Outreach and Engagement through Instagram: Experiences with the Herman B Wells Library Account

Abstract

Instagram, a social media tool designed for photo sharing, is increasingly being used as an outreach and engagement tool by academic libraries. Current successful strategies used by academic libraries are discussed, including lessons learned from running the Herman B Wells Library’s account and future plans for the account. The author considers the place of Instagram in the Wells Library’s social media presence, its value, and how it complements other platforms. Finally, worries about tension between students and libraries, an authority figure, and whether students want libraries in their social media spaces are addressed.