Librarians from Livingston Give Tips on Engaging Patrons Through Social Media

By Katie Neylan and Jessica Bielen

We (Katie Neylan and Jessica Bielen of the Livingston Public Library) presented a session on Engaging Patrons Through Social Media at the 2019 NJLA Adult Services Forum, held Oct. 22, 2019, at the Holmdel Library and Learning Center.

The presentation opened with an overview as to why libraries use social media as well as the importance of having a unified brand and voice and how libraries can achieve this.

The presentation focused on multiple types of social media: websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogging, and Constant Contact newsletters.

We also offered examples of best practices of using social media and setting up social media accounts.

One such example is using a business account for Instagram to track metrics, and posting fun and interactive images or videos that encourage patron interaction.

Attendees at the forum shared their own social media tips and tricks, brainstormed post ideas, and discussed how often they post and use various social media platforms.

Questions ranged from when it’s OK to cross-post content, to what to do if your library isn’t in control of its own social media presence.
 

Katie Neylan is the Head of Adult Services, and Jessica Bielen is an Adult Services Librarian, both at the Livingston Public Library.

Photo, from left: Dixon Homestead Library's Julie Whitehead speaks with Ms. Bielen and Ms. Neylan after their presentation.