If you’re looking to improve your social media this year, then you’ll get a lot out of this March/April issue. The cover story tells you how to produce short videos to increase public engagement while publicizing little-known library treasures. And the feature details what one public library team learned from having a consultant conduct a social media audit. Speaking of finding better ways to reach people, check the How-To for details on connecting with folks who have print disabilities. Finally, as far as connecting people, you can learn from a master in this issue’s interview. Start reading now!

Examples to Emulate

Bringing the Archives to Life Through Short-Form Video
By Keith Kesler
One of the best tools for getting social media attention is an original, short video, and Keith Kesler from Los Angeles Public Library can help you start making them. You don’t need a fancy camera, expensive software, or polished videos. Kesler explains how planning out each video is more important than producing professional-grade work.

Feature

Lessons From a Professional Social Media Audit
By Maureen Gormley
A team at the Dakota Public Library in Minnesota took a deep dive into their social media accounts to better understand what they were doing well and what they could be doing better. Maureen Gormley, the team leader, explains how she found the right consultant and which services were included in the package. She shares seven major takeaways that would probably help your library too.

Interviews With Marketing Masters

Mary Kapusta Specializes in Connecting Calgarians
By Judith Gibbons
At Calgary Public Library in Alberta, Canada, Mary Kapusta works with many city departments, and these connections strengthen the library. She makes use of various tools, including user mapping, digital advertising, and patron stories. A recent library-card membership drive won a John Cotton Dana Award. And wait until you see the project she did with the Calgary Fire Department!

How-To

Outreach to People in Print-Disabled Communities
By Ashley M. Biggs
You might think it’s difficult to do outreach to people who have various reading disabilities, because you assume they cannot read your posters or they don’t have social media accounts. But Ashley M. Biggs, who does marketing for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, says this audience isn’t as hard to reach as you might imagine. In this piece, she details how to adjust your print and electronic communications and also links to myriad organizations that can help you get in touch with this community.