The State of Social Media

For years, libraries have leaned on social media as a go-to marketing tool-but its effectiveness has shifted. Platforms that once reliably connected libraries with their communities now reach fewer users, with demographics, behaviors, and motivations moving in unexpected directions. 

In this session, we'll take an honest look at the current state of social media, the challenges it presents for libraries, and what these changes mean for your broader outreach efforts. Instead of posting tips and tricks, you'll gain a clearer picture of social media's true role today-so you can make more informed decisions about where to focus your library's energy and resources. 
 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understand how and why social media's impact for libraries has declined 
• Learn what recent shifts in demographics and platform use mean for library outreach 
• Recognize the limitations of relying on social media as a primary marketing tool 
• Gain insights to help guide realistic decisions about your library's communication strategy

Presenter:

Laura Solomon MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network. She has been doing web development and design for over twenty years, in both public libraries and as an independent consultant. She specializes in developing with Drupal. She is a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She’s written three books about social media and content marketing, specifically for libraries, and speaks nationally on both these and technology-related topics.  As a former children’s librarian, she enjoys bringing the “fun of technology” to audiences and in giving libraries the tools they need to better serve the virtual customer.

Track: Social Media