Follow Me on Instagram!
Well, not me specifically. But, follow my school’s new Instagram page: @wilsonmiddlelib!
(Shameless plug here: if you’d also like to follow my personal “Bookstagram” account, it’s @missblackreads.)
In an article about using Instagram to engage users and showcase happenings within a school’s library, Molly Wetta references a survey which claims that Instagram is the most popular social media tool currently used by teenagers (2016). In my own discussions and interactions with teenagers, I have come to the same conclusion. Since Wetta’s article was written, Instagram has added features that provide opportunities for library users to engage, such as polls, quizzes, and questions. These features can be added to an account’s Instagram story, and can be used in so many different ways! For example, on my school library’s Instagram page, I could create a story that allows students to answer questions about books, opportunities, and materials they’d like to have access to in our space. I could use the quiz feature to help students choose a book based on their interests and preferences. Allowing students to engage with the school library in this way lets them know what is available and take ownership of decisions that are made.
I used my first post to introduce myself and explain how the Instagram page would be used. I included my Bitmoji, which is another fun tool to incorporate into your school library!
As school librarians and media specialists, it is important to remember that students are not the only ones that we serve within a school. Maintaining this Instagram account that is specific to my school will give teachers and staff a glimpse into the school library’s resources, which can lead to increased collaboration. On our account, I can create posts and stories that showcase new books, or collections of books that correspond with topics being taught in content classes. I can create posts that include pictures from activities that are done either in the library or using library materials and resources. Instagram also provides opportunities to “regram” posts and videos that feature new tools that teachers can use in their classrooms. (“Regram” is just an Instagram-specific word for “repost.”) Creating posts and providing opportunities for students and teachers to engage with our school library’s Instagram page is another way that I can continue to advocate for school libraries and my position within the school. Showcasing our physical spaces in the library, new books and materials, technology tips (We are a one-to-one school that uses Chromebooks.), students that are reading or working...all of these things let individuals in and out of the school know that our library is an integral part of the school community.
If you’re wanting to start an Instagram account for your own school library (or any other kind of library), I strongly encourage you to check out Wetta’s article that I referenced above. It is FULL of ideas to increase engagement and advocacy on behalf of your library space and profession! Also, feel free to share any ideas in the comments below. I’d love to hear them!
References
Wetta, M. (2016, February). Instagram now: Engage young users with the image-based social media tool. School Library Journal, 62(2), 30-32.
I followed both accounts! I agree that the Wetta article was very helpful in understanding how we can use Instagram in schools and school libraries. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point that there are lots of people beyond just students that you can reach with social media. I have found that since my kids started middle school that getting information about their classes is like pulling teeth. A couple of their teachers posted when they started class IG accounts and it has been really nice to see what they are working on in class. I probably never would have know that my sons medical tech class did blood pressure experiments if I hadn't seen it posted on IG. It allowed me to bring it up with him and engage in a deeper conversation with him to hear more. Those moments make you realize that the ripple effect is more powerful than you realize. When you open your classroom up to share, it can impact students, parents and teachers engagement in many different ways. Thanks for the article share as well.
ReplyDeleteSusanne Clark
Greetings Chandler. I really like your Instagram accounts and especially @missblackreads. So many great pictures of so many great books and a good model of some of the kinds of content you might find on a school library account. You mention Wetta's mention of the survey of teenager social media preferences and that reminded me that I went looking for similar stats and found a Statista survey (linked below, you may have to sign in to Thomas Cooper) that tracks these preferences over time. The data comes from an online survey, so maybe not the best of datasets, but it's still super interesting. I was surprised/not surprised to find Twitter and Facebook in the basement statistically among teens. Also interesting the meteoric rise of Tik-Tok. Anyway, just something to look at and consider. Thanks for sharing your stuff! https://www-statista-com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/statistics/250172/social-network-usage-of-us-teens-and-young-adults/
ReplyDeleteMaybe this link is better? https://www.statista.com/statistics/250172/social-network-usage-of-us-teens-and-young-adults/
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