As libraries create more content on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, many marketers are asking the same question: How will new ADA accessibility requirements affect short-form video?
It’s an important question, and one that goes beyond simply adding captions.
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I answer a viewer’s question and explore what these accessibility requirements could mean for your video strategy, along with practical steps your library can take now.
Plus, kudos go to a library that has won multiple awards for its marketing!
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
I had a very different email planned for you today. I’d recorded and edited a video explaining how libraries could change a setting on Instagram to help protect photos of patrons and community members from being used by Meta’s new AI image feature.
Then Meta reversed course. (!!)
Just days after launching the feature, and following widespread criticism from users, creators, privacy advocates, and libraries, Meta announced it was removing the feature entirely.
That means the advice in the video is no longer relevant, so rather than publish outdated information, I decided to scrap the episode and give you a quick written update instead.
What happened?
Last week, Meta introduced a feature that allowed people to generate AI images by pulling images from public Instagram accounts. The feature immediately raised concerns because it relied on an opt-out model rather than asking people for permission first.
Within days, Meta announced that the feature “missed the mark” and removed it.
What does this mean for libraries?
For now, you don’t need to make the Instagram profile changes I was planning to recommend in this week’s episode because the specific feature has been withdrawn.
But I don’t think this story is over.
If there’s one lesson for library marketers, it’s this:
Social media platforms are changing rapidly, especially when it comes to AI.
Features can appear with little warning, disappear just as quickly, and affect how we manage photos of our patrons and communities.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to:
Regularly review your library’s social media privacy and account settings.
Stay informed about platform updates that could affect patron privacy.
Be prepared to adapt your social media practices as new AI features are introduced.
One encouraging takeaway
There’s another lesson here that’s worth celebrating.
Many people felt this feature crossed an important line. They spoke up, and Meta responded by removing the feature.
It’s a reminder that feedback still matters. (I am as shocked as you, but we’ll take the win!)
As library marketers, we’re often helping our communities navigate new technologies. Sometimes that means explaining new tools. Other times, it means asking thoughtful questions about privacy, consent, and trust.
This week, those questions made a difference.
I’ll keep watching this space, and if Meta or any other platform introduces similar AI features in the future, I’ll be sure to share what libraries need to know.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
When patrons ask why they have to wait weeks for an ebook or why a title isn’t available on demand, it can be difficult to explain what’s really happening.
You know that publisher pricing and licensing models have created challenges that affect libraries everywhere.
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I show you how to have these conversations with your community using a new advocacy toolkit designed specifically for libraries.
Plus, kudos go to a library that figured out how to connect with a specific target audience.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
Managing posters sounds simple until you’re responsible for dozens of them.
A viewer recently asked how to keep library displays current without spending hours tracking down outdated posters. It’s a challenge many libraries face.
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I share a few practical tips for creating a poster management system that’s easier for staff.
Plus, kudos go to an entire country of libraries! Watch the video to find out why.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
Is adult nonfiction struggling to circulate at your library?
The problem may not be the books themselves. It may be our approach!
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I’ll share two easy yet practical strategies for making adult nonfiction more visible and more appealing.
Plus, kudos go to fifty libraries! Find out why they’re all earning recognition this weekend and how you can say congrats in person.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
One of the biggest advantages of creating Instagram Reels is that you can share them on Facebook, too. But what happens when that connection suddenly stops working?
A viewer of The Library Marketing Show recently ran into this issue, and after some troubleshooting, we found an easy solution.
In this episode, I share the fix and a few tips to help your library get the most out of its short-form video content.
Plus, kudos go to a library with an expansive new plan to reach young children.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
Every once in a while, a social media update comes along that feels like it was built for libraries.
Instagram is currently testing a new feature that could make it easier for users to find content they’re genuinely interested in. And many libraries are already creating the kind of posts that could thrive in this environment.
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I explain what’s changing and what it could mean for your social media strategy.
Plus, we’ll give kudos to a library that received press coverage for its new bookmobile!
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
More libraries are receiving Instagram collaboration requests. But figuring out which partnerships make sense isn’t always easy.
Some collaborations can expand your reach and strengthen community connections. Others may feel off-brand, unclear, or difficult to evaluate.
In this episode of The Library Marketing Show, I share four questions to help you decide when your library should accept an Instagram collaboration request, how to protect your brand, and how to recognize opportunities that are genuinely worth pursuing.
Plus, a library marketer receives kudos for their work transforming their library’s connection to the community.
Do you have a suggestion for a future episode’s topic? Do you want to nominate someone for kudos? Let me know here.
Super Library Marketing: Practical Tips and Ideas for Library Promotion 