Social media is not just for fun. Tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogs are enabling organizations to engage people on a variety of topics. Fortunately, many Ukrainian librarians are already enjoying the benefits of reaching out to their patrons and implementing new services through blogs, social networks, and other interactive tools.
Here are a few examples that librarians have shared on Bibliomist social media pages: Vynohradiv Central Rayon Library in uses its social media profiles to facilitate communication with patrons, including allowing them to check the availability of materials at the library or to seek resources on legal matters. Viktor from Krasnoyarskiy Kray, Russia, contacted the library through its virtual presence at www.mail.ru [8] hoping to re-establish a lost connection with a friend from his military service. With the help of the library, he found his friend in Vynohradiv.
The Kostyantynivka Central City Public Library has considerable experience in reconnecting people through social media. Since 2004, it has helped approximately eighty people contact a famous TV show called “Wait For Me” to find their lost relatives and friends — and as many as thirty one obtained replies to their inquiries. The library promotes its services through a blog and a website that provides patrons with an opportunity to post comments and communicate through a forum.
Severodonetsk City Library for Youth, uses social media as a source of inspiration and a place to exchange ideas. This is where they picked up the concept of hosting “book crossing” community book exchanges in the library to promote reading among the young.
The Ukrainian Library Association (ULA) is also embracing online tools to communicate with current and potential members. Recently the Association launched a revamped version of its online portal. The resource will help the ULA reach its goal of creating a unified communication environment for the Ukrainian library community. The new portal guides visitors to ULA social media sites and one can stay tuned to recent developments by subscribing to an RSS feed. The new portal allows regional branches, sections, and collective members to create their own profiles, choose from several different topical blogs, and discuss a variety of issues in librarianship on a forum. Through this interaction, members can receive updates on ULA activities, provide feedback, and communicate with their peers.
The Bibliomist – Global Libraries Ukraine program is active on social media sites, aiming to connect, inform, and entertain the librarian community.
Bibliomist – Global Libraries Ukraine is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by IREX.