In my last post, I talked about using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter to keep the public informed regarding your library and to keep yourself informed about what the public is saying regarding your library.

Another social media tool that can be useful is Youtube. Many libraries post Youtube videos on their Web sites for various purposes. Youtube is user-driven content, meaning anyone can post videos of their creation on the site. Libraries can make their own videos or use those made by others (respecting copyright law, of course). A library that makes its own videos may find that Youtube users from all over the world enjoy watching them or find them useful, without ever visiting the library itself or its Web site.

A lot of times, videos may be used like other social media tools, informing the public about what's going on at the library. Another purpose is instruction. Patrons may need to learn how to use features of the library, and videos give them the chance to do so any time, without having to ask for help (something they may be embarrassed to do) or having to read through instructions (regardless of literacy level, reading complicated instructions online can be annoying). The University of Arkansas Libraries, for instance, have this useful video on how to read Library of Congress call numbers:



A lot of videos are humorous, and this can help get patrons to watch them. While some videos are made mostly for fun, others can use humor while still offering instruction. Harper College Library uses humor to spice up their library tour video: