I was especially impressed by the number of tabs/pages (14!) linked to this organization's group page: The Wall posts announcements such as Teen Tech Week, the dates that the PC's will be serviced, or messages recruiting volunteers; shared information/links from the 40+ libraries CML 'likes' nationwide; and interesting library-related facts. The Info page gives a descriptive history of the CM Library along with a links to their website, bing map and directions, Skype phone number, and a list of their Likes and Interests.
There is an important page exclusively devoted to the fines/fees/service charges which became effective 1/1/11. Library Hours are posted on its own page for all regional and community libraries. Events and past events list Library Task and Board of Trustees meetings and Friends of the Library special events. The Twitter page summarizes 2152 followers, 2332 following, 3289 updates and options to Follow (@cmlibrary) on Twitter and/or Send Page Invitation to friends. Friend Activity, Topograph and HTML did not show any activity on these fb pages.
The YouTube page features 6 library videos including 4 Reader's Club tutorials and a youtube link also redirects patrons to YouTube cmlibrary's channel with an option to subscribe and where 17 uploads and 9 favorites are further available to view. The Poll page question asks patrons: If your life story were told in book form, what type of book would it be? With twelve genres to choose from, patrons can vote and choose to publish their votes only after adding the poll application. Causes allows patrons to write and post a library care note of thanks, props or just a note to different fb Cause organizations that they may already independently support on facebook. My favorite innovative Text to Donate page is sponsored by Bank of America and the Carolina Panthers and is featured on this bookmark below: Text READ to 27722 to donate $10 to CM Library...
Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library has done quite a successful job in reaching out to almost 5000 patrons through their facebook page only followed closely behind by Hennepin County Library. Some additional improvements could be made, such as these other features that I especially appreciated and found on nearby UNC Davis library's facebook page which offers an IM a librarian! with reference questions. Surprisingly, they only have 888 'fans' for a university library?!!
Hennepin County Library offers a very useful and special tool-- Library Search bar on both their MySpace (1282 friends) and Facebook (4542 fans) profiles to Find books & more and patrons can even add the HCL Catalog to their facebook profiles. Bravo to UNC Davis Library and Hennepin County Library!!
Library Search
Find books & more
I argued in my blog against the involving of a library in Facebook IF they cannot afford the time, money and assigned librarian to make the work in the right way. It is obvious to me that this library has all the elements to have and maintain a successful Facebook page. Kudos for them and thank you to you for showing us an example that it really can be done.
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