Social Media

This week's module focuses on using social media as an information professional. Personally, I think that I would utilize Instagram as my main social media platform of choice in my library, because I would want to post a lot of pictures and videos. Facebook is also a good choice, but I think that Facebook could be better suited for the parents of students, rather than to attract students. My daughter's teacher has created a group on Facebook to post images, videos, and communicate important information. This method works well for us, but my daughter will never see it unless I show her because she is not interested in having a Facebook account. She says that Facebook is for "old people," and, no offense, she's not wrong. The majority of my Facebook friends are 30+ (I know that 30 is not old, but to my tween daughter, 30 is borderline ancient).

According to the Pew Research Center, students are obsessed with YouTube. In a survey completed in 2023, 93% of teens ages 13-17 said that they used YouTube. 63% used TikTok, 60% used Snapchat, and 59% used Instagram. Nearly 1 in 5 teens admitted to using YouTube almost constantly.

While I am the most familiar with Instagram, I think that I could learn how to use YouTube. Students would enjoy creating content on YouTube, and I could share the videos on Instagram. I think that inviting my students to help me create content will get them excited about the library and be willing to collaborate with me on topics. I am open to learning more about other platforms, but I am most comfortable with Instagram and Facebook because I personally use both. I do not have a TikTok account. I would post about our displays, book suggestions, special projects around the school, and topics related to using the library. I would love to get the students involved and even have them create posts as long as I approve it.

My school district's policy on social media is:

[SCHOOL DISTRICT NAME]  

GUIDELINES: EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

[SCHOOL DISTRICT] recognizes that many of our staff members, students, parents and community members are active users of social media. As an emerging leader in using technology for learning, the District realizes the benefits social media can have, both in, and out of the classroom. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide employees with an understanding of what is acceptable, and unacceptable, when engaging in online activity. Employees participating in social media platforms (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, Myspace, etc), for either professional or personal use, should recognize how content posted online can be viewed and shared publicly. Social media is a powerful tool that must be used appropriately and responsibly, just like any other means of communication. Employees are expected to exercise professionalism at all times, knowing that their actions online, as well as their behavior offline, will reflect on their personal reputation, as well as the reputation of [DISTRICT].

The following guidelines are recommended when using social media:

• Employees will be held to the same professional standards in public use of electronic media as for any public conduct.

• As employees, you are considered ambassadors and representatives of [DISTRICT]. Remember this in your interaction with others online, and always represent the District, students, and parents you serve in the best light.

• It is a privilege to work for [DISTRICT]. As such, don’t complain about your job on social media. Counting down the number of school days left, or recording complaints you have with your work environment is unprofessional. There’s no setting in which negativity spreads faster, than in an online forum. Be mindful of the fact that students, parents, and the community at large are always watching.

• Use common sense. If you would not want your students, parents or boss to see something, DON’T POST IT. Always consider the consequences before completing a post or sending information online.

• Official social media pages established for classes, teams, clubs, groups, or school departments are allowed, but must be set up with knowledge and approval of the employee’s supervisor and the District Director of Public Relations, particularly when student involvement is anticipated.

• Any interaction with students in social media platforms should be kept STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL. The District recognizes the opportunities social media creates within the educational experience, but online interaction with students should be limited to school related assignments and events ONLY. Refrain from personal communication with students on social media at all times.

• Employees must be respectful and professional in all communications (by word, image, or other means). Employees shall not use obscene, profane, or vulgar language on any social media network or engage in communications or conduct that is harassing, threatening, bullying, libelous, or defamatory or that discusses or encourages illegal activity, or inappropriate use of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, or bullying.

• Special care should be taken when posting personal photographs. Your social networking site is an extension of your personality and professional reputation.

• Protect your privacy. When it comes to social media, employees should be familiar with the administration of each service they use, and pay special attention to privacy controls.

• The District respects each employee’s First Amendment rights. However, employees must make clear that any views expressed are the employee’s alone, and do not necessarily reflect on the views of the District.

• Employees shall not disclose information on any social media network that is considered confidential, proprietary, copyrighted, defamatory, libelous or obscene (as defined by the courts) as it may be a violation of state and/or district rules and policies.

If, at any time, material posted on a website, social media or other online forum, interferes with an employee’s ability to perform his/her job as it relates to students or colleagues, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

The lines between private and public, and personal and professional are blurred in the online world. These guidelines are intended to give employees points to consider when using social media tools. Common sense and professional decorum are expected from all District employees."

I think that I would be able to adhere to these guidelines with what I am planning to do for my library's social media account. I want to make my posts fun and engaging, but also stay professional. My posts would primarily be about books and what students are reading. I probably will use library themed memes that are school appropriate. I think that I could promote communication by creating posts that share about upcoming events at school and within the library. Students can comment their likes and recommendations based on the questions that I ask. I can also create polls to generate communication and collaboration.