Online Information Seminars

Thursday 3rd December

Social Media as a Tool for Rebranding Libraries
13:15 - 13:45 - Theatre C
Modern libraries are changing from being stodgy, quiet book vaults existing solely to store and protect collections. Thanks in large part to technology, libraries are evolving worldwide, becoming energized and inspiring meeting places where information is discovered and knowledge is created. The Internet has lead to changes in the way learners seek and access information. Increasingly materials are available in electronic formats that can be available anytime, anyplace, and to anyone with Internet access. In order to redefine their relevance, libraries are rethinking the services they offer and how they grow their collections. Though this re-imagination of the libraries often requires building renovations, a physical makeover, equally important is for libraries to overhaul their image. To do so, public relations, marketing, and fundraising strategies must be coordinated to include Web 2.0 technology and social networking. Particularly in challenging economic times, the real potential for libraries in embracing social media technologies lies in community building and advocacy with the goal of raising money as just one part of a larger public relations strategy. This means engaging diverse communities and meeting people where they are, mentally, physically, and "virtually", in order to show them through a variety of messages and approaches how the library's programs and services match their personal needs and goals. By developing communications strategy which includes a dynamic online presence, libraries can firmly establish their 21st century relevance and unlock their potential to become both academic and cultural hubs of the community. In raising their institution's profile and establishing ongoing dialogues and relationships, constituents can be developed into donors who will support the libraries' vital new role in the community and their own lives. This presentation will discuss social media as a tool for rebranding libraries, with examples from the University Libraries at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, have incorporated Web 2.0 technology and social networking into their public relations, marketing and fundraising strategies.
Papers available for download Mark Mattison and Sharon Bostick presentation
Speaker Sharon Bostick, Dean of Libraries, University of Missouri-Kansas City Mark Mattison, Advancement Officer, University of Missouri-Kansas City