Excerpt from Special Topics Paper: "Libraries in the Modern Age: Instagram as a Platform for Passive Readers’ Advisory"

Today, more and more libraries are utilizing Instagram as a tool for posting library information, sharing updates, and advertising programs or services. However, some libraries, like the Lake County Public Library [LCPL] in Lake County, Indiana, are growing their social media presence on Instagram through the use of passive readers’ advisory in the form of #bookface posts, #firstpagefriday book talks, and “Top 3” genre-specific pick lists for readers of all ages.

On Fridays, LCPL offers a way for people to learn about books recommended by their local librarians. This series of video posts is known as #firstpagefriday. Librarians Kelley and Max take turns reading from the first page of different books each week. By choosing a specific day for these first-page readings, patrons will “seek out [LCPL’s] Instagram feed to see the latest installment” (Kowalski, 2018, p. 7). The featured books are not always new or popular, but they sometimes relate to specific “themes and motifs” and have captions with “consistent hashtags” which give people “something to look forward to” (Kowalski, 2018, p. 8).

On January 29, 2021, Librarian Max reads the first page of the novella “If It Bleeds” from the collection of the same name by Stephen King. Based on the video and caption, there is no particular reason why the library chose to promote a horror book, which perhaps means that If It Bleeds was chosen by Librarian Max himself and suggests to patrons that if they are ever looking for a Stephen King or horror recommendation, they can ask Max. The inclusion of a horror book also draws attention to a genre that is sometimes overlooked in library collections.

A library’s Instagram account “should be a well-curated collection,” reflective of the library’s own collection, with “a mix of images to highlight all [its] services and offerings” (Kowalski, 2018, p. 6). Choosing to incorporate videos into their Instagram posts also adds both a personal and interactive factor to the passive readers’ advisory experience. Patrons may think that if a librarian is reading or recommending a book, then it must be something worth checking out. Some patrons may also enjoy watching a librarian talk about books, and these videos encourage patrons to approach librarians for assistance or future recommendations.

References

Alfonzo, P. (2019). Mastering mobile through social media: creating engaging content on Instagram and Snapchat. Library Technology Reports, 55(2), 5–42.

Anwyll, R., Chawner, B., & Tarulli, L. (2013). Social media and readers’ advisory. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 53(1), 18–22.

Fonseca, C. (2019). The Insta-Story: A new frontier for marking and engagement at the Sonoma State University Library. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 58(4), 219–226.\

Goodreads. (n.d.). Punching the Air. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49151299-punching-the-air

Kowalski, M. (2018). Picture this: Using Instagram to connect with your users. Computers in Libraries, 38(8), 4–9.

Lake County Public Library [@lcplibrary]. (n.d.) Posts [Instagram profile]. Retrieved March 12, 2021, from https://www.instagram.com/lcplibrary/