An Education Institute Webinar

 

April 19, 2017  2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

 

 

Instagram has become a very common social media platform for public libraries. The image-based site allows libraries to show off materials and program successes. It can also be used as both an engagement tool and founding service within the library’s teen department. The platform is one of the most popular among today’s teens and helps librarians to connect with youth in a realm where the teenagers are already comfortable.

 

In rethinking the Cambridge Idea Exchange Teen Summer Reading, Instagram became the primary focus instead of the number of hours or books read. With a strategic online outreach plan and weekly photo challenges, the teen summer Instagram program (dubbed #IEXchallenge) was an immense success. It managed to garner 182 Cambridge teen followers and received over 350 photo submissions in just 10 weeks. This session details how to take your teen Instagram presence to the next level as an engagement tool instead of leaving it as a simple library promotional platform.

 

Key outcomes:

Amplify local teen Instagram follower numbers
Create opportunities for unique engagement
Arrange popular Instagram challenges
Tips for Instagram posts that appeal to teen followers

 

Presenter:

Brooke Windsor served as an Innovation and Information Specialist at the Cambridge Idea Exchange, creating a great deal of public library event hype at local high schools.

 

Her education includes a Master of Information in Library and Information Services from the University of Toronto iSchool as well as a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum, focused in School Library Media. She named her cat after Evelyn from The Mummy (1999) to respect adventurous librarians everywhere.