One of my favorite things to do while attending conferences is to learn how librarians are using the latest technology to reach their patrons. While attending the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Conference back in April, I attended a few sessions about Tik Tok. One really resonated with me that was done by a Library Media Specialist from Bigelow High School in Arkansas. I was very excited to hear how Dena Meriweather had been innovative with Tik Tok during the pandemic as a powerful literacy outreach to her students.
Pandemic Outreach
As Dena's school was locked down for the COVID-19 Pandemic, she wanted a way to reach her students. She began by emailing video book talks to her students while the school was virtual. From this idea, she decided to start sharing her book talks using the Tik Tok social media platform. This continued through the pandemic. She found that this was a great way to reach her students since so many of them use the popular platform. She typically videos her "Book Toks" at various places in the library, outside, and even at the golf course!
Impact
Dena mentioned that she now has students and parents following her on various social media platforms in addition to Tik Tok. When she posts a "Book Tok" video to Tik Tok, she also shares it on Facebook and Instagram. She is able to reach more people that way. The students and parents have let her know they enjoy watching her "Book Toks", and she always has students coming into the library to ask about the books she advertises.
Next Steps
Dena plans to keep making her Tik Tok videos. She said it is a great way to reach the public to show some of what she does in the school library. She is thinking of branching out with more than "Book Toks" in the future. After seeing Dena's conference presentation, I also tried using Tik Tok this summer to share how our Luxer One book locker works at the public library where I now work. It has received over 800 views since June! I'm still not fully comfortable with Tik Tok but plan to keep experimenting with it in the future. I'll keep learning from innovative librarians like Dena as I build more confidence with the platform.
If you have questions for Dena about her journey with Tik Tok, she allowed me to share her school contact information:
Dena Meriweather, LMS
Bigelow High School
email: meriweat@bigelow.k12.ar.us
Also, be sure to follow her on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram!
Tik Tok: @BHSBookToks
Facebook: Bigelow High School Library
Instagram: @bigelowhslibrary
