Why your library should be on social media

Image courtesy of http://www.launchandhustle.com

Libraries these days are no longer quiet spaces, where you get ‘shushed’ into silence. They are highly social community hubs, with a dynamic array of resources and events on offer.

But why should your library be on social media? Here are four good reasons.

• Marketing and promotion. Your library is doing some amazing things, and holding some epic events. What better way to promote your awesomeness (in this digital age) than via social media. Millions of people worldwide use social media, so get on there and get promoting.

Social media can be useful to promote:

• Events – visiting authors, holiday programmes etc
• New resources – books, online resources, DVD’s, magazines
• Library news – book clubs, friends of the library news, upgrades etc

 

• Connecting. Libraries need to connect with people to stay relevant in todays changing world. Social media offers two-way communication, so you can really connect with the people who use and value libraries.

Image courtesy of https://www.edutopia.org

• Respond to feedback. You want to provide the best customer service possible, right? Being present on social media gives library users another way to give your library ever-important feedback. Whether the feedback is good or bad, it’s another way to connect and respond to your community.

You can use social media to show that their opinion matters, that you’re listening, and that you will respond to any concerns or praise.

• Get to know your library users. So who are the people using the library? Who should you be directing your chat to, who do you need to target? Social media is an excellent way to get to know your library users. It means you can communicate and gain insight into what makes these people tick. Ultimately, the better you know your community, the better you can serve them.

Social media is a powerful tool for libraries – to connect, promote, learn and respond. Why wouldn’t your library use this amazing platform?

For some great ideas and inspiration, check out this Libraries & social media Facebook page.

 

Bibliography

http://andyburkhardt.com/2009/08/25/four-reasons-libraries-should-be-on-social-media/

https://networksocial.wordpress.com/

 

Top tips for librarians: how to effectively use social media

Image courtesy of https://librarysocialmedia.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cropped-the-art-of-social-media.jpg

One of the biggest challenges facing libraries today is staying relevant in such a highly digital age.

Social media is one easy way that libraries can promote the awesome things they are doing and connect with their community.

As a librarian, do you feel you could be using social media to better do this?

Here are some TOP TIPS on how to effectively use social media in libraries.

• Quality, not quantity. Don’t be tempted to bite off more than you can chew. Choose one or two social media platforms and do them well. It’s far better to have one or two strong social media accounts, than several mediocre ones.

 

• Facebook is leading the pack. According to super library marketing blog, Facebook is highlighted by 85 per cent of library marketers as the most effective social media platform. If your library is beginning its social media journey, Facebook is a great place to start.

Image courtesy of https://superlibrarymarketing.com/2016/02/29/the-state-of-library-marketing-2016-survey-results/

• Promote library events. Using social media to promote library events is not only a fantastic way to market your library, but it’s a great way to connect with your community. Use hashtags, encourage people to take photos and post them to your facebook page. Make sure you follow up the event on your chosen social media platform (eg posting photos on Facebook).

 

• Be visual. Including pictures with posts is known to be the best way to engage your audience. This Youtube social media video from Georgia Libraries shows that a staggering 87 per cent of Facebook posts containing photos were shared, compared with only 4 per cent containing links, and 3 per cent with videos. So get snapping and watch your Facebook shares soar!

 

• Be human. Posts on social media that sound stiff and robotic will be ignored! Write as you would talk. Use humour. Be fun and creative. This is how you will really engage those precious library users.

 

Bibliography

http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/10-social-media-marketing-tips-for-libraries/

https://blog.oup.com/2016/11/social-media-tips-everyday-work/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=oupacademic&utm_campaign=oupblog

https://superlibrarymarketing.com/2016/02/29/the-state-of-library-marketing-2016-survey-results/

 

 

 

Newbies Bridge beginners weekend

Newbies Bridge Club House

At Newbies Bridge, we are always keen to welcome new members.

New to the game of bridge? Don’t know where to start? Our beginners weekend sessions are the perfect introduction for new members.

Our next beginners weekend is
24-25th March 2017

Contact us to book or find out more

Newbies Bridge beginners weekend sessions – what to expect

Weekend sessions are a fun, relaxed way to introduce yourself to the game of bridge, and meet other beginner players.

Day one

• Introductions and meeting other new members.
• The morning session will be a beginner lesson, looking at the basics of the game.
• The afternoon session will be a friendly, open-hand game, in which you are paired with an experienced buddy who will guide you through games.

Day two

• Day two starts with a light-hearted presentation about ‘tips and tricks’ when playing bridge.
• This is followed by a combination of friendly open-hand and closed-hand games, again supported by your buddy.
• The weekend wraps up with a talk from the club captain about what options for play are available, if you wish to continue playing bridge at Newbies Bridge.

Our supportive beginners weekend sessions

No pressure! You do not have to be a member of the club to enrol in the beginner weekend sessions. There is a small fee of $20 to enrol, and you can decide if you wish to become a member after the weekend.

You might also like to look at our information about the game, written for beginners like yourself.

Beginner weekend FAQ

Q. Do I have to know how to play bridge to attend a beginner weekend session?

A. No, not at all. Beginner weekends are specifically designed for absolute beginners.

Q. Do I have to be a member to attend?

A. No, you can use the session as a ‘taster’ to decide if you would like to continue, or become a member.

Q. Does it cost to attend?

A. Yes. There is a small fee of $20 to enrol for the weekend. Contact us to enrol or find out more.

Q. When is the next beginner weekend?

A. The next session will be held from 24 – 25th March, 2017

We look forward to seeing you soon

Why you should learn to play bridge

Bridge is the most popular card game in the world, with over 220 million players worldwide.

So, what is it that makes bridge so popular, and why should you join millions of others and learn to play this exciting and challenging game?

• Bridge is a social game. Bridge is a great way to meet new people and enhance your social life. It gives you the opportunity to become a part of a unique community and meet others with common interests.

‘No matter where I go, I can always make new friends at the bridge table’ – Martina Navratilova

Enjoying a game at Newbies Bridge

• Bridge is a universal game. The wonderful thing about bridge is that it is a game for all people, no matter what age, sex, or race. It is also played at all levels, making it accessible for absolute beginners, right through to advanced players.
• Bridge is good for your health. It may be hard to believe that playing cards could be good for your health, but studies have proven bridge is good for you. How?

One bridge study  by biologist Marian Diamond showed that playing bridge can boost your immune system. Her study found that bridge players had increased numbers of immune cells after a game of bridge.

Bridge is also known to keep you mentally sharp. It has even been thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or delay its onset. A 2014 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that playing bridge can help increase brain volume in areas of the brain effected by Alzheimer’s.

Have a look at this video to see a great event promoting bridge and brain health

If the health benefits aren’t reason enough to entice you into playing bridge…

• Bridge is fun and exciting. You will never be bored when playing bridge! It combines mental sharpness, suspense and psychology, and is fun yet competitive. Success in the game comes from a mix of technique, teamwork and tactics.

Sound like the game for you? You can find out how to become a member of Newbies Bridge Club. Let the games begin!

Bibliography

http://www.acolbridgeclub.com/about-bridge/why-learn-bridge

http://www.bridgeworld.com/indexphp.php?page=/pages/learn/beginners/whyplaybridge.html

http://blueberrybridge.com/health-benefits-of-playing-bridge/

http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2015/bridge-for-brain-health.html

 

Images

http://www.ldssc.co.uk/The_Clubhouse.html

http://www.navarrenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/playing-bridge.jpg

 

 

Welcome

Newbies Bridge Club is a friendly, accommodating bridge club in Auckland city, established in 1994. At Newbies Bridge, we always welcome new members, whether you are an absolute beginner, or more experienced. We offer lessons and support for people who are new to the game.

Don’t know anything about the game of bridge, but would like to find out how to play? Find out about the game here. Our FAQ are also helpful for new members.

Check out our session times, or investigate how to become a member

Or, simply contact us to chat to someone at the club and find out whether Newbies Bridge Club is right for you!

 

 

Image courtesy of http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bridge-far-judicial-review-held-6494747