TikTok and Public Libraries

     TikTok has taken over the social media stage during the pandemic. Between political drama, and teens doing weird dances in public, is there really a need for libraries to use the platform?

YES. 

    When we take a look at social media as a whole, people all have their reasons for using it. Whether it be to connect with family that live across the country or just to watch funny videos, it is all about sharing. Sharing your life, your experiences, and things that you find entertaining and valuable. While most of TikTok is individuals that are creating content for entertainment, businesses have began to catch on and use the platform as well. 

    But rather than use the platform to directly advertise their goods and services, brands and companies have incorporated subtle marketing techniques into comedic entertainment. With a majority user base in the United States using TikTok being 10-29, businesses can directly reach a large demographic. 

    So where do libraries come into play? Well just looking at the library I personally work at, we are having a huge issue with reaching and connecting with certain user groups. There is a large fallout between the ages of 12-30, which ironically is the largest user group on TikTok. Libraries can join in on the entertainment factor, and create content whether it be original or a trend. 

    Each type of social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok) has their own type of vibe, type of post, and humor that resonates amongst the users. Libraries can add this social media platform to expand who and how they reach the community, but it will take a little practice and finesse!

I found this video that made me chuckle a few times, thought I would share!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8P0eQYMnyo

Libraries and Video Games

    There were two types of people early in the pandemic, ones who were able to purchase gaming consoles and ones who could not. It is an absolutely trivial aspect of the times, but was a big deal for some trying to purchase consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. These devices, due to production shortages as well as astronomical demand, were extremely hard to come by. With children and adults stuck inside, some turned to video games to pass the time and entertain themselves. 

    Oh how I wish I had access to our means of promotion at this time last year... Our library has video game consoles and games that can be checked out, but many patrons are unaware of this service! Video games are a great way for people to interact, and many times have aspects of social media intertwined in their use. 

    In March of 2020 when the pandemic first hit the United States hard and the shut down began, a highly anticipated video game newly rereleased for the switch came out: Animal Crossing. I was obsessed and played for hours at a time. I joined Facebook groups where other users across the country would visit each others islands, trade goods and tips. 

   Hindsight is 20/20, but oh how I wish that the library worked to organize a video game "club" of sorts during the pandemic. Even a platform where patrons could borrow games and talk about them with other patrons. The combination of a fun interactive game and talking to other people about their experiences with the game was fun and therapeutic. We have recently purchased 5 Switch games as well as a few consoles, and I think that creating a video game club would be a really fun program for all ages. Either in person or on a social media platform, the interactions and discussions would be fun for all.