(P)interesting

Marty Miller Reference Librarian marty.miller@mcckc.edu Making your library (Pin)teresting! ...And why is it so popular? What is Pinterest? ...and MCC-Longview Library in Particular? What can Pinterest do for Libraries ...Yes, there are more! Other advantages An online pin board for websites Great for organizing online link in a visual way Different way to 'map' a project (alternative to Bubblus or Mindomo Great visual way to share Internet information It's another opportunity to socialize online. Advertise your weblinks/services Generate student interest Promote library/local programs Allows you to use your facebook page wall/twitter feed to highlight new pins No long text filled lists - Alternative to the long list of weblinks It's pretty! Provides attractive visual link to online information Flexible - you can create new boards even while you're pinning new sites Accessible - even people who aren't your direct followers can find and use your pins. Wheeeeee factor! Yeah, it's just plain fun for all concerned. So how does it work? Create an account with Facebook or Twitter login Download the Pin It button Create some boards Start Pinning - it's really just that simple! Can't reorder the pins Have to maintain the boards Some sites have no pinnable images Copyright, is it an issue? Disadvantages There are a few... Some Best practices A few don'ts and a lot of dos! Don't be too much of a salesperson - don't overpromote your own library/institution Don't be afraid to be random (within reason) - students like trivia too Do try to take your curriculum/semester calendar into consideration Do highlight special events Do keep the number of pins to a manageable minimum Do 'clean your boards' regularly Do pin, comment and like other libraries' pins Have fun, have fun, have fun! Sources: Best Practices: http://higheredlive.com/best-practices-for-pinterest-in-higher-education/ Higher Ed Best Practices: http://www.komplekscreative.com/pinterest-businesses-higher-education/ High Ed Directory: http://emgonline.com/blog/2012/03/higher-ed-pinterest-examples-and-directory/ Copyright: http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/pinterest-and-link-with-love/40000 Other Organizations: http://www.hannonhill.com/news/blog/2012/what-is-pinterest-and-why-should-higher-ed-use-it.html