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EDMONTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Utilizing new technologies that have been released in the recent years helps public libraries in a huge way.

 

"New York Public Library (NYPL) is thinking outside the box and utilizing technology to reach those that otherwise may be left without information or services.  In their pilot program, NYPL loaned 100 hotspot devices to students participating in educational programs. Per the statistics from this pilot program, the technological assistance went to students that fell within the 27% of New York's low-income group and those most likely unable to afford connectivity on their own" (Barefoot, n.d.). By utilizing the internet and social media, EPL is able to reach their community faster and spread information of upcoming library events more frequently.

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Using Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube, Edmonton Public Library has a strong and active social media online presence. These social media accounts show that EPL is dedicated to keeping up with current trends so they do not fall behind in the ever-growing world of technology.

Website Homepage

 

EPL's webpage is very colorful and is organized to be easy for website visitors to navigate.  The color palatte and organization invites user to explore the website. It is very welcoming and family friendly.

The first page of the EPL website, greets visitors with announcements of upcoming programs and events.

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This banner changes often as programming changes which helps the website seem very current and up-to-date.

The global search bar on the top allows users to easily locate the sections they want to explore.

Website visitors can make quick and easy navigational decisions by using hyperlinks further down on the EPL website to support EPL, find digital content, and read various blog posts by EPL staff members.

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EPL posts reader advisory recommendations and a carousel showing newly released literature which allows visitors to the website to discover EPL's extensive book and ebook collection.

Social Media

Edmonton Public Library maintains not only their website but Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube social media accounts. The frequent posts to these platforms show EPL's commitment to reaching out to their community in every possibly way.

Twitter:

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  • EPL's Twitter account is very active. Multiple new posts every day helps make the Twitter page feel lively and encourages its community to follow it. A Twitter account without many active posts will make Twitter users feel as though the page is abandoned and are likely to not pay as much attention.

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  • Though there is not much interaction between patrons of EPL and the EPL staff on Twitter, EPL constantly updates their page to make sure all the news is up-to-date.

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  • Twitter is widely used all over the world. It has become one of the most popular social media websites with 330 million users, falling just behind Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, young adults make up 45% of Twitter users. Young adults ages 18 to 24 are more likely to use Twitter as a source of information than those in their mid- to late-20s.

This example EPL Tweet

encourages reading in a very cute and user-friendly way.

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EPL embraces the diversity of their community. This month they are celebrating Asian Heritage Month and encourage Asian-Canadians to dig deeper into their culture with this Tweet that shares book recommendations.

​Pinterest:

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  • EPL’s Pinterest page provides visitors with fun arts and crafts activities, among many others, to do with their children.

 

  • EPL maintains their branding on this page by prominently featuring their mission statement of "We Share" as well as including their branding color palette on their pins.

YouTube Channel:​

  • Although there aren't a large number of videos on the channel, videos are added regularly (the last one about one month ago) to keep up interest in the channel.

  • Video topics are diverse and include creating safe spaces for families, how to use EPL services and interviews of authors, library staff and community members.

  • Indicating that the YouTube page is a great source of information for the community, videos show a substantial amount of views from 500 to 2,000 views.

​Facebook Page:​

  • Multiple posts every day help EPL's Facebook page seem lively.

  • Information such as hours of operation, phone number, and link to website can be easily found on page.

  • Indicating that messages will be answered in a few hours, the Facebook page encourages users to contact the library via a direct Facebook message.

A calendar of events taking place at branches and/or assembly halls can be found on EPL's Facebook page.

A forward thinking library leader, Valerie Gross, of the Howard County Library System in Maryland, articulates her THREE PILLARS Philosophy as a 21st century blueprint for the branding of libraries.

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