Today I launched our library's Facebook page. I have to confess that I'm not an avid Facebook user personally. However, when I wanted a way to connect with our wider community to share book reviews, apps and library events, it was a clear winner.
Lots of libraries have blogs but the main problem with them is that not many people know how to use an RSS reader (well that's my opinion but I certainly get a lot of blank stares when I talk about Google Reader). This means that every time you post you need to make a big fuss to try and get people to read your work (like I will shortly with this post!). Facebook, on the other hand, pushes your messages straight to your fans without them having to do anything except choose to "like" your page.
In order to get people to "like" my page I am shamelessly using a prize ($20 book voucher). We have a school Facebook page so I will be promoting my page on there, and I've put a notice in our school newsletter too. If you want to have a look at our library Facebook page, here it is.
I think another benefit is that Facebook posts are short and sweet and therefore people feel they can spare the time to read them. A lengthier blog post requires a bit more commitment (well done for getting this far!).
I guess it's strange that I'm writing a blog about how much better Facebook is but I am talking specifically about reaching my audience of a school community. In my professional capacity as a librarian and technology enthusiast you can see that my vote is for Blogger.
By the way, for the first time I have used one of my own photos in my posts (the one I'm using on our Facebook page). I used an iPad app called Snapseed to add an effect called Grunge. It was a lot of fun so expect to see more.
Lots of libraries have blogs but the main problem with them is that not many people know how to use an RSS reader (well that's my opinion but I certainly get a lot of blank stares when I talk about Google Reader)facebook
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