managing information in network communities. In addition to reviewing theoretical concepts, the authors presented the results of their own research and practical solutions in this area.
Web sites are an indispensable tool in the promotion of libraries, enabling them to effectively reach different social groups, build relationships with readers and adapt their offerings to the expectations of modern users. Active participation of libraries in electronic media allows building a community of readers around the institution. By regularly publishing posts, sharing interesting materials or initiating interactions with observers, libraries can build their positive image, moderate social reading culture, and create a space where readers can recommend reading to each other and share their reading experiences. In the digital age, online education is becoming increasingly popular. Libraries can use online services to deliver courses, educational materials, or virtual lessons, making knowledge available to people who cannot physically visit the institution.
Web sites provide a platform for two-way communication between the library and users. Through contact forms, online chat rooms or social media, they can receive feedback from readers, answer questions and respond to their needs. Web services allow institutions to effectively promote cultural events, such as author meetings, workshops, or exhibitions. Thanks to them - they can reach a wider audience and encourage participation in various cultural activities.
Considering these facts, it is interesting to know how many libraries maintain their profiles and on which social networks, and whether they do so in a professional manner. These questions, among others, were answered by the authors of the speech, studying provincial public and pedagogical libraries in Poland. During the meeting, the results of a survey of librarians on the mistakes they make in running services were also presented. Their list was compiled using a wealth of literature on the subject. A link to the survey is still available, allowing all librarians to comment on potential and actual mistakes: https://forms.office.com/e/54HF66URbX
The authors pointed out new trends and shared ideas on how to use booktubers and influencers for platform activities, showing librarians real examples of such practices and new opportunities. Interestingly, so far not practiced by libraries.
An interesting proposal of the authors was the establishment of a joint BENEFIT group to facilitate librarians' contact with each other on the issue of how they run their services, and to offer them a space to share good practices in this area. The authors also encourage contact on the platform after the lecture, recommending an unlimited number of seats.
B BOOK’S
E EXPERTS
NE NETWORK
F about FUTURE
I INFLUENCER’S
T TRENDS
Group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bibliobenefit