In libraries we do our best to meet users where they are. By branching out to new spaces, we can show our patrons the amazing resources that libraries have to offer. In 2017 that means marketing ourselves and our services on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In a world where 75% of Americans own a smartphone and 79% use Facebook, it is clear that when we do library marketing and outreach, we must be able to use these tools, and use them well.
This hands-on session will first examine the appeal of memes, images, and gifs, and discuss media companies like Buzzfeed that use them to capture interest on social media. We will then turn to best practices, tips, and recommendations for designing engaging, image-based posts. In the final part of this session, we will walk through using free design apps like Over, Canva, Snapseed, and Boomerang to create, edit, and post content from our mobile devices, BYOD (bring your own device). Instead of spending hours on your computer using web-based software to edit marketing materials, you can streamline this process and post from your phone or tablet in minutes.
