The University Libraries have a reputation for possessing some of the most engaging social media accounts this side of the book stacks. From literary repartees X (née Twitter) to curated Spotify playlists for finals week, the Libraries are always on the lookout for new ways to #engage users.
The Libraries took things to the next level in the Fall semester, with post after post going viral on Instagram and TikTok. Gen-Z Writes the Script for Dean Hatch racked up 267 likes and 164 shares.
How do we do it? With a dynamic duo of graduate students, Melody Palmer and Brittany Patton. We caught up with them to share some of their secrets for social success.
Everyone is talking about Gen-Z Writes the Script for Dean Hatch. How did that come together?
Our department thrives on collaboration, and we’re always staying up to date on trending social media content. When we saw a particular format going viral with museum accounts overseas, we immediately knew it would be a perfect fit for University Libraries. With our vision and script in place, getting Dean Hatch involved was the key to making it truly special. Without him, the video just wouldn't have had the same impact. A big shoutout to Ryan Clow as well for his invaluable help with filming and editing!
Were you surprised by the reaction to it?
Not at all. Dean Hatch is the GOAT.
Why do you think that was so successful?
I think there's often a perception that libraries are rigid, formal spaces, and that Deans can sometimes seem intimidating to students. By involving Dean Hatch and showcasing the fun, welcoming atmosphere we have here, we were able to break down those barriers and show the community that libraries can be fun.
The GOAT Dean Hatch
A new feature, This Week Today, has also been popular with the community. What other new strategies have you brought to social media?
We enjoy finding creative ways to promote the library by tapping into popular memes and social media trends. Our overall strategy has been to put our audience at the center of our content, making sure that it's relevant and engaging. We're not afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas, which helps us connect with the community in fresh and exciting ways.
What are the biggest challenges of running a library social media account?
Social media trends change so quickly, sometimes hour to hour, which can make it challenging to stay on top of everything. Fortunately, our team does a pretty great job of covering different corners of the internet, allowing us to keep a pulse on trends across a variety of audiences and interests. This helps us keep our content relevant and engaging for a broad community.
This Week Today promotes a partnership with the Albany Public Library
What are your plans for the spring? Anything special or big coming our way?
Definitely! More collaborations, a stronger focus on library services, and more student-driven events. We’ve got a lot of great content lined up, so be sure to follow us to stay updated and not miss out on anything!