Pew Survey Points to Power of Print

So we really think the printed word is dead?  If it isn't, it has to be soon?  Take a look at this enticing piece of research from the Pew Research Center then draw your conclusions.

In its last library-related survey, researchers at the Pew Research Center found that Americans ages 16-29 are heavy technology users—no surprise there. The big surprise, however, is that despite their comfort with technology, most young Americans still read and borrow printed books, and value libraries and library services.

“Even in an age of increasing digital resources, those in this under-30 cohort are more likely than older Americans to use and appreciate libraries as physical space—places to study for class, go online, or just hang out,” notes a new Pew report on younger Americans library habits. Large majorities of younger patrons say it is “very important” for libraries to have librarians and books for borrowing, and relatively few think that libraries should automate most library services or move most services online.

Among the findings: almost all those in the 16-29 age group are online, and are more likely than older patrons to use libraries’ computer and internet connections. However, younger Americans are also more likely than older adults to have read a printed book in the past year: 75% of younger Americans have done so, compared with 64% of older adults.

This mix of interests is further reflected in younger users’ desires for new library services. Americans ages 16-29 are particularly interested in adding technology-driven features such as apps for accessing library materials and for navigating library spaces, and “Redbox”-style kiosks for convenient access to library materials around town. 

Still, younger Americans, like older adults, think that print books should have a central place at libraries; only 23% strongly support moving some stacks of books out of public areas to create room for things such as technology centers, meeting rooms, and cultural events.

The findings come from data drawn a survey of 2,252 Americans ages 16 and above between October 15 and November 10, 2012 by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. The report is part of a broader effort by the Pew Internet Project to explore the role libraries play in people’s lives and communities. The research is underwritten by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Social Media Networking: Be an Active Participant with Relevant News, Articles, and Assistance

It is my great pleasure to welcome Donna McDine to the blog for her monthly post, Marketing Monday.  Her expertise in such matters is amazing, and I learned from reading this offering myself.  Welcome, Donna!

I haven’t forgotten my promise from my last post to discuss LinkedIn, but like many things my inner thoughts have taken over and my conscious is beating the heck out of my mind to chat about the importance of personal participation in social media networking.

The success for any type of social media networking is active participation. Yes, technology allows us to become automated in just about every aspect of postings through cyberspace. The convenience of scheduling blog posts to Twitter, then to Facebook, then to LinkedIn is a great time save, but we must set a daily reminder to become engaged personally in our social networking.

I admit with a red face I’ve been guilty of allowing my automation take over and have become absent as a live person via my social networking. I have given myself the good old slap upside the head and no longer will I allow myself to become the absentee markete

As of late, I’ve downloaded the Twitter application (app) to my Droid phone, providing me the opportunity while waiting for my daughter to come out of basketball practice or religion to engage with fellow Tweeters. This is proven to be a successful way of engaging for me and have connected with current and new colleagues, potential clients in the children’s publishing industry, and for those seeking out assistance with their social media campaigns. Twitter works perfectly on the Droid phone because of the rolling screen of Tweets. Thanks Twitter, for keeping tweets to 140 characters.

Luckily my family gave me an iPad several years ago and I’ve downloaded the Facebook and Twitter apps to further engage with others. I personally like the Facebook app on the iPad since it’s a much larger screen than my Droid phone

Mind you, I do try to keep my personal social interaction down to 30 minutes per day so I’m not spending the majority of my time away from my valuable writing, editing, Author PR Services time, and of course my family.

Key attributes in becoming an active social media networker

·         Share relevant information to followers, friends, and colleagues (whatever the specific social media network calls them). If you are a children’s book author share… the latest publishing industry news you’ve read about, your latest magazine article publication or book release, children’s book fair events, children’s book conferences (such as SCBWI by region), your experience in conducting school visits, etc. The list is endless. Important to note, don’t make it all about you. Shout out the successes of your colleagues.

·         Engage in online chats through social media networks. For example, on Facebook search groups you are interested in joining… such as, teachers, librarians, parents, schools. Participation is imperative, so I strongly suggest you do not join more than 1-2 groups per social media network you are a member of.

·         Offer tips and assistance from your expert standpoint. When a particular topic is being discussed and you have experience in said topic, join in the conversation and engage. You will be pleased and amazed on how much people appreciate your feedback and they will remember that in the future. You will eventually be known as the go to person in your field of expertise, which often times leads to much more than you ever provided

·         Don’t fall into the “it’s all about me attitude.” This is a sure fire way to turn people off. Don’t chat about your specific book or product unless the conversation specifically lends to it.

Once you join a group on most of the social media networks you are able to set an email option to be reminded of the latest discussions in the group so you remember to participate. You can also set a reminder through your To Do/Tasks option in your email. I utilize Outlook for my email and I’m constantly updating and checking off my To Do/Tasks list, which by the way gives me great satisfaction in checking off the latest item. Yep, I’m a list person and love to see the list of checked off tasks! I tell my girls all the time, if it’s not on my list it won’t get do

Happy networking and remember don’t overload yourself!

Until next time…

Donna M. McDine

Publicist & Award-winning Children's Author

Donna’s Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com
Write What Inspires You Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Author PR Services: http://www.authorprservices.com

Bah Humbug to Blogging? Not So Fast

I wasn’t going to do it.  Nobody was going to make me do it.  What was “it?”  Blogging, that’s what.  I absolutely railed against it.  Well, you get the picture. 

The Future World Order
Or is it Here?

But, because many people, including my publisher, said I must, I began the blog.  No, actually, the truth is, I began learning about blogging.  My poor husband sat next to me many evenings trying to give as much help as he could, which turned out to be quite a bit.

A vocabulary had to be unlearned and a new one learned with words such as, widget, gadget and attribution.  I had to trust that one could move pieces around the site as if I were putting together a puzzle, and they would stay.  I have to admit it, but one evening I sat far too long a time trying to figure how to embed (another new’ish term for me then) a video into my lily-livered blog.

Bit by bit, though, like a creeping vine, I was taken in by technology.  First I hated it.  Then it was okay.  Then it was bearable.  Then I couldn’t live without it!  How’s that for being seduced by a new world order.

Now it is a part of my everyday life, and I can talk widgets with the best of them, and I do.  Have to admit, though, it did take me longer than I thought it would to feel comfortable with tech talk.
 

And what about today?  Even after an entry is posted, I’ll pour over it from every angle, perhaps move a photo a centimeter or two, recheck links to be sure they’re working, read my witty words for the zillionth time and be, well, blogging addicted. 

 

This post, then, is a cautionary tale of what can happen to one if s/he lets the guard down concerning blogging.  It’s habit forming and quite impossible to give up.  Take it from me, a used to be, non-wanna be, habit formed, blogger.