10 Cool Ways Libraries Can Use Vine to Create Social Videos

Vine is a new social video application from the folks at Twitter that will let you create and share short and sweet 6-second videos that loop. This exciting free app is available for Android devices. And libraries have already begun adopting this popular new format. If you're wondering what can be accomplished in a 6-second video, here are some ideas for ways libraries can use Vine videos:

  • #1) Highlight New Books

    Use these quick and looping videos to show off your new acquisitions, recent release walls, and other bookshelves.

  • #2) Showcase Library Exhibits

    What's the best way to draw people into your library to see an exhibit? Show them a quick preview of the treasures they'll see if they make the trip.

  • #3) Offer Micro Library Tours

    Just finish a renovation? Want to show off your improvements or just your library in general? Create a quick, looped video showing off the highlights of your library.

  • #4) Spotlight Library Events

    What better way to let people know about your fun and educational events than to show them quick video clips from the gatherings.

  • #5) Offer Instruction and Tips

    Not all library instruction can be accomplished in 6 seconds, but some quick tips for how to find resources or access materials can be demonstrated quite neatly in that time frame.

  • #6) Introduce Your Librarians

    Offer and online meet and greet through a Vine video post where you spotlight your helpful library staff.

  • #7) Show Off the Library's Artists' Books

    Vine videos are the perfect medium through which libraries with collections of artists' books can really show them off to their patrons and beyond.

  • #8) Spotlight a Makerspace or Other Unique Space

    If your library has a makerspace, 3D printer, or other unique space or library service to offer, a Vine video is s great way to make it visible to the world.

  • #9) Aggregate Content into "Best of" Videos

    Why not spotlight the "best of " a journal or publication, an author or actor through a Vine Video.

  • #10) Highlight Your Patrons and Their Work

    If your library shows off student or patron art work, etc. within the library, why not share it with the world as well?

How to Get Started with Vine

Vine is relatively straight-forward to learn since it basically only involves creating short videos so if you're just getting started you should be up and running very quickly. Here are some great resources with tips, tricks, and recommendations that will have you shooting videos like a pro.

Vine and Libraries

For more on the many different ways that libraries are making use of the Vine application, check out these great resources: