Paper details
Social Media in the Library of the European Parliament
Author
Kateřina Vávrová, European Parliament, Belgium
Documents to download
Abstract
A bit paradoxical story of the Library of the European Parliament – internal information service, that has decided to enter the world of social media in order to reach the main target group – the Members and the staff of the European Parliament. Although the Library has its own intranet website and uses internal e-mail distribution lists for its marketing purposes, it decided to be where its clients are, on social media.
The Library of the European Parliament provides not only usual research information services but also analytical services – it publishes information products, Library Briefings – short overviews of published expert information in the form of a few pages articles, that inform clients in an objective way about topics currently discussed in the legislative process of the Parliament.
Information about these products is the main content of the Facebook messages and tweets, in a modified form, they are also the main content of the Library blog. The blog in addition also provides insight into the professional work of the Library – it informs about what’s happening in the Library, what are the recent requests from clients, gives short tips on how to search for information or about interesting information sources. All is written and published to target mainly the internal clients, but with the consideration that it will also be read by those who can’t use full range of Library services.
This strategic decision „to go out“ has been made not longer than two years ago when the first facebook account was created, followed by the blog and the twitter. The strategy is in line with the broader marketing strategy and especially with the following points:
- be where the clients are
- personal contact and the face of the Library are very important to the client
- if you are not searchable and foundable via Google, you don’t exist
- through gaining reputation in outside world, the internal clients can recognize our value
Author's professional CV
Katerina Vavrova has been working as an information specialist in the Library of the European Parliament for nine years. She has been responsible for the coordination of marketing acitivities and client communication for last five years. She is also an event organiser and realiser of various ideas, that she invents together with her colleagues and which one or the other way contribute to the visibility and improved image of the library. She has also worked in the Library of the College of Europe and in the Library of the Radio Free Europe. She has studied at the Library school and the Institute of infomation studies and librarianship at the Charles University. Although she has dedicated a significant part of her life to books, she believes that libraries are here for users/clients/customers/readers, not for books.
