Facebook and Twitter

Social Media has become the way we communicate in our daily lives. It lets us share ideas and give and receive information with people that have the same interests. More than ever school libraries are using Facebook to have a presence online and build a bridge between the library and patrons. Browsing through Facebook for school library pages I came across the Facebook Page of Castilleja School Library. This school library uses social media to share literary events in their school library and the public libraries. They also give patrons a say in the book collection, information on authors, and new book releases. Some of their postings are for showcasing student's work and other are for updating patrons about their new catalog and database. This library is staying up-to-date with reaching as many patrons as possible with social media. The best advantage of using Facebook for a school library is free marketing, is easy and free to get the word out about your school library program and connect with a wider audience. In the other hand, in order for the entire school community to have access to the Facebook page one must set the page to public, making it possible for others to link, post, or make inappropriate comments for a school environment. Privacy issues also play an important role when using social media, a librarian needs to be careful that we are respecting the students' privacy when posting photos, names, and or work.

I use Twitter in my classroom to share with parents and the community what we are learning in my classroom, announce school events, projects, and reminders. Following leaders in librarianship, have given me opportunities to be connected to people that are experts in the field that I'm pursuing. The posts include ways to incorporate technology in the school library, new apps, educational websites, and the best practices to engage students in learning. For example this post from Kathy Schrock @kathyschrock gave information on free images from pikwizard.com, great to use for students' projects while respecting copyright laws.

Nice collection of searchable, free images to use both commercially and non-commercially! https://t.co/w1TIq3wM3S Thanks, @pikwizard pic.twitter.com/EXW8go4TA0

— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) December 20, 2017

 I also follow Gwyneth Jones @GwynethJones, who is a Google certified librarian and gives conferences on how to be an innovator in the library. Here she tweets tips and tricks on how to be a better you (librarian). She writes to answer the question, "To what do you attribute your success?"

How to be a Teacher Librarian Rock Star
Branding Tips & Tricks + More!
NEW Blog Post https://t.co/yx2V0NOEgA#TLChat #EdChat #FutureReadyLibs #ISTELibs
I kinda pour my heart out in this one. pic.twitter.com/JviSnN1dEi

— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) January 21, 2018

Professional library organization such as American Library Association @ALALibary and American Association of School Libraries @aasl give information that affects our library programs such as new laws and budgets, they also give information that can benefit our program such available grants, free webinars, professional developments, and much more.

ICYMI: Check out this update on the 2018 budget and the current state of federal library funding. Plus, look forward to the upcoming 2019 budget cycle and get ready to ask Congress to #FundLibraries. https://t.co/qTYemLvFBr

— American Library Association (@ALALibrary) January 27, 2018

Overall social media is a way to engage in discussions, share experiences, seek information, learn about innovating tools, and find and give support to others that are passionate about education and improving the library program.