Tumblr for Public Libraries Workshop
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This document discusses how public libraries can use Tumblr to engage new audiences, especially young adults. It provides tips for getting started with a library Tumblr account, including choosing a theme, describing the library's mission, using consistent branding, and gaining administrative support. The document also offers strategies for using Tumblr for readers' advisory services like book lists, reviews, and discussions. Additionally, it profiles several notable public library Tumblrs and suggests ways libraries can promote local content and events.
Tumblr for Public Libraries Workshop
- 1. for public libraries Molly Wetta for ALA TechSource #tumblr4publib
- 2. Molly Wetta Collection Development Librarian (and official tumblarian) Lawrence (Kansas) Public Library lawrencepubliclibrary.tumblr.com personal tumblr: mollymwetta.tumblr.com readers’ advisory tumblr: findyournextbook.tumblr.com twitter: @molly_wetta mollymwetta@gmail.com
- 3. Agenda ● Getting Started ● General Tips ● Building Community ● Readers’ Advisory on Tumblr ● Notable Public Library Tumblrs ● Beyond Readers’ Advisory
- 4. What is tumblr? the boring answer: a microblogging platform and social media site that supports multimedia content. “the best baby twitter and wordpress didn’t know they had” But what is tumblr *really*?
- 10. Why should libraries use tumblr? ● vibrant bookish + library community ● reach new audience ○ the young folks (18-34) ○ heavy internet users ● users spend longer per visit than other social media (http://mashable.com/2013/04/17/users-stay-longer-on-tumblr-than-facebook/)
- 11. Getting Started ● theme pick a clean design navigation + index ● description specify location + mission ● website/logo consistent branding across platforms ● URL if possible, keep handle consistent with other social media accounts
- 12. Administration Buy-In ● explain your goals ● have a plan ● have a schedule (how much time will you devote to it?) ● show positive examples of library tumblrs
- 13. Goals ● engagement + interaction ● quality content that supports strategic goals ● extension, not duplication, of services
- 14. Measures What does success look like? ● posting consistently ● strong local following ● reblogs from high profile accounts ● YOU DECIDE How to get numbers ● Google analytics ● native analytics
- 15. Assemble Your Team ● recruit experienced tumblr users (even if they’re not on web/social teams) ● have a clear leader responsible for voice and schedule ● mix of front-line staff and those who work behind- the-scenes ● coordinate with staff managing other platforms
- 16. Copyright and Ethics ● fair use ● reblog with attribution + preserve notes ● takedown notices
- 17. Copyright and Ethics Bobby Finger, one of 27 curators of the tumblr #gif tag: “Unattributed sharing doesn’t irritate me at all. I think part of the unspoken agreement you have when uploading a GIF anywhere on the Internet is that it’s no longer yours — it’s part of the great big community pool we all visit when wanting to express how we’re feeling in the way nature intended: on a loop.” Ann Friedman, “What Journalists Really Need to Know About Animated Gifs.” 24 November 2014. http://www.poynter.org/how-tos/writing/183802/what-journalists-need-to-know- about-animated-gifs-really/
- 18. Gifs Through Native Search
- 19. Hashtags ● be consistent: these curate your content ● first 5 featured ● okay to get a meta/silly with hashtags
- 20. Hashtags to Watch and Use ● books + lit: #lit, #yalit, #booklr, #book advice ● libraries: #tumblarians, #libraries ● fandom specific (may not be what you think) supernatural: #spn hannibal: #fannibal #doctorwho vs. #drwho
- 21. General Tips for the care and feeding of your public library tumblr
- 22. Reblog! Add your own comments.
- 23. Interact with other libraries. Interact with authors.
- 25. Capitalize on breaking news.
- 27. Sometimes a post totally bombs. It’s okay.
- 28. Questions?
- 29. Connecting with Your Local Community ● Find your local/regional hashtag ● Follow other blogs focused on local content ● Reblog/Like other local power users ● Host a real life Tumblr meet up
- 31. Use high quality photos.
- 32. Show your personality! Interact with patrons.
- 33. Promote your events strategically. Know your audience.
- 34. Reblog and add a local twist! Feature your services, programs, and collections.
- 35. Curate local artists Feature current events
- 36. Spotlight local, but with wide appeal. Spotlight novel ideas or innovative marketing.
- 37. Showcase staff. Show your personality.
- 38. Track any mention of your library. You never know what you’ll find.
- 39. Share local events your followers will be interested in. (bonus! may lead to outreach and partnership opportunities).
- 40. Questions?
- 41. Readers’ Advisory on Tumblr ● booklists (don’t be afraid to think outside the box!) ● graphics and flowcharts (these are crazy popular) ● book reviews (especially in gifs!) ● personalized recommendations (through the ask box, can be private or shared with everyone) ● book discussions (#reblogbookclub)
- 42. Flowcharts + RA Graphics
- 43. Put a creative or unique spin on the booklist theme or topic.
- 44. Take inspiration from pop culture and other forms of media.
- 45. Tumblr runs on fandom -- really, pop culture content is the way to go.
- 46. Start with image that introduces content or theme. Use a gif. Tag official account.
- 47. Like-->Try--Why posts done two ways.
- 48. Mix photo slide of recommendations with text with gifs and descriptions.
- 49. Title to introduce post with image and text. Text to explain images (for visually impaired). Attribution to author gives personal touch.Images! Tumblr is a highly visual platform.
- 53. Review Books in Gifs ● Curate a gif library ● Find that perfect gif ● Reaction gifs! ● Tell the synopsis in pictures ● labor intensive, but fun
- 54. Virtual Book Discussions ● #reblogbookclub: the official tumblr book club ● follow via hashtag ● discussions, author talks, fanart ● not constrained to a particular time like a twitter chat ● one book, one community events
- 55. Index RA Content
- 56. Questions?
- 57. Notable Public Library Tumblrs and Beyond Readers’ Advisory
- 60. Local History and Archives Hennepin County (MN) Public Library http://hclib.tumblr.com/
- 61. Spotlight on Community Evanston (IL) Public Library http://evanstonpubliclibrary.tumblr.com
- 62. Curating Content Darien (CT) Public Library http://darienreads.org
- 63. Focus on Makerspace Denver (CO) Public Library http://dplidealab.tumblr.com/
- 64. Questions?
- 65. Molly Wetta Collection Development Librarian (and official tumblarian) Lawrence (Kansas) Public Library lawrencepubliclibrary.tumblr.com personal tumblr: mollymwetta.tumblr.com readers’ advisory tumblr: findyournextbook.tumblr.com twitter: @molly_wetta mollymwetta@gmail.com
- 66. image credits Slide 10: CC image by Flickr User Darren Larson http://bit.ly/1HK2GVU Slide 11: CC Image by Flickr User Joey Rozier http://bit.ly/1MjAJuq Slide 12: CC Image by Flickr User steve9567http://bit.ly/1DqEIgs Slide 13: CC Image by Flickr User sarahluv http://bit.ly/1JsRpJK Slide 14: Avengers wallpaper http://cupegraf.com/345702-avengers-assemble.html Slide 16: CC image by Flickr User Horia Varlan http://bit.ly/1I4j6Ye Slide 20: CC image by Flickr User Kristina Alexanderson http://bit.ly/1gK9hsA Slide 28: Downtown Lawrence Mural by Molly Wetta Slide 40: CC image by Flickr User by Anna Creech http://bit.ly/1Gwh1Dl
Editor's Notes
- #16: http://cupegraf.com/345702-avengers-assemble.html