Blog Post #9: Altmetrics and Libraries
By Madeline Feehan
This week, we learned about the importance of altmetrics. Rather than just measuring a source's impact by the number of times it is cited, altmetrics consider other factors, such as the number of views, bookmarks, and discussions a post generates. It's known as "alternative" metrics because rather than just being judged by scholarly impact, these metrics judge by social impact and are more focused on non-traditional methods. To achieve good altmetrics, an organization needs to be an active participant on social media. We can use influencers as a guide, specifically ones within BookTok/the book community, to inspire our library's social media presence. Think about the tactics they use to generate clicks. Their posts are usually exciting, timely, and open the door for conversation. Instead of just using social media to spread information, libraries should view themselves as influencers and connect with the community in a broader, more personalized way.
I found the Analyzing Social Media article (2020) by Grudz et al. particularly enlightening because it focused on how social media helps with learning and research and gives us new ways to measure impact. Since the library is often viewed as a hub for learning and a more scholarly center, I think the logic of how social media impacts schools will also apply to libraries. The article states that learners use social media to bridge the gaps between their out-of-school and in-school lives, and helps them make connections. The same can be said about the library: our social media can give them the balance they need. The library will be there for them in their busy lives- whether they want to be an active participant and attend programs, or if they'd rather play a more passive role in using the library's resources and using it as a space. This is why libraries should post about a mix of things on social media, not just events. Posts about resources the library offers and services it provides are just as crucial as information about upcoming events. The more people you reach, and the more you widen your audience, the better your metrics will be. A variety of posts for all different audiences will cause more people to interact with your social media, and everything counts; whether it's a comment, a repost, a bookmark, a share, a like, or even just a view. The article also discusses content analysis and how it can be used to detect patterns, characteristics, interests, and priorities of an organization. By paying attention to these things, you'll build your brand and make sure every post is necessary and will receive good metrics. The authors write that: "Content analysis often relies on manually finding, labeling, and interpreting categories in text." Having a social media team will be helpful because you can task a librarian with the job of looking through the posts and seeing which categories perform best and what the continual focus should be on. This is also good because it ensures you're relying on people, not AI.
Need some inspiration and feeling like your social media has become stagnant? Take a look at altmetrics, content analyses, and other tips and tricks that boost engagement and make sure your users are learning something from your platforms.
Hi Madeline! Thanks for a significant share! You made an excellent connection between Grudz et al.'s discussion of social media and the library's role as a learning hub. Just as students use social media to bridge formal and informal learning, libraries can use diverse, intentional posts to connect patrons' everyday lives with educational resources. I especially resonate with the idea that a balanced social media strategy, grounded in human insight and content analysis, can strengthen community engagement and ensure that every post meaningfully reflects the library's mission!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of libraries as "influencers"--it's not how we'd typically think of libraries, but it truly makes sense when you consider our roles. Libraries on social media often focus on promoting programs and events, which makes perfect sense, but the very existence of our space is also a great tool in establishing the library as a desired place to visit. The Teen Center in our library, for example, is heavily trafficked not just because of its gaming systems, but because our teens see it as a safe space to simply hang out. Little perks, such as the phone charging systems connected to our tables and the arts and crafts table open at any time, further encourage them to swing by and just "chill." While there's obviously going to be an emphasis on the "big" programs, library social media accounts could benefit from highlighting the "little things" like this, encouraging attendance by people who aren't necessarily interested in the showy stuff, but love the atmosphere the library provides. In this way, social media can be used to further our mission to provide a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone.
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