Howdy Houston

The Houston Public Library is another example of a library with a busy Facebook page that really engages users. It contains the usual blurbs and links to the library’s chat reference service, and a Wall filled with postings on library news and events.

But what I like best is that they have taken the time to put up reviews of newly arrived library fiction books, related book club discussions, and links to the library’s catalogue to discover its holdings information. Their blurb advertising their Twitter feed would be better placed on the main Wall though, instead of having its own tab, where you have to click the arrow icon to reveal it. Hardly anyone would do that, except nosey little me.

Nonetheless, the library’s Facebook page does get interesting viewers. There was even one request to visit the library posted in Spanish on the Wall, by a user who claimed to be the director of the school and public library in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Wow. The word sure spreads in the most unlikely way. Who knows, there might be a Texan-Puerto Rican book exchange and new ties forged with foreign nations next. And through Facebook!

cc by andydoro

However, a by-product of being a very obvious and reputable institution in a site filled with personal users, is that you get other organizations trying to ride your tail too. I hate it when commercial firms post ads on your Wall, asking you to “Hey, add me as a fan”. The library had such a posting by, of all entities out there, a gardening shop trying to get library users to click on their page. *Ugh* Delete! I guess when you reach out to users on the Internet, anything goes, anything shows, and that’s a risk the library will have to manage.

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