{"id":32777,"date":"2025-01-14T07:16:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/?p=32777"},"modified":"2025-06-17T12:23:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T17:23:27","slug":"plano-library-video-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/2025\/01\/14\/plano-library-video-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Plano Public Library: A Model for Video and Social Media Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the Library Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at TSLAC, I went to the Library Marketing and Communications Conference<\/a> in St. Louis last November. While there, I was able to participate in many sessions covering social media, fundraising, outreach, and other marketing efforts at libraries all over the country. In my final session, I saw Rachel Yzaguirre\u2019s presentation, \u201cBuilding a Video Powerhouse,\u201d that detailed how they use video at Plano Public Library (PPL) to increase outreach and engagement. She shared a lot of great tips and tricks for shooting video and discussed her processes for putting together teams to create videos when there is no one dedicated person to handle those duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plano Public Library has long been a trailblazer in community outreach and engagement, and their recent recognition by the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) is just the latest testament to their innovation. PPL received the 2024 ABOS Senior Services Award for its exemplary outreach programs, including the Senior Lobby Stop service, Memory Keepers, and Connecting Seniors initiatives. These programs highlight PPL\u2019s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n

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But PPL\u2019s excellence isn\u2019t limited to in-person outreach. The library is also a \u201cpowerhouse\u201d when it comes to using video and social media to connect with its diverse community. Rachel Yzaguirre, one of five community outreach librarians, who coordinates video system-wide, is at the forefront of this effort. With over 11 years at PPL and nearly a decade in her current role, Rachel has been instrumental in shaping the library\u2019s approach to digital engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the conference, I reached out to Rachel to see if she would agree to an interview with the Library Digital Opportunity team at TSLAC and she graciously accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Use Video?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVideo is a great way to demonstrate to the community what the library is all about,\u201d Rachel shared in our interview. PPL has leveraged video as a cornerstone of its outreach strategy, using platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to showcase programs, events, and library services.<\/p>\n\n\n

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PPL Staffers produce a video for their Planet Library series<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Since launching their YouTube channel in 2013, PPL has created a steady stream of content that helps patrons learn new skills, explore library programs, and get a sense of the library\u2019s welcoming atmosphere. These short videos are easy to digest and can be repurposed for newsletters, digital signage, and collaborations with the city\u2019s communication department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video is also a great way for libraries to showcase the personalities of their staff and inject some humor to make them more relatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Libraries Getting Started with Video<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For libraries looking to dive into video production, Rachel offers practical advice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n