Libraries and Pinterest

(note: links within Pinterest site may require log in) 

What is Pinterest? Pinterest is an image based social bookmarking service. Users add or ‘pin’ links to their page which then can be shared, repined or liked. Think of it as a big virtual pin board

From Pinterest, 

 A pin is an image added to Pinterest. A pin can be added from a website using our bookmarklet or you can upload images from your computer. Each pin added using the bookmarklet links back to the site it came from. (Source)

Participating in online social networks has become an important part of many professional interactions. But keeping up with tweets, posts and status updates can become overwhelming. So why, when social media participation can prove to be a time black hole, should anyone sign up for yet another service?  The short answer is, well, you don’t have to. But for the curious, interested and brave here are 5 reasons any library should include Pinterest in their social media strategy.

1. In a short period of time Pinterest has become HUGE. Since its launch in 2010, Pinterest has become the ‘3rd most popular social network in the U.S. in terms of traffic after Facebook and Twitter’ (source). Pinterest has ’over 10.4 million registered users, 9 million monthly Facebook-connected users, and 2 million daily Facebook users’ (source).  Plus, there are hundreds of library services on Pinterest. Libraries public, private, education based, small and large from around the world are all using this service in new and creative ways

2. It is a visual medium which lends itself to scanning information. Think infographics. Pins can quickly convey information to readers

3.  Pinterest integrates with other social media Facebook and Twitter. Pins can instantly be added to a Facebook timeline and/or Tweeted

 

4. Messages can be tailored to the user. Unlike Facebook or Twitter where all messages go out to all users, on Pinterest information can be grouped into themed boards. Users can choose to follow all or just some boards. So if a library has boards about new additions, local history and upcoming events, users can pick those which interest them. 

5. Potential! Pinterest is being used by libraries in many ways. UNH Manchester Library highlights their new additions to their collection, Marywood University Library has created a list all time favourite books , Stanley Library has promoted their Edible Book Festival. Here are 20 ways libraries are using Pinterest, but as this article was written back in March that list would be much longer now.

Like all good social networking services, Pinterest it is free to join but be sure to read the terms of service before signing up. And to get started on the right foot here is an infographic about Pinterest marketing strategies and one about how to maximise pins and repins. (note that 'books' is one of the most pinned words)

Bre sure to keep an eye on the ALIA Biennial Sydney 2012 board next week, there are sure to be some great pins there.

Enjoy!

-Amy B. (who pins library related links at Unlikely Librarian)