We are thrilled to announce that the SU Library's TikTok entry, "Promoting the Library via TikTok," has made it to the top 10 in the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award 2024! Out of 107 outstanding and diverse submissions from around the world, this innovative approach to library marketing has been recognised as one of the best.
SU Library's TikTok Journey
Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service's Faculty Librarians identified library anxiety among students as a significant barrier to accessing client services. In response, they initiated a TikTok project targeting both undergraduate and postgraduate students at Stellenbosch University. The TikTok account, titled FacultyLibrariansSU, focuses on the services and spaces available to students and aims to align with the university's strategic goals of fostering a transformative student experience.
Innovating Library Marketing
The entry, “Promoting the Library via TikTok", stood out for its creativity and effectiveness in showcasing the services and spaces available to students at Stellenbosch University. Through leveraging TikTok trends, faculty librarians were able to reach students on a platform familiar to them and showcase the library in a fun and informal way. Faculty librarians have noted anecdotally that students now seem much more comfortable to approach them for assistance and often mention their enjoyment of the videos.
Feedback and Acknowledgement
The IFLA Jury were highly impressed by the campaign and would like to highlight it as an example of best practice in library marketing over the last year. Here's some feedback from the Jury:
“Stellenbosch University's bold venture into TikTok to promote the library marks a pioneering leap in student outreach. By embracing the vibrant world of short-form video, they've transformed library promotion into a captivating experience. This initiative not only showcases the library's resources but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among students. Stellenbosch University deserves applause for its forward-thinking approach, harnessing the power of social media to connect, inform, and inspire. Their TikTok campaign stands as a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and student engagement."
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us in this endeavour. From the library staff who worked on the campaign to the students and faculty who engaged with and shared our content, your support was crucial in making this achievement possible. We also thank the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award committee for recognising our efforts and providing this platform to showcase our work.
Looking Ahead
This recognition is not just a win for the SU Library, but a win for our entire community. It highlights the importance of innovation in library services and the potential for libraries to connect with their audiences in new and meaningful ways. We are excited to build on this momentum, continuing to explore creative approaches to engage with our users and promote the valuable resources our library offers.
As finalists, we will receive a certificate of recognition, acknowledging our efforts and achievements in library marketing and a Premium PressReader prize.
For more details, visit the official announcement: https://www.ifla.org/news/ifla-pressreader-international-marketing-award-winners-2024/
