Instagram and Vine

I really like using social media.  I have a personal Facebook page as well as a Goodreads,   Instagram, and Twitter accounts. As of a few days ago, I now have a Vine account.  I would love to use these social media sites to promote my library.  However, right now my school district policy does not allow that.  We (clubs, libraries, classrooms) can send info to be posted on these sites hosted by the district.  After doing a little research about how these social media sites such as Instagram and Twitter are used in the classroom or library, I wish the district would change their policy.  Looking at my personal Instagram pictures, it seems that I cannot help but merge my personal life,  my reading life, and my professional life and share with others. It's just who I am.

Using Instagram in the Library

An obvious way to use Instagram in the library is for promotional reasons.  You can promote events and books.  I used Instagram to promote the Scholastic Book Fair in October.  In the summer of 2014, I posted a picture of books I wanted to read that summer.  At that moment, I was teaching 7th grade.  When I learned I got the job as the librarian for the 4th and 5th grade campus, I did some book shuffling!  This would be a great place for student and staff recommendations as well.

 





I love this idea from the  New York Public Library.  In March (in honor of March Madness) they have a contest to see which author is the picked as the favorite.  They start with two authors.  The author with the most votes goes up against another author the following Monday.  The winner is announced on March 31st.

After 31 days of voting, we are finally ready to announce the winner of the @nypl #literarymarchmadness: Roald Dahl! The sorcery of Tolkien’s Gandalf proved no match against the magic powers of Dahl’s Matilda, and we are pleased to crown Dahl as King of March Madness 2015. Thank you for your steadfast voting over the past month; we’ll return with more literary madness in 2016! 🏆👑🎉📚

A photo posted by The New York Public Library (@nypl) on Apr 1, 2015 at 9:22am PDT

I also see having fun with Instagram and post daily things like Mystery Monday showcasing a mystery book.  How about Wacky Wednesdays highlighting some bizarre, quirky, or unusual title.  A book like Track that Scat by Lisa Morlock comes to mind. Or, Throwback Thursday featuring an historical fiction, biography, or historical nonfiction book. 

I love finding quotes related to reading and I think Instagram is the perfect platform to share these.  I really like this one that the New York Public Library posted.

Have you ever had the feeling that the world is trying to tell you something? #ReadingAlphabetSoup 📚🍵🍝

A photo posted by The New York Public Library (@nypl) on Mar 19, 2015 at 7:25am PDT

 Using Vine in the Library

I am relatively new to Vine.  In fact I've only had my account for about five days now, which, I think, should put me in about the neonatal unit of the Vine nursery.   It's  a little hard to wrap my head around six seconds.  A few years ago, Good Morning America had a segment on the weekend show where viewers sent in videos telling about their week using only three words.  The words were written on paper either one word per page or all of the words on one page.  The viewers did not talk.  GMA would then edit the videos together and set it to music.  Seeing just three words and the video instantly and surprisingly created strong emotions.  Some where really powerful in conveying messages.  I see Vine ultimately having that potential.  Right now,  I see me using Vine much the same way as I use Instgram: highlighting books and promoting events in the library.  I also think it would be a good way to give a quick tour of the library.  Here is my first Vine video ever.  I'm sure I will look back on this one day and marvel at how much I've grown as a Vine user.  Or do I refer to myself as a Viner?  Hmmm... One day it will all be clear... As mud.