This document provides tips for using social media to connect with a community based on lessons from the Seattle Public Library. It recommends defining goals for social media channels, managing them as library services that require time and resources, and using social media to engage communities, build around books and reading, and promote library services, staff, programs and collections. It also offers tips for generating content ideas, handling problems on social media, setting expectations for interactions, and establishing sustainable processes using available tools and collaboration.

1. Connecting with your Community via Social Media They already you!

2. Presentation Goal Provide practical tips on how to use social media to connect with your community, based on what we’ve learned at The Seattle Public Library.

5. Shelf Talk: The Blog for Adults

6. Push to Talk: The Blog for (and by) Teens

7. Library Catalog (BiblioCommons)

8. Characteristics of Social Media Patron-generated content Interactive Potentially global in reach Dynamic Immediate

9. Important question #1 What’s the purpose of yourFacebook page / Twitter account / blog, etc? Define your goals!

10. Important question #2 Can you manage a social media channel like a library service? It requires time & resources!

12. Build

14. OPINIONS

15. HUMOR

16. EXPERIMENT

17. Build! Help create community online around books, reading, and the library.

18. READER’SADVISORY

19. SUGGESTING

20. BOOK LISTS http://seattle.bibliocommons.com/list/show/86922331_seattle_quick_picks/89193717_the_movie_was_better_than_the_book,_part_i

21. Promote! Advertise your services, staff, programs and collections

22. NEWFEATURES

23. CONTENT

24. FUNDRAISING

25. Tips for Ideas Focus on local or world current events Take what you’re already doing, and “facebook” it or tweet it or blog about it Try new things! Use shareable content (links, etc.) Get ideas from your whole staff Borrow ideas from other libraries and organizations

26. Administration Support, Problems, Growth

27. But what about the dude posting with the naked avatar?

28. Community builds, defines, and polices itself.

29. Problems & Solutions

30. Set Expectations We treat our customers with respect and expect the same in return. Interacting with the Library Online

31. Process! As uncomplicated as possible Scalable Covers your bases Sustainable

32. Tools you absolutely need

33. Tips for Process Use tools you’ve already got; no need for fancy stuff! Use the power of collaboration to improve writing, flesh out ideas, and assure quality. Set up a “dummy” account on facebook. Start with a plan and procedures that are easily expanded and document them well. Schedule. Schedule. Schedule. Use the “two sets of eyes” approach

34. Thanks for Participating!