My local library (Diana Freeman in Clear Lake) is a branch of HCPL, so a few days ago I liked the Harris County Public Library facebook page. Easy to do--just go to hcpl's website and click on the facebook image. It'll take you to HCPL's facebook page and you can like. Since following their page, HCPL has posted several images that I've shared w/my friends on facebook, like the one here:
In addition, HCPL's facebook page starts (and allows followers to start) conversations about summer reading selections, advertises summer reading programs and activities for both children and adults, and provides links for its followers to check out their local affiliate library's website.
Now, what about a school library having a facebook page? I did some research and found some successful ones, albeit all high school libraries. I gauged them successful by their currency of postings, the amount of friends they had and the content. For high-school age students, many already on facebook, the advantages of a school library having a facebook page is clear. Get the word out about library goings on--not just to students, but teachers and parents as well. Library activities, kudos to students and organizations, book recommendations, and more can make for an exeptional interactive learning experience. The controversy about school library facebook pages lies in the assurance that responsible digital citizenship will be adhered to and/or monitored AND the understanding that commercial advertisements will be displayed. These two downsides are real concerns expressed by librarians, teachers and parents. There's also the question of who establishes and administers the account. If this is the sole responsibility of the school librarian, it can provide that person with a huge additional workload. In the coming weeks, I want to research this topic more to find out how school libraries with facebook accounts navigated these hurdles successfully.
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