UKeiG: Purposeful Social Media for Libraries & Archives

Purposeful social media for Libraries & Archives  

Social media is the digital front door to our organisations. It can be an incredibly powerful tool for making meaningful connections with our communities - or it can feel like shouting into the void, especially as the landscape becomes more fractured.

This course is about social media with purpose: defining what you want to achieve, who you want to reach, and what you actually want to say. We'll move beyond broadcasting updates, to a building strategic, sustainable online presence that genuinely matters. Our time is limited, so how do we use it most effectively? 

Who should attend?

Librarians, IT, and information professionals from any sector who want to use Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms to bring their services and collections to life.

Colleagues from across the cultural sector - including museums, galleries, and archives - have found this course particularly helpful and are warmly encouraged to attend.

Learning outcomes

Led by a social media expert who understands the specific constraints and opportunities of the information sector, this course will help you: 

• Master Instagram: explore why this is perhaps the key platform in 2026, and how Grid posts, Carousels, Reels, and Stories all fit together
• Navigate new platforms: with many organisations moving away from Twitter/X, are networks like Bluesky the right alternative?
• Adapt your approach: understand the distinct content styles required for legacy networks like Facebook versus newer platforms like TikTok.
• Grow your networks: learn how to spark genuine conversation and build a loyal following
• Manage the workload: tips for handling multiple accounts without it becoming a full-time job
  
  

Topics covered include

• Reaching the right audience for your organisation's strategic goals
• Finding an authentic voice and getting the tone right
• Using multimedia and ensuring accessibility
• Measuring success and impact through analytics

Many illustrations of good practice will be shared throughout, and delegates will have the chance to share their own examples if they wish. The aim is to leave delegates informed, inspired, and confident of your next steps. 

Course leader

Ned Potter is Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York, and a trainer for various organisations including the Bodleian, the British Library and the NHS. His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social

Costs

The course (including presentation slides and documentation):

UKeiG/CILIP members £50 + VAT
Non-members £80 + VAT 
Employer Partner staff £64 + VAT Please contact your rep or email employerpartners@cilip.org.uk for the discount code.