In an instant with Instagram

Out of all the different social media platforms we've looked at, Instagram is by far the least convenient to use on your laptop or pc as it is designed for easy on-the-go access on your smart phone.
Therefore it may be less desirable for libraries than Twitter or Facebook, being that it can only be used on one platform, without being able to link to other pages.

Instagram is definitely a more visual based social media like Pinterest, as you can only upload photos with added descriptions and hashtags except it is not used to bookmark pages, only to show followers the photo.
And as with Twitter, it's a quick way to reach follows about current events, thinks happening 'right here, right now' but there's no character limit so the description can be as long as you choose, with no limit on hashtags either.


There are however, many ways libraries can benifit from using Instagram, such as:

• Its 'right here, right now' updates are good for letting followers see events as they're happening as well as anything interesting that happens, like the State Library did on May 4th.
• Instagram can also be a good platform to run competitions, promotions throughout the library and to run surveys as the Monash University Library have done.
• Being that others can  comment on any photo uploaded to Instagram, libraries can use this to show displays and ideas, getting useful feedback in the comments about what the community wants/thinks.
• Another great use, as shown by the British Library, is to showcase what the library has in its collection, letting followers know that a library is more than just books. 

 In conclusion, Instagram, although not a popular choice, has many advantages and uses in the library. Its 'right here, right now' updates are great for letting the community see events and its visual platform allows libraries to show off collections and get important feedback.

The only thing to keep in mind is to limit the use of hashtags in each post...if asked, most people will say they're not put off by it....

The city circle of libraries

Friday was library excursion day in Melbourne for our Information Industry class!

The day started with coffee and ended with...well, coffee. But everything in between (including more coffee) was really very great!

Our first stop was the State Library of Victoria where we wandered around, looking at all the different areas and services the library offers. After thoroughly wandering, we were taken for a special peek at the original library there.

Next we were off to the RMIT library for a quick tour around and talk with another student before running off to catch the City Circle tram to Parliament.

Once we all made it past security, after the confiscation of many a spoon and umbrella, the group was taken for a walk through Parliament (even getting to walk through one of the chambers) and eventually ended up in their amazing library.

The librarians were kind enough to show us around, telling us about some of the history and about how their library operates.

After getting back the spoons and umbrellas that we'd given up for a tour of Parliament, next stop was The Library at the Dock...this library...is indescribably amazing.
The range of services and activities it offers is extremely extensive, and they even have a small cafe!
Here's a small video to give you a tiny look at just how amazing this place is: