LIS 9763

This week’s topic is one that I have only dabbled in before now.  I don’t have a Flickr account and I only go on to YouTube to watch videos, I have never uploaded anything.  Because of this I found it difficult to imagine how a library could use these applications to better promote itself.  After reading the articles especially the ones by Michael Stephens, Paula Webb and Andrea Mercado, I began to see that these tools can promote the library in unique ways. 

I thought it was interesting how the different case studies we looked at this week used the tools in entirely different yet equally effective ways.  When I looked at the Duke yearbook photos I thought about the impact they could have on alumni’s interest the library of their alma mater if they were compiled by the library.  In addition to perhaps bringing some of these alumni in to see the library this could have amazing fundraising and donation implications.

This was not the first time I saw the Library of Congress photo gallery on Flickr.  The Library of Congress has harnessed Flickr for a very important archiving project.  What is even more amazing is that they are able to expand on the collection of photos already in their possession because of its popularity.  People are seeing these photos and saying, doesn’t Granny have a similar photo in her photo album?  Libraries in cities and towns could archive documents, old newspapers and old photos using Flickr.  A Flickr badge on the library website would take library patrons on a trip down memory lane or even bring forth new information about the photos and added content.

My favourite of this week’s case studies was of course the hilarious video done by the McCracken County Library.  I’ll tell you this was extremely successful.  I sent this to my Mom at work and she showed it to all her coworkers.  Now everyone at the Angus Glen Public Library has seen the McCracken County Librarians making right fools of themselves with the goal of promoting their library.  Perhaps if they ever meet at a library convention my Mom’s coworkers will remember seeing this - a bond created between two libraries that would probably never have been connected.

Finally, I just wanted to say that WOW Orange County Library System must have a lot of money!  That was one slick video!  I really liked how it showcased all of the features without spending too much time on each one.  It just showed enough to demonstrate what you can do.  Conversely, the Georgia Tech Mechanical Engineering information video for finding patents was detailed and well organized and served its purpose as well.
So I am converted.  I might even create a Flickr account when I finish school and have oodles of time.