2016 MLA Annual Conference

Special collections in archives and libraries can often seem hidden and mysterious. Using social media to reach current and potential archives users can be a powerful opportunity for conversation and education. This session will offer a comparison and contrast of the social media strategies employed by two special libraries/archives, both of which are smaller units within larger institutions. We will share examples of successes, failures, and potential explanations for results as we present our different approaches to social media. Specific topics include how to launch team-based vs individual management approaches, finding your voice, understanding audience, and using metrics. In addition to sharing concrete examples from our own experiences, we will incorporate broader scholarly literature and recommended best practices. Finally, we plan to emphasize why maintaining a social media presence is an important component of a well-rounded outreach and communications strategy.