Using Reddit and NextDoor to Engage with Your Library’s Local Community

Introduction

The webinar is about using Reddit and Nextdoor to engage with the local community. The presenters are Jason Massey and Lauren Dodd.

Presenters

• Jason Massey is a library technical assistant at the Waller County Library.

• Lauren Dodd is a reference and instruction librarian at the Harris County Public Library of the Lone Star College Sci Fair Branch.

Social Media Platforms for Libraries

Many libraries use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote their programs and communicate with patrons. However, Reddit and Nextdoor are also popular web forums that libraries can use to connect with their users.

Reddit

• Reddit is an incredibly popular web forum with thousands of subreddits for any topic you can think of.

• Anyone can post anonymously on Reddit.

• Libraries have a unique opportunity to connect with their users on this platform.

Nextdoor

• Nextdoor allows verified neighbors in defined geographic regions to discuss real-time happenings specific to their neighborhoods.

• It's another community-oriented website that libraries can use to connect with their users.

Poll Question: Have You Used Reddit Before?

A poll question was asked about whether or not participants have used Reddit before.

Poll Results

• More people in the audience have not used Reddit before than those who have.

About Reddit

This section provides more information about how popular Reddit has become over time.

Popularity of Reddit

• Currently, it's the third most popular website in the world after Google and YouTube.

• It wasn't always this way; eight years ago, people spoke about it in code as "narwhals and bacon."

• Celebrities come to do AMAs (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit.

• It's a place where news is shared as it happens, and companies can also use it to connect with their users.

Reddit and Libraries

This section provides an introduction to Reddit, its features, and how libraries can use it to reach a wider audience.

Introduction to Reddit

• Reddit is known as the front page of the internet.

• It is a link aggregator and grouping of web forums that allows anonymity yet still encourages community.

Benefits for Libraries

• Libraries can utilize Reddit to reach a wider and more diverse audience.

• Direct and indirect feedback is also a way of life on Reddit.

• Feedback can come in the form of upvotes, downvotes, karma, or gilded posts.

Web Forums and Subreddits

• A web forum allows users to post links or seek discussion on various topics.

• Subreddits are miniature versions of Reddit that focus on particular subjects.

• They can be broad or narrow in scope, such as pictures of pizza or failed handshakes.

Building Community on Reddit

• A community can be built around your library on Reddit and easily go viral.

• Subreddits already exist for many towns and cities, providing a great source for finding out what's going on in the area or getting feedback on certain events.

• If there isn't already a subreddit for your local community, you can start your own for your library or the area you serve.

Using Reddit for Libraries

In this section, the speaker discusses how librarians can use Reddit to stay up-to-date with books, movies, technology, and collaborate with other library employees.

Books and Movies

• Consider using subreddits like r/books and r/movies to get suggestions from book lovers and stay up-to-date on movie releases.

• Most releases will have review threads that you can skim over to get a general idea of the book or movie.

Technology

• Stay informed about new technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence by following relevant subreddits.

• Use subreddits like r/technology to troubleshoot issues with new equipment in your library.

Libraries

• Collaborate with other library employees by following subreddits like r/libraries.

• Use r/LibraryDisplays for inspiration on creating displays in your own library.

Explain Like I'm Five

• Use the subreddit Explain Like I'm Five to help break down complex topics for patrons.

Local Community Subreddit

• Engage with your local community through their subreddit to solicit feedback, build a network, and spin off into your own subreddit.

Pros and Cons of Using Reddit for Libraries

In this section, the speaker discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using Reddit for libraries.

Pros

• Reach a diverse audience since Reddit is the third most popular website on the internet.

• Feedback is an invaluable tool to improve your library's services.

Cons

• Negative feedback can be difficult to handle and may require a thick skin.

• Time management can be challenging since Reddit can be addictive and time-consuming.

The timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the version of the transcript used.

Reddit Overview

In this section, the speaker discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using Reddit as a tool for staying informed.

Benefits of Using Reddit

• Reddit is known as the "front page of the internet" because it provides links to discussions about almost anything happening anywhere.

• Reddit can be used to find volunteer opportunities and establish relationships with local communities.

• Reddit can be used for personal or professional purposes, including learning and engaging with communities.

Drawbacks of Using Reddit

• Trolls are common on Reddit, and anyone can say anything at any time.

• The platform tends to attract a younger audience that may engage in edgy or negative behavior.

• With over 1.2 million subreddits, it's easy to get lost or end up somewhere unexpected.

• There is a learning curve associated with using Reddit effectively.

Examples of How Reddit Can Be Used Professionally

In this section, the speaker shares examples of how they have personally used Reddit in their work as a librarian.

Finding Volunteers and Establishing Community Relationships

• The Houston subreddit was useful for finding volunteers by spreading awareness about library volunteer opportunities.

• The Houston cycling community was discovered through complaints on the subreddit, but has since become an important partner in promoting bike safety seminars and donating to the library.

• Reddit was also helpful in promoting an open house event that attracted various local groups and associations.

Learning New Information

• The speaker learned about Tesla's offer to donate electric vehicle chargers through Reddit, but unfortunately the local government declined due to electricity costs.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes their presentation by emphasizing that Reddit can be used in a variety of ways and is what you make of it.

• Reddit can be used for wasting time, engaging with communities, or learning new information.

• It may not work for everyone, but it will always be there when you need it.

Introduction

In this section, the speaker introduces herself and explains her role as a reference librarian at Lone Star College Sci Fair. She also discusses the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Nextdoor.

• The speaker introduces herself as Lauren Dodd and explains that she is a reference librarian at Lone Star College Sci Fair.

• She mentions that the college is a joint-use community college and public library located in Cypress, Texas.

• The speaker talks about the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Nextdoor for professional purposes.

• She highlights how they use each platform differently to reach different audiences.

Nextdoor: A Unique Social Media Platform

In this section, the speaker discusses Nextdoor as a unique social media platform that requires users to provide their full real name and physical address. She also explains how libraries can join Nextdoor as a public agency.

• The speaker describes Nextdoor as a website and app that allows users to connect with their neighbors in real-time.

• She highlights how Nextdoor differs from other social media platforms like Reddit because it requires users to provide their full real name and physical address.

• The speaker explains that users have to verify their name and address before they can post on Nextdoor.

• She mentions that libraries can join Nextdoor as a public agency rather than having individual librarians act as personal librarians for their neighbors.

Connecting with Specific Local Neighborhoods

In this section, the speaker talks about how libraries can use Nextdoor to connect with specific local neighborhoods. She also shows an example of a neighborhood map highlighting one specific neighborhood adjacent to Lone Star College Sci Fair.

• The speaker emphasizes that Nextdoor is a great platform for libraries to connect with specific local neighborhoods.

• She explains that libraries can choose to post to specific areas or their general service area, which includes about 68,000 people.

• The speaker shows an example of a neighborhood map highlighting one specific neighborhood adjacent to Lone Star College Sci Fair, which has around 1,600 people.

• She advises being careful when posting on Nextdoor if you don't want a large number of people to see your post.

Joining Nextdoor as a Public Agency

In this section, the speaker explains how libraries can join Nextdoor as a public agency and what their name will look like on the platform.

• The speaker explains that libraries can join Nextdoor as a public agency such as the mayor's office, police department, or library.

• She mentions that joining as a public agency allows libraries to post events and information without having individual librarians act as personal librarians for their neighbors.

• The speaker clarifies that when joining as a public agency, the library's name will appear on the platform instead of individual librarian names.

Using Nextdoor for Community Engagement

In this section, the speaker discusses how to use Nextdoor for community engagement. She talks about how to personalize your library's profile and the different options available for privacy.

Personalizing Your Profile

• Use a generic title or a personal touch when creating your profile.

• You can blank out everyone's names if you don't want to contact them individually.

• You can try generic titles or departments for more privacy.

First Nextdoor Post

• When you first join Nextdoor, expect an enthusiastic response from the community.

• Other people may help answer questions on your behalf.

• Be prepared to monitor responses closely after posting.

Posting Guidelines

• Public agencies should not be seen as spamming, so limit posts to once or twice a week.

• Include logistical information in your post, such as where to go and who to contact.

Overall, using Nextdoor for community engagement can be a great way to connect with your local community. Personalizing your profile and following posting guidelines are important steps in making sure that your library is engaging with the community effectively.

Community Engagement on Nextdoor

In this section, the speaker discusses how the community is engaging with each other and with the library through Nextdoor. They also talk about the difference between regular posts and event posts.

Engaging with the Community

• The community is engaging with us and with each other in one post.

• Libraries need to decide what they want to promote in their local community when posting on Nextdoor.

• Event posts do not go into the neighborhood feed by default, but people can RSVP like a Facebook event.

• It's up to libraries to experiment with what works best for them in terms of regular posts versus event posts.

Example: Computer Basics Class

• The library had an unprecedented number of attendees for their computer basics class after posting it on Nextdoor.

• Engagement can increase dramatically depending on when people see a post and how engaged they are with it.

• The "thanks" button on Nextdoor is similar to the "like" button on Facebook and can cause you to follow a post if your settings allow it.

• You can monitor engagement metrics through Nextdoor by generating an Excel spreadsheet.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes by emphasizing that libraries should experiment with what works best for them in terms of engaging with their local community through Nextdoor.

Nextdoor Pros and Cons

In this section, the speaker discusses the pros and cons of using Nextdoor for public agencies.

Pros of Using Nextdoor

• Provides engagement metrics to share impact on community

• Engages with local community in a space designed for local community

• Allows for public and private user interaction and reference questions

• Advertising events may draw larger crowds

Cons of Using Nextdoor

• Need to be thoughtful about which programs to promote due to potential overwhelming response

• May receive an overwhelming response if program is sent out to entire service area

Public Agency Experience with Nextdoor

• Good experiences with private messages leading to new community connections

• People volunteering for programs or offering their services and expertise

• Need to monitor responses carefully and respond promptly as people expect immediate engagement on Nextdoor

Nextdoor Guidelines

In this section, the speaker discusses guidelines for using Nextdoor as a public agency or community partner.

Posting Frequency

• Limit posts to one to two per week.

• Community partners with overlapping service areas should coordinate postings.

Engaging with the Community

• Personal librarians can engage with their community on Nextdoor without being rogue.

• The speaker promoted another library system on her personal account in a different neighborhood and received positive feedback.

Best of Nextdoor

• Best of Nextdoor is a comedic website that pokes fun at some posts on Nextdoor.

• Avoid posting anything that could end up on Best of Nextdoor.

Using Nextdoor as a Public Agency

In this section, the speaker discusses how public agencies can use Nextdoor to engage with their communities.

Heated Discussions

• There may be heated discussions about politics or neighborhood issues, but public agencies do not have to get involved in those disputes.

Best Practices

• Consider coordinating postings if service areas overlap.

• Promote other libraries even if they are not your own.

• Be aware of Best of Nextdoor and avoid posting anything that could end up there.

Conclusion and Q&A

In this section, the presenters conclude their presentation and provide links to websites where attendees can download apps. They also answer questions from the chat.

Links to Websites and Apps

• Attendees are provided with links to websites where they can download apps for both iTunes and Google Play Store.

Q&A Session

• The presenters offer to answer any questions that attendees may have from the chat. If they don't know the answer, they will get back to them later.

• Sonia asks if staff contributions to Reddit or Nextdoor are archived as public records. The presenters respond that they haven't done that in their small rural library but find it interesting. They suggest taking screen caps of posts on Nextdoor since it's possible.

• Kayla asks if there are any costs associated with claiming a Nextdoor page, and the presenters respond that they keep it free.

• Danielle asks if Reddit is used with a library account or personal account, and the presenters explain how easy it is to create a library account on Reddit using the name of your library. They use both personal and library accounts for Reddit.

• Maya asks how one can determine if Reddit is a good place for engaging with their community, and the presenters suggest using the search function on Reddit to limit searches to specific subreddits such as local community subreddits or creating your own subreddit specifically for your library or community events. Spend time in local community subreddits, confer with other library professionals in the library subreddit, and create your own subreddit that has specifically to do with either your library or community events would be helpful in determining whether Reddit is a good fit.

• Donna asks if the presenters count their replies and statistics, and they respond that they do not.

Tracking Metrics

The speakers discuss the metrics they track on Reddit and Nextdoor.

Number of Posts per Month

• They track the number of posts, thanks received, and private messages on a monthly basis.

• They do not include replies in their statistics.

• Karma (upvotes minus downvotes) is also a good indicator of how people are responding to your content.

Library Policies for Joining Reddit

• There are no specific library policies about joining Reddit.

• However, there may be challenges with getting around local government firewalls that block not safe for work content.

• It is possible to block all not safe for work content on your account so that you never see it.

Nextdoor for Governmental Agencies

• It is unclear whether Nextdoor is only for governmental agencies or if schools can also join.

• The speakers will look into this further and provide an answer later.

Lurking on Reddit and Nextdoor

Reddit

• You can lurk on Reddit without an account.

• You need an account to upvote, downvote, or comment.

• Creating an account is fast and easy.

Nextdoor

• You cannot lurk on Nextdoor without joining because you need to verify your identity as part of a specific neighborhood.

Time Devoted to Professional Use of Social Media

The speakers devote the same amount of time to professional use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit.

Using Reddit and Nextdoor for Community Engagement

In this section, Lauren and Jason discuss how much time to dedicate to using Reddit and Nextdoor, the importance of monitoring posts, and promoting these platforms to patrons.

Time Dedication

• Use Reddit and Nextdoor as much or as little as you like.

• Check in on these platforms regularly to respond to questions.

• Monitor posts closely for at least a day or two after posting.

Promoting Platforms

• Use Reddit and Nextdoor to get more patrons.

• Being on Nextdoor is promotion because people are already there.

• Join Nextdoor, see how many people are in your neighborhood, and promote accordingly.