Instagram in the School Library

 Instagram in the School Library

As I began to work on my hypothetical school media center social media, I instantly remembered how awful I am about posting on social media. I have Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and other social media accounts, and yet I create a post less than once a month across all platforms. I am bad at remembering to take pictures as I try to live in the moment. I know that social media is a great way to share information with families so I will have to schedule times to do this once it becomes my job. 

After I got past the initial dread, I knew immediately which platform I would use, Instagram. Instagram is easy to use and it is popular with all ages. My friends, coworkers, siblings, and even my parents know how to use Instagram.


Once I figured out the platform came the tricky part. I had to create an account for a school and library that do not exist, but I wanted to model this after what I hope to do in the future. I created an account for The Bear Den an elementary school library. I think giving the library a nickname can help it become more relevant to the students. I would have spaces for collaboration and creation. By giving students a cool place to hang out they will want to be there. 

I plan to share content that is relevant to the students and the parents on this Instagram page. I will ask questions for the students to respond to, such as asking for opinions. This will also help the students become more involved when they feel like they have a say in the activities. I will spotlight student work and book recommendations. I will share important events and activities happening in the library. Finally, I will share information with parents. 


I will support instruction and collaboration through this Instagram page by sharing students' work. I will highlight the ways students are able to work together in the library. I will also support collaboration by sharing how the library is collaborating with other programs in our area. I loved the way Jan Wilson talked about the librarian being involved in the extracurriculars of the school and Molly Wetta paired books with sodas from a local shop. I will highlight other student events and create partnerships outside of the school. This Instagram page will support communication by being a direct and open line of communication with the families of the school. I will encourage open communication. This Instagram page will support advocacy by highlighting and representing all of the students and events.


Resources
Wetta, M. (2016). Instagram now: engage young users with the image-based social media tool. School 
        Library Journal. 62(2), 30–34.
Wilson, J. (2017). Make your library more visible. School Library Journal. 63(12), 16–18.

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