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The Very Important Prize

A study room key

One program we repeat every semester in the University of Dayton Roesch Library — the Club Roesch VIP contest — is my favorite for three reasons. One, the idea initially came from a student who thought library "super users" should be rewarded. Two, it helps promote our social media presence and drives followers and engagement. And three, the prize is the best prize ever, according to students, and it’s completely free for us to provide. What is it? A study room during finals week.

Books & Looks

Illustration of person drinking out a mug with icons of makeup and books surrounding. Text reads: Books & Looks

Through this online video program, librarians fuse together the power of makeup, art and a love for books. The program requires a makeup artist (this can be a librarian with makeup skills) and a model. The two casually chat about a selected book while getting glam.

It's like a makeup tutorial and book podcast in one!

Distanced, but Connected: Ways to Reach Your Whole Community

A child hanging a painting of a rainbow on the inside of a window

What a strange time we are living in. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a bit lonely and disconnected. Working in a small-town library can be rather isolating in itself, but when you’re cut off from your community, it’s easy to feel rather irrelevant.

With everyone stuck at home, is there even a way for library staff to connect with people? The answer is yes! I rounded up some out-of-the-box ideas for reaching patrons via social media. plus a few offline ideas for those who don’t have an internet connection.

Digital Storytelling in 6 Steps

A carrot-shaped cutout against a background with the words "Carrot's in a Pickle"

As I write this, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like online programs are the only way for librarians to connect with their patrons. Digital storytelling is a creative way to engage patrons virtually right now — and as a bonus, you will learn some fantastic skills you can take back to your libraries when this is all over, for intergenerational workshops or homeschooling projects to improve digital literacy. So let's get started!

When Library Student Workers Take Over Instagram

student workers

Since I began managing Instagram accounts for academic libraries three years ago, I've discovered there are two types of posts that attract the most engagement from students: idyllic photos of the library and pictures of other students. We are privileged in that our building's unique architecture and proximity to a near-ocean bluff provides endless opportunities for the former. So, to leverage the successful nature of the latter, this year the William H.

Rural Roots: Social Media

Gilpin County Public Library marquee

Gilpin County Public Library marqueeIn these days of social media, librarians do not want to be left behind. Library directors, particularly in rural areas, are either unflinchingly embracing one or more forms of social media or being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century by their patrons, staff, trustees, friends group, county government and, more and more frequently, by their own devotion to their duty.

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