Reaching Parents and Students Where They Live-On Social Media

 Social media has become a daily presence in our lives, most notably, Facebook and Twitter. I use both regularly, sometimes to a fault. But used responsibly, social media can be utilized to connect with parents and students at all levels. Schools across the country are using Facebook to advocate for their libraries by promoting important programs library media specialists use daily to support classroom teachers as they prepare students to be competitive in the 21st century workplace. Leaders in educational and informational technology are able to quickly share links to new Web 2.0 tools with their followers. This power, the quick access to people and information we now possess, was inconceivable just a decade ago. And now we take it for granted. 

I've always thought of Facebook as a place to connect with friends near and far rather than a place for educational purposes. But just like parents proudly highlight their children's accomplishments, librarians are using Facebook to share MakerSpace challenges, promote new additions to their collections, and demonstrate how technology is being used in the library. Finley Junior High School in Waxahachie, TX has an active page which is frequently updated, Their librarian has done an excellent job of highlighting the importance of a school library.  Sangamon Elementary School is participating in a contest to win free Jan Brett books and competing to win a free school visit by the author herself. They are also promoting a program that involves reading to certified therapy dogs one Saturday each month. What a wonderful way to reach out to parents and students alike. Librarians can post colorful newsletters directly to their Facebook page and reach parents and students where they spend much of their time
instead of relying on students to take them home. 

Finley Junior High Library Facebook page

 Twitter is an excellent tool that allows users to connect with leaders in many fields and educational technology is no exception. I've read many interesting articles by following links posted by those I follow on Twitter. Gwyneth Jones shared a brief article that gives 3 ideas to use QR codes in the classroom as a means of sharing and gathering information as well as distributing materials and resources.  I learned of Scoop It by following some of Jim Lerman's posted links on Twitter and have set up my own Educational Technology Scoop It page, which acts a bit like Pinterest but you can upgrade to a Pro setting, which allows you to create a web page or blog with the ease of Pinterest. From following Linda Braun's Twitter feed I followed a link to an article by Valerie Hawkins outlining the "digital divide" that prevents lower income students from fully engaging in the digital learning that many districts are now requiring, a which is a very real problem in the community in which I teach. 

This is a fun activity I found via Gwyneth Jones Twitter feed.

Library media specialists and classroom teachers must also consider possible downfalls that come with the use of Facebook and Twitter to share information and promote programs. Before posting photographs and videos, one must be sure to have signed permission to post student pictures to the Internet. Also, the page needs to be monitored closely by the LMS administrator in case inappropriate comments should be posted. And always, always, consider the district guidelines regarding social media. 

From what I've seen, social media can be a powerful platform for raising awareness of all the wonderful things taking place in school libraries. You can promote literacy and programs, connect with parents and students alike, share resources, articles and more. I can't wait to try using these tools when I have my own library.