Instagram, Facebook Pages and Groups, and Twitter
- Nora Sifuentes
- Sep 18, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2021
Social media activity has become extremely popular among our society and continues to increase with the rapid development of new technology. Nowadays, people from all ages have access to a social media account. As educational leaders, we can take advantage of these platforms to keep our communities current with crucial information concerning our schools. If used correctly, it can impact the lives of our students in many ways. The greatest challenge could be finding the right platform to connect with our younger generations, as well as, to increase parental involvement. As I completed this assignment, I had to reflect on the use of three different types of social media and how they enhance the library services.
The first social media I evaluated is Facebook. In all honesty, I feel extremely comfortable with it as I have used it for many years. My first Facebook account was created back in 2008 when I was a senior in high school. Back then, Facebook was very trendy and it drastically decreased the use of other social media platforms. As I started evaluating the use of Facebook as a library resource, I noticed that most school pages used it mostly to showcase different activities happening in the library, book displays, and library setups. Additionally, it was used to keep the parents informed about current and upcoming events. Also, it was used to promote library materials and library services such as curbside pickup, book fair, and library nights. In my district, Facebook is very popular among our parents. My district's Facebook page showcases the Top AR Class of the Week, Reading Madness Challenges, upcoming events, and what is happening in our schools. Some of the advantages of using Facebook include that it is easy and quick to share and access information. As a library media specialist, I do see myself using Facebook to share our weekly newsletter, calendar of events, contact information, and keep constant communication with parents. Additionally, parents get really excited to see their children in action. I could use Facebook to share any events or activities with my scholars. Moreover, I could use this platform to promote library services and new materials. The greatest disadvantage of Facebook is that it has lost popularity among younger generations. In my personal opinion, this platform is mostly tailored to parents.
I have to admit that I’m a rookie using this platform, but it’s not bad at all! I like that we have the opportunity to add hashtags to link our Tweets to related subjects in order to easily follow and access topics of interest. I feel that it is “connecting” similar posts to facilitate searching for information. Additionally, it is user friendly and fast to share information.
There are a lot of resources that can be retweeted. As I started diving into the Tweets of various educational leaders in technology, I came across several resources that promote professional development. Below you can find some retweets from Linda W Braun, Kathy Schrock, and Alan November that offer great opportunities for professional learning communities. A disadvantage that I can foresee with this platform is that it is not as popular among parents due to the misconception that Twitter is mostly for gossip.
This is another social media platform that I love because it’s short, simple, and to the point. Additionally, it can be linked to Facebook. Basically, the posts that you make on Instagram can be shared simultaneously on Facebook. Killing two birds with one stone sounds lovely to me! One of the disadvantages I foresee using Instagram is that my school district blocks Facebook and Instagram usage with our school devices and Wi-Fi network. Therefore, anything that is posted will not be accessed by my students during the school day, unless they have their personal devise. I feel that this platform can be really appealing to students, as it is mostly composed of pictures and videos. I look forward to using Instagram so parents can stay current with all the fun and activities that are happening in the library. Moreover, I can use this tool to invite my students to take advantage of the library services and promote the materials from the library collection. I decided to share some posts from a former coworker and friend Ms. Analine Johnson from LBJ High School. She inspired me to pursue this amazing career, and she is an outstanding librarian! I added her Instagram link in case you want to follow her. https://www.instagram.com/la___bibliotecaria/
In conclusion, the three types of social media discussed above are excellent tools to promote and enhance the library services in our learning community. No matter what the platform is, the point is to use it efficiently!!!
My Info:
(Work in progress)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_reading_patch/
Twitter: @NoraSifuentes8
Hi Nora!
It’s incredible how easily we can connect with patrons and parents using social media platforms. Like you, I also see schools are taking advantage of any form of communication with parents to involve them in their child’s learning and to find ways to engage students. I love that you mention how Instagram and Facebook are now linked. The simultaneous posting is awesome and such a time saver! That is helpful especially since it’s said Facebook and Instagram appeal to different audiences. I’m sure many librarians appreciate not having to do separate posts to reach more parents and patrons.
I have noticed that most parents aren't on Twitter also. I used to use it a lot in my classroom but quickly realized that the only people seeing my tweets were coworkers! Facebook and Instagram are definitely more popular and probably the best platforms to share information with parents.
That's how I feel about Twitter...that it's mostly for gossip and shaming people. I've had a hard time with as an adult and have yet to push much out on our school's Twitter page (not much interaction from the past). Using Instagram has helped boost our connection with students and parents who do not use Facebook as their social media avenue.
I wonder if your tech team could open up their blocks specifically for certain social media links for viewing (ours does it with direct links to YouTube videos, so I wonder...).