Learning Objectives

A note about the evolution of sharing and this class

• Identify the unique characteristics of sharing in a library context
• Recognize how sharing platforms work
  
• Specify and define various sharing platforms
  

t's a bit fascinating to think about how online sharing has changed over the years and how this lesson and it's many many updates has reflected this. In the early days of the course, sharing using social media did not exist. Here are some interesting highlights of things from the past lessons which sound ridiculous today.

• When Facebook opened up for everyone over 13, the class explored it using a group discussion board and interaction. Not one student in the class had an account so everyone signed up and friended everyone else. Can you imagine doing this now? There's so much more of a division between personal and professional online sharing now however at that time it's was like the wild west and there was no precedent. The class learning software had no profile picture or image uploading options so it was amazing to be able to share whatever images people wished to. Of course as Facebook grew and once people began having Facebook accounts we shifted out of using it immediately.
  

Sharing

• Hashtags had to be explained because they were a new thing (and such a great tie in with libraries and categorizing things.)

• No one had a twitter account so that was also an example of everyone joining up and exploring.
  

• Shifting from various options as they were created and became less popular with libraries or ceased to exist. My Space > Twitter > Vine > Tumblr > Periscope - the list goes on and on!
  

Before we get into the various platforms, let's talk about the dynamics of sharing as both an individual and library. Sharing isn't just putting up content and then walking away saying "job done!" There are interactions or social parts of sharing too. Liking, loving, commenting, sharing someone elses work with your circle.

Social media is quite ... social and even a large library account tends to not just be one directional (information broadcast out.) By sending out a question post, like “what are you reading for summer?” a library can engage their users online in much the same way they do in person. With some users mainly using the library’s online resources this can be an important point of contact.

tumblr

This interaction between the content creator and the user is very powerful. Large companies spend a tremendous amount of time, money and effort courting consumers and encouraging interaction. It makes the consumer feel like a part of something when the company has "cool factor" or is a part of the zeitgeist.

Tumblr is an example of a tumblelog or microblogging site. Entries can be text, video or even just images. Tumblr also has real time sharing tools so that users can reblog another user’s post. Tumblr has somewhat fallen out of favour however certain fangroups continue to use it heavily. It's interesting to talk about, as much of how it was and is used has influenced new social networks.

It would appear that a large percentage of tumblr users use the site for image based posts. As well as what we first think of as images, tumblr is also full of animated gifs.

Here are some interesting ways that libraries are using tumblr:

• online bookclubs
  
• readers advisory
  
• share booklists and "if you like this, you'll like..." lists
  
• use gifs and images to interact with humour
  
• share library information and graphics
  

Have a look at a few ways libraries are using tumblr to get out from behind the desk and interact with their users.

Hennepin County Library uses their tumblr to share special collections images. https://hclib.tumblr.com/

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives https://smithsonianlibraries.tumblr.com/

https://houghtonlib.tumblr.com/ Houghton Library

Threads

Instagram (and Meta) often take elements from other social media that becomes popular and then adds that on to it's product. An example is Instagram Reels as a reaction to the popularity of Tik Tok. Threads is a Twitter/X-esque platform from Instagram.

Watch the video below to see it in action.

https://youtu.be/DBMifPYPhn4?si=TRSU7VJ-PhB-iPp9

Facebook

Everyone seems to have used Facebook at some point - even my 98 year old mother in law! Libraries frequently use facebook to connect with users and share news of events and new materials and services.

Like every sharing platform, facebook usage in libraries is depends on what the library users are sharing on. A public library might use facebook for a general account while a high school library might be less likely to do so. Of course there are exceptions like the example below of New York Public Library advertising their teen magazine.

Instagram

Available on both iPhone and Android, Instagram is a free app for photo and video sharing. Users have the ability to upload their visual content, sharing it with followers or a specific group of friends. Additionally, users can actively participate in the platform by viewing, commenting, and liking posts from their friends.

Milwaukee Public Library does some interesting Instagram reels (short videos, sort of Instagrams version of Tik Tok) and posts on their account that get lots of views.

Often the reels use pop culture references such as Dr. Who, popular or seasonal music.

TikTok

Teens (and lots of others) love TikTok! It allows you to create short videos. Dancing and lip synching are popular themes within TikTok. It's the 6th largest social network as of October 2023 https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/

Leveraging TikTok for library marketing and advocacy has become a common practice due to its impactful reach. Additionally, in the context of information literacy, TikTok is harnessed as a resourceful platform for teaching and learning initiatives.

Below is a link to a podcast panel discussion about libraries using TikTok as part of the OLA Marketing Libraries Think Tank.

Extra reading

Summary

In the class space, there’s an article from the Globe and Mail talking about how libraries are using TikTok.

Another interesting component of sharing is the way that multiple platforms are used together or in conjuction with each other. Of course it's not unusual for multiple outlets to be used to share the same message in various ways for different groups of users. For example, Facebook has a different demographic than TikTok and if a public library is reaching out to teens they'll use a different platform than if they're reaching out to seniors.

Sometimes something starts out on one platform and then spins into another, with the use of humor or sensibility depending on the platform. Frequently a video may be posted both in TikTok and then in Instagram Reels.

In a library a sharing platform can be used to highlight new items or spread the word about programs and service. It can also help connect with and build community.

In many ways, sharing platforms have taken over some more traditional areas of publishing such and magazines, newspapers and newsletters.